David and his youngest son, and fishing buddy, Bridger, were tragically taken from this earth and welcomed into Heaven’s glory on Monday, February 21, 2011. David spent a perfect weekend of ice fishing with his three sons, brother, and nephew.
David was the second child of LeeRoy and Terrell Strong. He was a challenging, yet charming son who effortlessly drew attention with his smile and antics. David spent his childhood with his siblings in Helena and Stevensville where he made life-long friends and memories. Immediately after graduating from Stevensville High School in 1984, David enlisted in the U.S. Navy. There, he traveled the world and participated in many world changing events. His favorite place in his many travels was Rota, Spain. He graduated college from the University of Montana in Dillon with an education degree, and later went on to earn two Masters Degrees. After many years of teaching, David took a position in higher education with the Office of Public Instruction with the State of Montana. In this capacity, he took a lead role in ensuring post-secondary education opportunities for Military veterans. David was currently working with the Helena Public Schools in a unique position charged with decreasing drop-out rates and facilitating college education for local students. David spent his career serving both youth and Military veterans.
David retired from the military in 2007 after serving 23 devoted years, retiring as a Petty Officer First Class from the U.S. Navy.
David’s most important and satisfying job in life was being a husband to his soul mate and wife, Parrish, and being an outstanding father. As an avid outdoorsman, mountains and lakes were his sanctuary. It was a very rare weekend that David wasn’t out on the lake fishing or hunting with his boys. This was a gift for all of us to enjoy as we watched David mold his boys into strong, active young men. He started hunting early in life with his Grandpa Tony near the Crazy Mountains and continued this tradition with his sons beginning at a very young age. Some of his fondest memories were fishing with his brothers during the summer at Grandpa Tony’s place along the Clark Fork River. His favorite movie was A River Runs Through It.
David was a proud Norwegian son who enjoyed lutefisk and potato sausage every Christmas with his family. He had a lot of natural talent and a passion for educating and shaping young people. He was funny, witty, and smart. Among David’s many hobbies, he especially enjoyed attending bible study at Jim Weber’s on Thursday nights, spending time with his family, and woodworking. He was patriotic and proud to have served his country. He was looking forward to his son David’s wedding in June.
“Though nothing can bring back the hour of Splendor in the grass or the glory of the flower;
We will grieve not; rather find strength in what remains behind;
In the primal sympathy, which having been must ever be…”
~William Wordsworth
David leaves behind his devoted wife Parrish; sons and best friends, David Strong II (Whitney Armstrong) of Ellensburg, WA, Kyle Strong of Helena, and Caleb MacLean of Helena; daughter, Emily MacLean of Helena; parents, Terrell Strong of Missoula and LeeRoy Strong of Avon; brothers and sister, Roy and Sherry Strong of Billings, Lisa and Chip Weinrich of Spokane, WA, and Kevin and Heather Strong of Boise, ID; he also leaves behind numbers nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and hunting partners.
Visitation will take place at Retz Funeral Home on Thursday, February 24, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services will take place 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 25, 2011, at Helena First Assembly of God, 2210 Dodge Avenue. Burial will take place at Ft. Harrison Montana Veteran’s Cemetery immediately following the service, where David will be laid to rest beside his son. Please join the family for a reception at Helena First Assembly, following the burial ceremony.
To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of David, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Katie Solan-Hayes says
So very sad to hear of this loss. I have such fond memories of David from when we were young at Glacier Bible Camp. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Kelly and Connie Jerome says
We send our most heartfelt condolences and prayers to each of you. David was a fine man, we were honored to know him. May you each find comfort in your memories. God be with you all.
Jacey Cooper says
For some moments in life there are few words… To the kind and beautiful Strong Family:
Remember that death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Please know that I am thinking of you in your time of sadness and loss.
