David Maurice Dahlin Sr.

David Maurice Dahlin Sr.

David Maurice Dahlin Sr., 74, of Laurel, Mont., slipped peacefully into rest surrounded by his loving family and friends. His final accomplishment was to initiate a four-day family reunion which brought many who knew and loved him together to celebrate each other. He died on July 22, 2012, the final day of the reunion.

David was born Aug. 7, 1937, in Havre, Mont., to Ed and Marie (Kohanek-Bergvall) Dahlin and was raised on a ranch 19 miles south of town near the Bear Paw Mountains. As a rancher, he developed skills as a carpenter, electrician and plumber. He played several musical instruments including the guitar and accordion and loved singing. He graduated from Havre High School and served with the U. S. Army. After returning to Havre and ranching, he attended Northern Montana College.

Dave Dahlin and Cathy Henderson were married in 1968, moved to Lewistown in 1971 and raised seven children. He worked as a sales representative for Horning Farm Implements for 20-plus years. David returned to ranching, his life passion, working for the Cat Creek Cattle Co., 1993 to 1997. He finished his career employed by Park County Fairgrounds, Livingston, until 2008. He spent his last few years in Laurel with family. He enjoyed his grandchildren, hunting, fishing, boating and his music.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Deforest Bergvall, Richard (Dick) Bergvall, Pat Dahlin and Jack Dahlin.

He is survived by sisters, June Skillman of Havre Mont., Lois Mason of Arizona City, Ariz., and Sandi Gettle of Santa Clara, Calif. ; children, Dawn (Kevin) Gibbs of Laurel, Mont., Dallas (Gene) McCommon of Belgrade, Mont., Darla (Roger) Dahlin of Lewistown, Mont., David (Jahmel) Dahlin Jr., of Harlem, Mont., Dixie Yaeger of Columbia Falls, Mont., Danny Dahlin of Billings, Mont., and Dale Dahlin of Billings, Mont. ; 18 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. His sense of humor, integrity and storytelling skills, along with his infectious laugh, will be sorely missed by those who knew him.

Visitation will be available Thursday July 26, 2012. Funeral Services for David M. Dahlin will be Friday, July 27, 2012, at 11 a. m. in the Cloyd Chapel at 209 3rd Ave. N., Lewistown, MT 59457. Cremation will follow the services. Please contact the funeral home for details at (406) 538-8711.

Condolences for the family may be posted online at http://www.cloydfuneralhome.com.