David Hunt McKim, age 49, of Helena, passed away November 9, 2023.
Beloved son, brother, uncle, teacher, and friend. Born and raised in Michigan, David was a lifelong musician, avid angler, outdoorsman, and dedicated educator. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a degree in education, David’s dedication to his students–first in the San Francisco Bay area, and later in Helena–was absolute. David passed his lifelong love of science on to his students in the classroom, on extraordinary field-trips, and countless after-school activities. His honors and awards were too numerous to list.
David’s summers were spent working as a talented contractor, carpenter, and fierce tamer of fish on the waters of Montana.
A gifted drummer since the age of nine, David played in bands across the country, mastering genres including rock, jazz, country and bluegrass. As a founding member of Helena’s “Copper Queen”, David set the tempo for the bars, festivals and streets of Helena.
“Uncle Dave” was a master builder of sandcastles, formidable Nerf-gun warrior, cunning water-fight provocateur, teller of amazing stories, and constant source of love.
David’s generosity to his friends and family knew no bounds. David gave till it hurt, always present for the toughest tasks, the most difficult moments, very often before being asked.
David is survived by his father and stepmother, Sam and Gene, of Michigan. David is also survived by his twin brother Andy and sister-in-law Nina, niece Clementine and nephew Wilder of Maryland, stepsister and brother-in-law Esther and Jeff Wells, Niece Fiona and nephew Julian, of Michigan.
Services will take place at noon on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at the Carroll College P.E. Center in Helena.
A Michigan Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. (MST) at the Lakeport Wesleyan Church, 3871 Harris Rd., Lakeport, MI.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the David McKim Memorial Scholarship Fund to be set up for students studying in the Earth Sciences area David taught and loved. (To be made out to Life Covenant Church, 800 N Hoback, Helena, MT 59601, with notation for the David McKim Memorial Fund.)
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 15, 2023
Carroll College PE Center
1851 N. Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Memorial Service
12:00 p.m. (MST)
Saturday November 25, 2023
Lakeport Wesleyan Church
3871 Harris Road
Lakeport, Michigan 48059
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Rory Armstrong says
He was the best man I could ever think of. A wonderful science teacher and an even more wonderful friend. Me and mom will miss you every day buddy. Thank you for looking out for me when I was in a rough spot. Wish we could have done the same.
Love you McKim, every day!!!
Juli Robertson says
You have all of my love and gratitude. You looked after my kiddo and myself while I was going through cancer, I knew my kid always had a safe place with you. I can without a doubt say that you saved my kiddos life because of the love you showed her daily. You were a very important person in our lives and I only wish we would’ve shown you that more. You will be greatly missed. Rest easy my friend.
Emileigh P Haddix says
Mr McKim was an absolute ray of sunshine. I dont remember a single day when we couldn’t hear his laugh from across the school.
He loved his jobs and loved the kids he taught, and it showed every single day.
He was everyone’s saving grace 🩵 and will be extremely missed
Fly High Angel 🩵 I know everyone ho there is so excited to see you again
Angel says
Mr McKim was one of the kindest people I had ever met. He never failed to make his students smile and laugh. He treated us like real people and really cared about every one of his students. He is the best teacher I’ve never had by far and so many people including me are heartbroken we’re gonnna miss you Mr McKim rest easy.
Phoenix says
Mr.mckim you were an amazing teacher. You inspired so many kids. You helped kids when they were in a dark place. There is no one at hhs that doesn’t know how an amazing you are. You will be greatly missed. I will miss getting a high five and you saying have a good night when I get on the bus. You made my day when you said that. School is not gonna be the same without you.
Sandy Marion says
Mr.mckim you were a good teacher to my son (Patrick Marion) even know that I was new but you always make me smile and laugh rip my friend tell we meet again
Brisies Gauer says
Mr Mckim was a great teacher to a lot of students who had him I don’t know what to say about him that people have already said about him but I don’t know how to explain how hard this is for me personally because I have known him for a long time and for him to die so suddenly I devastated and angry and I am having hard time expressing that he gone I going to miss him so much 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Chuck the bus driver aka Ralph says
Rest In Peace Dave. The trips to Yellowstone were never ending fun. Your knowledge of the landscape was amazing. One memory is when one of the kids asked if you could be one animal in the park what would you be, and you replied without hesitation a thermophile so you could be colorful and warm.
ellee says
mr mckim was the best science teacher i’ve ever had. he made science fun. he helped me with a lot of stuff that was going on. he had the kindest soul ever and always made sure i was okay and helped me with my work. thank you mr mckim for everything you did for your students. i hope you are in a better place.🤍
Wendy (Biegler) Stetzner says
Mr. McKim,
I loved you as a colleague and very special friend. Your passion for teaching and helping those in need were a special gift that will never be forgotten. I wish there was something I could’ve said or done to help you when you were in need. I will miss you terribly, but your legacy will live on! Hugs and prayers to you, your family and the countless number of people who loved you so much! Rest in peace, my dear friend♥️🙏
Adele Elizabeth Schaff says
Mr. McKim- thank you for believing in me, even when I didn’t deserve to be believed in. Your ability to brighten the lives of those around you will not be forgotten. Thank you for everything.