~Jacey
greatclips says
ALL OF THE STAFF AT GREATCIPS WHAT TO EXTENTED OUR GREATEST SYMPATHY TO ALL THE FAMILY THEY WILL MISSED BY ALL OF US
Wendy and Tal Williams says
We did not know your family, but share in your grieving along with the entire state. Our prayers are with the family and friends of David and Bridger.
Sandy and Mary Sands says
David,
We treasure the times we spent together and are thankful for the friendship we share.
With much love,
Sandy, Mary and Savannah Sands
Shelley Fogle says
You have my heartfelt sympathies. May GOD wrap his healing arms around you and your families as they grieve. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Jenne (Severson) Caudle says
Dear David II and Family,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I remember when your dad would come visit you at Bob’s while you were working. Usually with your brothers in tow. I hope that you may find peace and be able to cherish the memories that you have. My prayers are with you and yours. God Bless.
Brad Deeds says
David Strong was a kind, gentle soul with a huge heart, and he will be missed greatly in the adult education field. He exemplified the spirit of adult education, and was to be awarded with Mountain Plains Adult Education Association’s Award of Excellence for Montana at our annual conference this spring. We will send the plaque and kind words from the nomination to David’s family. Rest in peace, David.
Michael Ball says
I am very saddened to hear of the passing of David and Bridger. I met David when he was the State Approving Agency for Veterans Education for Montana. He was always an enthusiastic advocate for veterans and their use of GI Bill benefits.
My deepest sympathy.
Michael Ball
Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board
Mary Sands says
The fish won’t be the same without you chasing them David. I loved that I learned a bit of lake fishing from you and outfished Sandy 5 to 1. Great dad, husband and friend–thank heavens for wonderful memories!
With much sorrow and love,
Mary Sands
Nancy and Gerry Lambott says
I am so sorry for your tragic loss. I was looking forward to getting to know David through his work on the MPAEA board. We had dinner with he and Detlef and Jake in San Francisco and visited during the summer board meeting. We will miss David’s positive presence, great ideas and infectious smile at our conference in April. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kathy Plutt Simkins says
I was so sorry to read about David and Bridger. Even after all the time that has passed since the good ole Western Days he was still so fondly remembered by many on campus. Over the years I enjoyed visits with David when I would unexpectedly see him on trips to Helena or when he was on OPI trips to Western. David was just a person you can feel blessed to have known in your lifetime. There is comfort in knowing David and Bridger will be enjoying new and amazing journeys together. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all on Friday and always. Kathy(Plutt)Simkins
Marjorie Kotan says
You do not know me but I want you to know that I am holding all of you up to Father God for His loving care of you during this time of deep need. I am so very sorry at the loss of your David and Bridger. There are no good answers and only God knows the reason why. I pray the Holy Spirit will wrap His arms around you and that you will be comforted.
Nancy Shearer says
To Terrell and Parrish: I am grieving along with you both for the loss of your loved son and grandson and husband. I never had the chance to meet you Parrish,but in knowing about the sons and daughters of Terrell and Leroy and having been present when they were born and having participated as their “Gramma Nancy” I was very sorry to hear of their tragic loss so early in life. But, I believe that they are now in Heaven with Gramma “Tee” and Grampa Antone who welcomed them along with Heavenly Father. They will be terribly missed by all who knew them. My sympathy is with you in your time of mourning.
David Lopez says
I just wanted to say that I served with David in the Navy from 1984-1988. I knew David well he was a great guy so kind and warm hearted and he was a likable guy. My condolences to David’s family and loved ones.
Terry Zieba says
We of Montana’s Mountain Navy deeply mourn the untimely, tragic loss of Petty Officer Strong and son Bridger. He was truly one of our own. EN 1 Strong was a very thoughtful, dedicated person who was respected by all who had the pleasure of serving with him. David will be remembered as a good shipmate, friend and outdoorsman. More so, he was truly a good man.
Command Master Chief Zieba – Retired
Julie Brantley says
We do not know one another but your tragic news is statewide…and statewide people are hurting for you – know that.
