David Sherick, 83

David Mark “Dave” Sherick, 83, passed away peacefully, July 8, 2026, at his home in Polson, overlooking beautiful Flathead Lake.

Dave was born Oct. 12, 1942, in Paris, Texas, while his father, Rudy Sherick, was serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. They returned home to Polson, where he was raised by Rudy and Sally Sherick alongside his brothers, Paul and Steve.

The Sherick family embraced a life of sports, hunting, ranching, hard work and fun, instilling in Dave the values that guided him throughout his life.

From an early age, Dave displayed remarkable determination. After contracting polio in the second grade and later living with multiple sclerosis, he refused to let either define him. He rarely spoke of his health challenges and never allowed them to become an excuse.

Despite them, he excelled in basketball and track at Polson High School. He briefly held the school record in the high jump.

Athletics remained a lifelong passion, and few things made him happier than watching and encouraging his daughters and grandkids in their own extracurricular and sporting activities. If you knew Dave, you knew that complaining simply wasn't part of who he was.

Dave graduated from Polson High School in 1960 and earned his degree from the University of Montana in 1964. He began his career in Boise as a bank examiner before returning to Montana to work in Kalispell and eventually back home in Polson.

As one of the original investors in what would become Glacier Bancorp, he helped build the organization from its beginnings as First Federal Savings and Loan. For 21 years, he was a familiar and trusted face as the manager at what became the Glacier Bank office by the bridge in Polson. We’ve heard many stories from people that he helped make their lives better.

Following his retirement from banking in 1986, Dave devoted himself to managing rental properties and real estate investments, work that kept him happily busy for decades.

As teenagers growing up in Polson, Dave met the love of his life, Carol Sampson. They married in 1962 and built an active life together in the town they both cherished, raising their three daughters – Kelly, Tracy and Tammy. Family and friends were the center of Dave's world. Dave lost Carol in 2008, then Kelly in 2025.

He belonged and volunteered lots of time to community organizations like the Jaycees and Rotary clubs, although Carol was often the spearhead of volunteering. As a teenager, he worked in Ray Boettcher’s garage and became a fan of hydro-plane boat racing in Polson and around the Northwest. He also kept busy on “projects,” like the Horseshoe, with his buddies Bob, Marc and Wally.

In the 1990s, good friends John and Connie Bull encouraged Dave and Carol to work a little less and enjoy life a little more, beginning one of the happiest chapters of their lives. Dave – known to many as "Wingtip Willie" – embraced the Harley-Davidson lifestyle, making unforgettable road trips and lifelong memories with friends.

He loved family camping trips, cheering for the Griz, boating on Flathead Lake, mowing the lawns, weekends collecting firewood, and tackling projects on his rental properties. He genuinely enjoyed staying busy.

In his later years, Dave found great comfort in the companionship of his beloved cats, Bud One, Bud Two and Bud Three. He also treasured his daily coffee and lunch gatherings with friends at the bakery, Driftwood, Sweet Bliss and the Senior Center, or wherever the best local news, lively conversation, and familiar faces could be found. Those simple routines, shared with good friends, were among the greatest joys of his life.

Dave loved Polson. It wasn't simply where he lived – it was home. He never saw much reason to be anywhere else.

Dave will be remembered for his integrity, honesty, generosity, tireless work ethic, quick wit, and unforgettable sense of humor. He quietly helped others, loved his family deeply, and had an easy way of making people feel welcome. His strength was steady, his kindness genuine, and his laughter contagious.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Rudy and Sally Sherick; his brother, Paul Sherick; his beloved wife, Carol; his daughter, Kelly; his son-in-law, Mo Brown; and many cherished friends.

He is survived by his daughters, Tracy Sherick (Kris Young) and Tammy Brown; son-in-law Patrick Frank; grandson Sam Matelich and granddaughter Rudi Brown; brother Steve (Lynne) Sherick; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A memorial service celebrating Dave's life will be held July 31, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Mission Valley Animal Shelter or the Polson Senior Citizens Center, organizations that reflected Dave's love for animals and for the community he called home.

Dave lived with resilience, humility, laughter and purpose. He loved his family beyond measure, treasured his friends, and found happiness in life's simple pleasures. No problem, Dad. Yep yep.