Anonymous says
I never had you as a teacher, but your positive and contagious aura touched everyone at HHS. You were so incredibly loved. Thank you for everything, and I hope you’re climbing some big mountains up there
Ethan neel says
Dear Mr Mckim you were genuinely the only teacher who could handle me I was never a great student and because of this most teachers didn’t like me or wouldn’t get along with me but you sir were the best teacher I’ve ever had, you could keep me and my buddies quiet by joking around rather than forcing and yelling, you’re teaching was the most engaging and you kept everyone so attentive with you’re uppity attitude and funny jokes I’ve never learned more in any class than youres and I’ve never met another teacher who would check and actually check, not a how’s you’re day, to every single student regardless of who they were or what they did, I never ever imagined this would happen I was just thinking about visiting you and this is how I found out this tragedy. Your legacy will forever live on in me and my friends and you will never be forgotten. I hope there’s some big fish up there kimster I love you man rest well!
Troy Burrows says
Dave was a wonderful human being and a true friend! He was always there when you needed him, and he knew better than most how to have fun. Dave always made others feel good, and he will be sorely missed!
Caleb says
Such a Sad Loss rest I’m peace me mckim
Carol says
Dear Dave – a better lifelong friend my son could never have found. I’m thinking now of the skateboard ramps and half-pipes you and he built together behind my garage, the amazing Purple Room band you, he, and a few others rocked in high school, as well as the beautiful remodel job the two of you did together on my house one summer. I knew you were a very special young man then, and I’m so glad to have known you.
Anonymous says
Mr. McKim-
I wish I had the chance to build a better relationship with school my freshman year when I had you as my teacher. But the days that were super hard, I knew your class would put that at bay; a class I knew I could enjoy. I never did get the chance to even acknowledge your impact on me but even then you brought so much joy throughout Helena High and your community. I’m proud I am able to enjoy nature hopefully as much as you did- now I’ll think of you when I’m out on the mountains or out fishing with my husband.
Jesse Zentz says
Dave, I am at a loss for words, because there simply aren’t any that can properly describe my admiration for you. I will miss your contagious smile, the joy you brought to the students and staff at Helena High, your emphatic hallway hi-fives, your bear hugs, your genuine interest in the lives of others, your empathy and compassion, the love you had for your profession, and the positive impact you had on my wife and my two daughters. You never failed to bring a smile to my face. I love you and only wish I would have told you sooner. Rest in peace.
Charlie Smith says
I never actually had Mr.Mckim as a teacher but I remember all the amazing things said about him and how during 5th period photo class I would always go see him when we were wondering to take photos and he would always give me a big hug and ask me how I was doing. I could always go into his room whenever I just needed someone to talk to and he could always put a smile on my face
JaeLynn Fishburn says
Dear Mr.Mckim
You are funny and fun to talk to before the assembly and it’s a very sad loss.
Isabella Valenzuela says
Mr. Mckim was never my teacher but he was definitely my favorite teacher because even though I was never in his class I still saw him everyday and got to talk to him. He was always making jokes and never failed to put a smile on the face and I’m so thankful for that. Some of my favorite memories with him were when I would be in my yearbook class because if my group had to go take pictures I would always go to his room to take photos and just hangout with him and his class, they would always be doing something cool and interesting and all the students have always seemed to love him and his class. He was an amazing teacher but he was an even better friend. I knew I could always count on him if I needed someone to talk to. I will never forget you Mr. McKim. Thank you for everything you really have made an impact in my life and you’ll always have a special place in my heart ❤️
Clementine Mckim says
Dave McKim was my uncle. He was the best uncle anyone could ask for! He would always be working hard on vacation. he was a real McKim!!!!!
Clementine Mckim says
I know that all of us are going through a rough time, but just remember when we need his touch
And loving gaze, Gone but not forgotten, Is the perfect phrase. Smiling from a star
That he makes glow
Trust he’s always there, Watching as we grow
Find him in the place, Where the lost things go.
(lyrics from The Place Where the Lost Things Go by Emily Blunt)
Clementine Mckim says
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESsjRYWtSjM
JAMIE KURTZ says
Dave was one of my best friends growing up during high school and after. i will never forget what a great person he was to all.
