David William Glidewell

VICTOR - David William Glidewell, 75, of Victor, MT, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed into the loving arms of our precious Savior Jesus Christ on Monday January 7, 2013.

Dave was born in Everett, WA to June and Raphael E. Glidewell on July 14, 1937. He was raised in his early years by his great-grandma, who was a school teacher and taught him to read by age 3. Through her teaching and love, Dave excelled in his studies and graduated high school at age 16. In 1955 he served in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Nouasseur AB, Morocco for the 6th Aviation Depot Squadron and was honorably discharged in 1959.

On August 29, 1959 he married the love of his life, Donna Branson, in San Diego, CA. In 1961, their daughter Delynda Lee was born, then in 1964, a son, David Gerald.

They lived in various places in Southern CA until 1976 then moved to Kent, WA. During this first year, both Dave and Donna were recruited by his best friend Roger Dougherty to join the volunteer fire department where they spent the next 8 years as firefighters and EMT's.

Dave retired in 1999 from a high tech software firm in which he was a co-owner and moved to the beautiful Bitterroot Valley with his wife of 53 years after their best friends Roger and Shelly relocated here. Dave was a devoted Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church of Hamilton. His various hobbies were guitar, firearms (member of Front Sight Firearms Training Institute and NRA), hunting with his bestest bud Roger, camping, fishing, and being with family and friends.

Dave is survived by his loving wife Donna; daughter, Delynda; grandson, Jerry and wife Samantha; great-granddaughters, Alyx and Stephanie Jo; granddaughter, Alisha and husband Rocky; his brother, Charles; two sisters, Gae and Marilyn; and various nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, June; step-father, Brad; brother, Bradley and son, David.

The family suggest memorials be made to First Baptist Church Hamilton, The Veterans Administration, Hamilton Christian Police Officers Assoc./ Bibles for officers around the nation, Wounded Warriors Assoc. or a charity of your choice on behalf of David William Glidewell.