There are no words except how sorry we all are –
We know that there is a God and a Heaven and this man and his son are together right now – in bliss. It is those left behind that we hurt for <3
Tracy King says
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I met David via my husband, Brad, when he was working at OPI, and most recently within the school district. He always had a smile on his face. David will be dearly missed. Blesses to all of you!!!!!!
Pam Morgan Price says
It was very sad to hear of our loss of a classmate. He lived his life doing what he wanted,living the American dream hunting and fishing and living in Montana.My heart felt sympathies goes out to the family and other friends who have shared this loss. We will miss you David and that wonderful smile.God Bless them and the family. Sincere Sympathies Pam Morgan Price.
Mary Skalsky says
Terrell, So sorry to hear of David and Bridger. Words can not express what you are going through right now, but later if you need to talk, you know how to get ahold of me!!
Hang on to the great memories your family has made! God Bless you and your family at this time of deep sorrow!
Love ya girl…. Mary
Jolene Peavey says
My families prayers are with you all as you grieve the loss of Dave. Keep your faith close to you always. God bless you and your family.
The Peavey’s
Valerie French says
The world has lost a great man, a prime example of what a man of faith should look like and live like. I am so sorry for your loss and believe that he was taken from us far too soon. I pray that God wrap you in His loving arms and fill you with the peace that passes understanding during this difficult time and in the days ahead. I will be praying for all of you.
During the time that I worked with David at the OPI and even after, he was a great friend, mentor, and supporter. He was always there if you called on him and always willing to help in whatever way he could. I know that there are a great many people who can and will say the same. There are so many accomplishments in his short time on earth and so many lives touched that you know God walked with him in a very real way.
May your memories stay vivid and help carry you through the days ahead. May you trust God for what you need to make it through each day to come.
I simply don’t know what to say about your losing Bridger at the same time as David. How difficult that must be. My only comfort was the thought of them entering heaven together, hand-in-hand, and beginning the search for the great heavenly fishing hole.
I pray that good memories and faith sustain you at this time.
Pattti & Rick Leishman says
Parish and family, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you always. Cherish the beautiful memories you have.
Love,
Patti and Rick
David Lopez says
I just wanted to say that I served with David in the Navy from 1984-1988. I knew David well he was a great guy so kind and warm hearted and he was a likable guy. My condolences to David’s family and loved ones.
Jo Ann & Kent Ferguson says
Terrell & family, so sorry for your loss of David and his son. Cling to your precious memories you have and know you will see both of them again some day. Remember not to walk through this alone. You have the best family for support and many friends who are waiting to help you get through this loss of yours. We are all waiting to help and listen to you. Please call when you need someone, I know how a shocking death hurts so badly. We will always have time for you.
Tunde Zimmermann says
I knew David from the Navy Reserves. He was a wonderful guy. I am very sorry for your loss.
Arlene Parisot says
As I worked alongside David as a colleague and friend, I always felt that he was person of honor and humility who had the best interests of the students he served as the guiding point for decisions that would impact their lives. The educational community and our community at large has lost a wonderful individual.
Kim Dunham says
Roy — I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. I’ll be flying over Montana tomorrow during David and Bridger’s services, and will send a prayer of peace and healing for you and your family. Hugs to you and Sherry.
Kim
Julie Hope says
Our hearts and prayers are with you during this tragic time…
The Hopes,
Chris, Julie, Jess & Kati
Alan Thompson says
Dear Strong Family: Rosie and I want to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers. I will always remember Dave’s smiles and waves as I would drive up the street to our house. Alan Thompson and Rosalie Walsh
Bob and Melanie Delaney says
Dear Parrish, We were so saddened to hear about David and Bridger and are praying for you and the rest of your family. Our memories of you include the excitement we felt for you as you began your new life in Montana with David.