Beth says
It doesn’t go unnoticed that we celebrate Mr. Mckim’s beautiful life on the feast day of St. Albert the Great, excellent scientist and favorite teacher of Thomas Aquinas. I imagine they are romping around the universe together in blissful wonder. Eternal rest grant unto Dave, oh Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon him. I will be praying for him and all of his family and friends. Thank you Dave for being my daughter’s all time favorite teacher, she calls you a friend.
Leo Currier says
I extend my highest regards to the memory of Mr. McKim and wish to express my deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time. Mr. McKim held a special place in my heart as my favorite teacher, and his impact on my educational experience was profound. My interactions with him were brief but left an indelible mark, as he proved to be the kindest and most endearing individual I have had the privilege to encounter. His philosophy encouraged us to strive for happiness alongside academic achievement. Mr. McKim was deeply loved by many, myself included, and his memory will forever be cherished. While he may no longer be with us physically, Mr. McKim’s spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched. His legacy serves as an enduring source of inspiration, motivating others to persevere and spread happiness. We are grateful for the time we shared with him, and he will be remembered fondly. We All Love You Mr. McKim!
Jake Hoover says
There wasn’t a single day where I walked into David Mckim’s classroom where I didn’t feel welcome and excited to learn, he was an amazing man and really did help everyone do their best everyday. He is and will always be a great man, in both life and death and my deepest condolences to those who were much closer to him then me, I’m crushed and I can’t even imagine what you are all going through.
Julianne Princinsky says
Dear Sam, both Tom and I lift you and all your family in prayers and will continue to do so. In Christ, Julianne Princinsky
Clementine Mckim says
Dear Uncle Dave, I miss you more than you can imagine. You were like a father to me, I will never get over how fun, loving, kind, and funny you were. I will still go in the pine and give you a message on a rock (you probably would have wanted that) I will miss you dearly, I love you so much 😢😢
your niece,
Clementine
Karen says
Dave, you left everyone better than you found them. You were so loved. – Karen
Anonymous says
Mr. Mckim you are forever loved and you incredible kindness, love, and energy will forever live on.
T says
I’m so heartbroken to hear this devastating news. Mr. McKim was such a bright light in our lives when we were in high school. I had him my Junior? year at Rod and I had the opportunity to TA for him my Senior year. Thanks for having my back and for always being so supportive and encouraging. There definitely weren’t any other teachers at Rod like him. Sending my love and condolences to his family. I’m so sorry I didn’t keep in touch and thank you for being there to listen whenever I had “problems” to vent about. You were a safe place at Rod forsure. Wishing you a smooth transition to a better place. Love you 😭
Alyssa says
Sending my love to those who got to experience Mr. McKim. He taught at Rodriguez high school when i was there from 2008-2012 and he was a joy to be around. Down to earth and straight forward. I admired his ability to be kind and relatable while still being an adult with authority. I’ve never forgot about him, always thinking of the funny jokes we made during class when we weren’t supposed to. I sincerely hope he knew how much he means to so many. You will be truly missed.
RHS class of 2012
Zaira Zelaya says
My friend is going through a hard time since this was her uncle. I send prayers to him.
Anonymous says
Mr McKim! You were such an amazing teacher. You made my first year of high school better and your class was one that I always looked forward too! You taught me how to make ice cream which tasted amazing! I’m sending prayers to you and your family. Heaven couldn’t wait for you!
Anonymous says
if love could have saved you, you would have lived forever <3
a student says
dear mckimmy-
i am missing you quite a bit extra today. school is wrapping up and summer is approaching. this past year has been rough. but i have finally found my people. people who don’t judge me and love me for who i am, and are there when I’m at my lows. i know you are looking down on all of us, proud of the people we are becoming and things we are accomplishing. the school isn’t the same without you. i miss your energetic high fives and warm bear hugs. i miss your air guitar and karaoke Fridays. i miss when you would check in on me every single day to see how i was doing and be there for me if i needed someone. i miss your belly laughter and your endless amounts of dad jokes. i miss your rad dance moves and you calling me dear. i miss you. we all do. rest easy <3
Anonymous says
Hey Mckim,
I’m missing you extra today. I miss you so much and I wish things would’ve happened differently. You won’t see this but this year is almost to and end, and I’m gonna be a junior next year. I love you and cannot express how thankful I am for you and I wish you could come back, but you can’t. You were always the highlight of my days, saying hello, high fives and checking in on me. I love you.
Sierra Newsham says
My friend was his niece. I have never met him, but from these comments, I can tell he was without a doubt an incredible person that has positively impacted many. I’m Athist, but I like the idea of heaven. If it exists, he will definitely be there, smiling down on us and being incredibly proud of his family and students doing amazing things. RIP