David Aldrich

Family and friends are sad to announce the passing, May 27, of David Aldrich, long-time resident of Columbia falls. He was 71 years old.

Born Nov. 7, 1943 in Wallace, Idaho to Lloyd and Edna Aldrich, Dave spent his first 10 years in Longview, Wash., before moving to the Flathead Valley. Once here, he developed a life-long love for, and knowledge of, the incredible wilderness that surrounds this beautiful area. Dave was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, hike, and simply enjoy nature. If you wanted to know the most likely place to find moose, bear, deer, elk, or the best fishing spot, Dave was the guy to see.

When Dave was 20, he lost the use of his left arm in a motorcycle accident. In spite of his lifelong challenge Dave led a normal, active and rewarding life. He married his high school sweetheart, Judy Emerson in 1964. They lived and worked in San Francisco for five years and then returned to the Flathead Valley where he worked at the aluminum plant until his retirement. Together they raised three wonderful children.

Dave was an accomplished photographer, woodworker, mechanic, hunter and fisherman-including the tying of his own flies. You couldn't spend time with him and not be awed by his dexterity and patience. His sense of humor, generosity and anecdotes were well known. But mostly, Dave was a friend to all, always eager to help plan or fix something, help you study a map, give good advice or come right out and get involved in your project.

Dave is survived by his wife Judy in Columbia Falls; daughters Barb and Cyndi in Alaska and son Aaron in Columbia Falls; brother Glen in Oregon and sister JoAnn in Columbia Falls; grandchildren Jessica and Alex in Alaska and Devin in Florida; three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dave's legacy of his love of the outdoors lives on in all of us, as does our deep love and memories of this truly talented, loving, unique husband, father, brother and friend. He will be greatly missed by all.

The family would like to thank the staff at the North Valley Professional Center, the North Valley Hospital Emergency room and hospital staff for their repeated professionalism, support, kindness and empathy.

A celebration of Dave's life, and to lay his ashes to rest, will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Columbia Falls Ambulance, Columbia Falls Police Department, or the 911 call center, they all went above and beyond to be professional and caring to this family.