David William Samson passed on Sunday, January 10th, 2016 after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was born on April 20, 1960 in Helena to William and Lucille Samson. He was raised in Great Falls before the family moved to Billings where he graduated from Billings West High School. Dave was involved in the Boy Scouts of America which proudly culminated in earning his Eagle Scout badge.
David graduated from U of M with a degree in political science which was a beginning to his involvement in city council positions and an active interest in politics. He recently became involved in Toastmasters, where he met new friends and perfected his public speaking skills.
The highlights of his 17 year marriage to Susan Parshall were their two children, Elizabeth and Isaac, who were his everything. He was there from their first steps until his last steps. Their relationship was full of humor, love, and understanding. Life was filled with adventures in the outdoors and they were raised on the river whether fishing, floating or just poking around.
His life passion was involvement in the First Presbyterian Church and Koinonia where he chaperoned many mission trips, taught Sunday School, organized retreats, served as elder and deacon and volunteered for countless projects. “No” was not a part of his vocabulary. He was motivated by his strong faith in God.
David had a sense of humor and many customers at Holiday Station Store were entertained by his corny jokes, especially the one about the cannibals and the clown. He cared about his employees and his customers and he considered them a second family. He was a compassionate man and a quiet benefactor to many.
Family, fishing, photography, kayaking and mountain climbing filled his spare time. The Mission Mountains were his place of solitude. He was a good fisherman but always released his catch. His favorite spots in the Missions were McDonald Peak and Turquoise Lake.
David was preceded in death by his father, William Edgar Samson, and his mother, Lucille Lenore Hinman Samson. He is survived by his children, Elizabeth and Isaac, and his sisters, Shelley (Don) Pelc and Julie (Scot) Ferda. He also is survived by his nieces and nephews Brian (Kelli) Pelc, Brady (Chelsea) Pelc, Bryson (Rachel) Pelc, Tucker (Liberty) Ferda, Taylor (Marie) Ferda, and Ashley Ferda, as well as five great nephews and nieces.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Friday, January 15th, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church, 535 N. Ewing Street, with a reception to follow the service at the church.
Memorials in Dave’s name are suggested to: First Presbyterian Church, 535 N. Ewing Street, Helena, MT 59601; Compassion International, 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921; or Trout Unlimited, 432 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of David.
Shawn Popp says
I didn’t know Dave other going into Holiday what a nice man so sorry for the loss family and friends.
Libby Olsen says
Dave was such an amazing guy to work with and get to know. I worked with Dave at Both Shopko (years ago) and then again at Pizza Hut. He is also the reason I’d stop in at Holiday, He will be missed for his positive attitude and always smiling no matter what life was throwing at him. All of the crew at Pizza Hut has your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Our deepest condolences to the entire Samson family at this very difficult time. Dave was an amazing man and a friend to so many. He had a profound impact on all of us and will certainly be missed. His Christian values and principles were a testimony to the way he lived and loved others. We are better people for having known Dave and were always proud to call him our friend. Rest in Peace Dave, we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord welcomed you home with ‘well done, good and faithful servant’.
Butch and Pearle Plowman says
Dave was a man who lived his faith both in word and by the way he lived his life. You left us too soon, and you will be sorely missed .
Maureen Fisher says
Dearest Shellie & Don, Julie and families, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this extreme loss. I remember when you girls welcomed your baby brother into the family. What a joy your whole family was blessed with. David was the sweetest little boy and he adored his sisters, Dad & Mom. My heartfelt sympathy for you is deep and blessed. Losing this many of your family in such a short time is overwhelming. David was a Blessing to all and shared his love with so many. God Bless his family and yours.
Carol Samson Gullickson says
Dear Elizabeth, Isaac, Shelly, Julie and extended family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. David was a wonderful son, brother and father. We loved stopping at the Holiday to say hello when we were in town. He was a true Samson, always a smile on his face. I will treasure the memories of growing up together, family reunions and his smile. David will always be with you and someday you will be able to smile and laugh as you think of a memory or look at a picture. Your tears will become happy tears.
