David George Kemp, Sr., age 71, of Helena reunited with the love of his life on November 9, 2016. He was born in Missoula, MT on April 6, 1945 to George Mix and Margaret Roe. He was raised in Helena by his mother and step-father, Eddy Kemp.
Dave married his high school sweetheart, Oma “Sue” Patterson on March 2, 1964. Shortly before their marriage, he joined the Army National Guard and then enlisted in the US Navy. He served aboard several ships including the USS Theodore Chandler, USS O’Brien, USS Hoel, and the USS Enterprise. Among others, but most notably, he served in the Vietnam War and he was stationed at Pearl Harbor, HI, Coronado, CA, China Lake, CA and North Island, CA. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Expedition Army Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and multiple letters of commendation before his retirement on June 30, 1987. He was proud to have faithfully served his country for over 25 years. Retirement presented Dave and Sue with a host of decisions, most importantly, where to live and raise their young family. They chose to return to their Montana roots. It was a tough transition but it afforded the opportunity to live in the state they loved and be with extended family. After their return to Helena, Dave went to work for the State of Montana Department of Labor and Industry until his second retirement.
Dave liked hunting, fishing and camping in Montana’s great outdoors with his family and friends. He enjoyed bowling and beating the socks off anyone willing to play poker or pinochle with him.
He was preceded in death by his wife in 2004, infant daughter Mary Gail, parents, in-laws Lawrence and Mary Olson and best friend Robert “Butch” Garden. He is survived by his children: Anita Jo Kemp, Susan (Dave) Tynan, Valerie (Tally) Armstrong, David Kemp, Jr, Eddy (Jill) Kemp and Robert Kemp. Grandchildren include Donna Tynan, Michael (Virginia) Tynan, Mark Matthews, Christopher Armstrong, John Armstrong, Ember Kemp and Gavin Ehlert. Additionally, he leaves 6 great-grandchildren.
The family would especially like to thank the St. Peter’s Dialysis Unit staff who provided care and comfort to our dad during the past six years. Your professionalism and compassion were sincerely appreciated.
Anchors aweigh my boy, until we meet once more, here’s wishing you a happy voyage home!
A memorial service celebrating David’s life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 17th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A graveside service with Military Honors will follow at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. A potluck reception with a no-host bar will follow the interment at Fort Harrison Service Club. In lieu of flowers, memorials in David’s name are suggested to “St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation for Dialysis” to St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway St., Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of David.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 A.M.
Thursday November 17, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the memorial service
Thursday November 17, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana
Potluck Reception
following the burial
Thursday November 17, 2016
Fort Harrison Service Club
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 A.M.
Thursday November 17, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the memorial service
Thursday November 17, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana
Potluck Reception
following the burial
Thursday November 17, 2016
Fort Harrison Service Club
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Jacki & Cliff Huff says
GOD Bless the family. Dave was a great man to his family and will be missed.
Aaron & Maryann herriges says
You will be missed dave! it was always a pleasure to see you at family gatherings thankyou for always being kind, rest in peace dave..
..blessings always
Richard and Betty Tynan says
Prayers for the family. Just know that he was very much Loved by his family and friends. And now may he rest in peace free from all pain.
Mary Beth Linder says
Dear family of Dave,
I worked with Dave at Department of Labor & Industry and thought of him as one of the kindest, steady-as-she-goes co-workers. It was an honor to know him and know that he served the state of Montana as well as he served our nation. May your sorrow be lessened by knowing his character was a gift to us all.
Sharon Thrailkill Sargeson says
I was saddened to learn of your Dad’s passing. I had known your Dad since we were kids. He was a good friend. My prayers are with your