We hope your good memories with him and Bridger will sustain you. All our love to you, Bob and Melanie
Laurie gigette McGrath says
Parrish,
I can’t even find the words to express my sorrow for you and your family. When I heard about the tragic accident I didn’t know that David was your husband until I read the obituary. I am so very sorry that this has happened right at the time when you’re lives together were finally on the mend. God bless you and yours and I pray that you find the strength to take you through these heart breaking times.
Kim Warren and Family says
Parish and Family, Our thoughts and prayers goes out to you and your famly.
Jenni Wilmot says
Kyle and family: You are all in our thoughts and prayers for your loss. We love you
Dan, Jen, Kelsey, Arpy, Travis, Kolter, Daltyne & Kodi
Rod & Debbie Moran says
Strong family, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of David and his son. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. Our love, Rod and Debbie
Joe Wilkins says
My sympathies go out to your family durring these hard times. Please know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Joe Wilkins
Ed Barrett says
Dave I know this is a terrible loss for you and your family. You are one of a kind and your family will need you. I have only known you for a short time but you are a person I will never forget.
Leona Wetherall says
There is never the right words to say when we loose someone in our lives! I am so sorry for your loss of David and Bridger! David was a blessing to me he always listened and gave important advice during a hard time I went through while working at OPI, knowing that we shared the same faith in God was a comfort. He was never too busy for anyone, I will always remember his smile and the twinkle in his eyes. Heaven was blessed when David and Bridger walked through the gates.
Sandy Woldstad says
I had the pleasure of getting to know David through Montana Association of Career and Technical Educators state board. No matter where I ran into David, he always remembered who I was and had pleasant words to say. He was a very genuine and caring man. We will miss his leadership and integrity on our state board. My sympathies to your family. I can’t imagine the sorrow your family must be feeling but take comfort in knowing that God is with you. David and your son will remain alive in your fond memories.
With deep sadness,
Sandy Woldstad
J. Ferguson says
Dear family, I am saddened to learn of the loss of your loved ones David and Bridger. The Bible encourages us to comfort one another. Jesus Christ brought comfort to many. The comfort that Jesus gave included the hope he shared with his disciples: “Lazarus our friend has gone to rest, but I am journeying there to awaken him from sleep.” (John 11:11) Jesus assured his followers that a resurrection of the dead will take place. He asked Martha: (Lazarus’ sister) “Do you believe this?” She replied: “Yes, Lord.” (John 11:24-27) Your family has the prospect of being reunited with David and Bridger right here on earth but under very different conditions. Revelation 21:4 assures us that Almighty God will end death, pain, tears and mourning. I pray that as you read these scriptures my sincere condolence will help you have a measure of comfort. God cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
Peggy Colvin says
Dear Parrish,
Our hearts are saddened at the loss of your beloved David and Bridger. You are in our healing thoughts and prayers. May fond, loving memories comfort you and your family.
Love from Peggy, Amber, Adam and Tucker Colvin
jack & Deb May says
To the entire Strong family,
We cannot begin to understand the shock and sadness of losing David and Bridger at the same time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you mourn your loss, and begin the long path of healing. The one thing we know for sure is that our Heavenly Father holds your lives in the palm of His hand, and that when we are Believers, we carry the promise of seeing our loved ones again someday. Until then, may God Bless each and every one of you as you live your lives to Honor their memories……
Leah Gilman says
Parrish,
My heart goes out to you. Words fail. If there’s anything I can do, don’t hesitate to ask.
–Leah
Colleen Allen says
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Losing David and Bridger is so sad. They will be sorely missed by all who knew them. David’s smile was infectious and he was a wonderful young man who grew into a more wonderful adult. I have so many memories — time spent just hanging out with our families. God rest you, David and Bridger, and God bless those of you who are left behind. I will be with you in spirit on Friday.
Amy Jenks says
Dave was a great man and will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to Parrish, the kids, and the rest of the family. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this very difficult time.