Our Love and Prayers are with you,
Carol and Steve Gullickson d girls
Kris Spillman says
Dave was an amazing man. We worked together at pizza hut and I would see him every time I would go in to Holiday. I swear that man never took a day off. He was there when you needed him, to help turn your day around or just to lend an ear as you vented. I will miss his qwerkiness and the conversations we had through the dish pit. I’m so glad I was able to meet him and work with him. You will forever be one of my favorites “Dammit Dave”! I’ll miss you buddy.
Tonna Strasko says
Dave, we miss you more than you can know. You were/are a special friend.
We hope you are enjoying fishing and kayaking up there.
Tonna and Joe Strasko
Jim Moses II
Carol W Carpenter says
Blessings to all who are feeling the loss of Dave. He imprinted on many lives with his smile, humor and variety of passions. There are tons of sweet memories to be shared. I wish there had been time to make more with Dave…but we are not in charge. God’s plan prevails and it was time for Dave to be rewarded for his grand and faithful service. His inspiration lives on.
Linda Wharton says
I have several wonderful memories but the one that really stands out is … Dave and I were working at “Coming into the Light” at the Helena Park. Christian Bands were playing All day. I was enjoying the music on the lawn and Dave asked if I could Jitterbug! Wow, I said Yes … Dave Can Dance! Wow! We had so much fun, he made my day! Always a hands-on smile and Beautiful Blue Eyes that Sparkled. An Angel!!!
Dan and Brenda Hutchings says
Dave we will miss you so very much. You are such a wonderful person so caring . You where always willing to help out when you could.
It will be strang not having you at Koinonia ,seeing your smile and all of your thoughtfulness . Your heart is so big that all of the love you had for people and God bubbled over into every one you touched ,and you touched so meany ….. At Koinonia on Saturday night we will be thanking of you because you made it that we always had the pizza there to feed the late night group of people that was hungry…By for now Dave see you agen…… Also our deepest sympathy to all of Dave’s family .
Elishia says
Dave was a amazing man and so funny I wuld go into holiday and he was always telling joke’s making me smile .. my mom worked with Dave a few years ago at holiday and she loved going to work she always said it was a great place to work with Dave .. going into holiday will never be the same without seeing Dave’s smiling face you will be missed Dave RIP … we are praying for the family. .
Dennis Yuhas says
We are sorry to hear of the Samson family loss. Our prayers go out to the family.
Dennis and Mary Yuhas
Colleen says
Very sweet man always helped a complete stranger. Will be missed sorry Holiday people.
Carrie Frohreich says
We are truly sorry for the loss of Dave. He was a kind hearted, hard working, caring, friendly person, and always had a way of making a person feel acknowledged. He will always be remembered by the Frohreich family.
LaDon and Bill Nelson says
Dave’s family is in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss our sweet friend and know He is now in the presence of the Lord whom he served every day. Dave was a wonderful example of humility and living out his faith. Our loss, heavens gain.
Teri Gallagher says
You are all in my thoughts and prayers so sorry for your loss he was such an amazing guy and will be missed big hugs To you all
Terri and Bob Kunz says
I met Dave when I was “new” to town. We were in Leadership Helena together. He was a light in the room of welcome and warmth. Over the years we saw each other less frequently but every time I saw him he raved about his kids. He was so proud of you both. I know that God has brought another angel home and although your loss is great heaven is rejoicing his homecoming. Many blessings and thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Terri Kunz
Roy Marino says
Although I knew Dave from Holiday we didn’t get to know each other until we meet hiking and both said we were from Helena. A great man who will be missed.
Charli Prowell says
What a wonderful man! The Holiday is the only place I went and will still visit for my gas. David was always welcoming and his staff learned from the best. Thank you David for being an outstanding person in our community and such a wonderful human being. You will be missed!!
