David Dennison Braach

"Special" "kind" "the best hugger'. Those were just a few words that were used for David Dennison Braach, 85, of Missoula who passed away at home of metastatic prostate cancer Saturday, September 16, 2023. Like his son, Rob, and three brothers (Clifford, Arthur & Wally), all battled cancer.

David was born December 23, 1937 "on the ranch" in Sheridan, Montana to Otto and Frieda (Bieler) Braach. Later his parents moved to the "Bingo Ranch" in Sheridan; 5^th and 6^th grades in Hall, MT; and 7^th-12^th grades at Philipsburg MT where he graduated from high school in 1955. He was in 4-H; involved in school plays; played basketball as a Philipsburg Prospector; played a trombone in band and was Vice President of his class his

senior year of high school.

He attended the University of Montana for parts of 3 years, then went to California briefly to work for Northwest Airlines. Disliking California, he returned to Montana. On April 2, 1960 he married Alta Jean (Stromme) Ottinger who had 3 young girls: Christy, Sheri and Monti; later two sons were born: Robert and David Alan.

He was a truck driver for many years working for Garret Truck Line, ANR Freight and Clawson Mfg, He was a teamster for 27 years. He received an award for "no accidents" while driving one million miles.

He was a long-term member of the Fraternal of Eagles: Missoula (49 years) and Hamilton. He was the Worthy President of Missoula FOE from 1978-79, instrumental in bringing the Manor to Missoula in 1979. He served as Chairman of the Missoula Manor Board for 28 years, retiring in 2011; but continued serving on the big board. Two of his loves were trapshooting and cribbage, winning many awards from each over the years. He loved to travel, so he and Lucy explored all corners of Montana, went to all 50 states and over 50 countries. He was an avid reader with subscriptions to nine magazines a month. Dave loved being in nature — mountains, hunting, flowers, trees, birds, and bringing Lucy flowers for no special occasion.

On September 2, 1986 he married the "love of his life", Lucille "Lucy" (Heintzman). They lived in Victor MT for 10 years, then moved to Missoula MT.

David was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Frieda Braach; his two sons Robert (Rob) and David Alan; his daughter Sheri; grandsons Tyson and Joel; great granddaughters Maquaila and Lila and his best friend Dan Daniels.

Survivors include his wife, Lucille (Lucy) of 35 years; two daughters: Christy Fernandez Pleasant Hill CA; and Monti (Mike) Wimmer Camano Island WA; daughters-in-law: Dawn Braach Helena, MT and Shelley Braach Billings MT; Lucy's son Shannon (Mindy) Krause Mission Viejo CA; grandchildren: Kenny (Lynn), Pam (Harold, Ben, David, Kelly, Brandon (Becky), Amanda, Michael, Carl (Mandy), Dylan (Taryn), Jennifer; great grandchildren: Sydney, Jillian, Austin, Victoria (Jacob), Hailey, Payton (Ariel), Rylee, Jaxxon, Fletcher, Sylvia, Sawyer, Skylar; a great great-grandchild Camilla, plus many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

David donated his body to the WWAMI Medical Body Donation Program. Our family wants to thank Hospice for their kindness and tender loving care of David. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 1-3 pm at Heritage Hall, 20 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula MT (big yellow building). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Missoula Manor (909 W Central Avenue, Missoula 59801) or Missoula Food Bank (1720 Wyoming St., Missoula 59801).