Cindy & Gary Bowers, North Carolina says
Our sincere condolences to the entire Samson family. Your love for each other and all of your warm memories will be a comfort as time goes on. This is an exceptionally sad time, especially for Dave’s children who lost their dad too soon. I hope it helps them a little to know so many were touched by their father’s kindness, humor, faith and love.
Noah and Jenny Genger says
We are so so sorry for your loss and will keep you all in our prayers. We will remember Dave as a man with a huge servants heart. We know without a doubt that God welcomed him with open arms saying “Well done good and faithful servant.”
liz B says
This is a shock. He was always smiling and helping. Thank you Dave for touching all our lives. He even did a little jig at Konia retreat with me which I attended thanks t Judy Reel.
Lori says
I loved working with you at Shopko. I will always remember the day Ash called me at work and you popped on the phone, it was really nice talking to you. You will be missed. ?
Sue Smith says
I am so sorry for this great loss to our family. Dave was always so much fun and lots of entertainment for our entire family. Remember when he was a kid he used always say
to his folks “This is your P I T A again.” Dave always did funny things that made us all laugh.
He always entertained us when we were playing cards and challenged us for bigger bets.
Then he would try to distract us so we would lose. He was always telling jokes and made us laugh. We are really going to miss you, David. I’m so sorry to everyone in the family
for your loss. Dave will be greatly missed. Love, Susan
RET. Brandle, Jason. says
At times like this Otis hard. I know. Your loved one had touched many people. He was kind, thoughtful, generous, loving, and so much more. I new him from stopping into the gas station. I knew him only by the once in awhile I need this or this type of stop. He would ask how I was doing and sometimes he would stop what he was doing because he just new I needed to talk to someone. He was a friend without even knowing it. I am so sorry for your loss. But as they say God takes the great ones first. .. I pray that you have peace. I just want you to know that your loved one helped me at many times of need.
Elaine Hawley says
Dave was a very special man to many people. Dave had a heart of gold and was great man he thought of everyone else first before himself. He served God well. I was so glad he showed up at Koinonia this last fall. I thoroughly enjoyed and was blessed when Dave and I worked a Koinonia. I would stop in at Holiday and if he was working and saw me he would say “Knot head how you doing?” I will now cherish the name Knot head. I want the Samson family to know he is now dancing and fly fishing with God and free of all pain. He is and will be missed by many people.
Sue Bannon says
Dave was so such a grest human bring . I’m very saddened for his loss. Prayers to his family. Our Helena community has lost a wonderful kind person .
Gail Sieckman says
Shelley and family, this reflection on your brother is deeply moving to me. What a wonderful person you all have lost. Deepest condolences. I wish I had met him, just based on the values and generosity of spirit in him. He sounds extremely special. I am sorry for your loss.
Joseph Menke says
I am a regular Holiday customer and even go out of my way to get gas there. This is largely because of the staff there. Dave was a really nice guy and always had a smile. He will be missed.
Katie White says
Elizabeth and Isaac:
The White & Curey family are very sad to hear the news of Dave. Dave was such a good friend and wonderful neighbor to us. How many neighbors do you have that you have such a good relationship with to install a gate between your yards? That was Dave! We have so many fond memories of him and your family, like going to Swan Lake and our rivalry with the Packers and Niners! Dave was one of the most sincere, honest and genuine people I have ever known. He had a heart of gold and he adored you two so much! He will be missed by so many. We were lucky to call him a friend!
Love, Katie, Tanner, Colter and Katelynde
Phyllis McDonald says
I am so saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this great man. I met Dave and his friendly staff at the Holiday Station and have missed seeing them since moving away last year. Dave was such a kind and warm person to visit with and had a great sense of humor. He had trouble remembering my name and when he finally got it down, he greeted me by name over the intercom as I was filling my gas tank one day. Dave was so proud of his children and spoke often about them. Rest in peace Dave.