STEVENSVILLE — David Joseph Lauchnor Sr., 65, of Stevensville, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, on May 9, 2018, of lung cancer. He was born on Oct. 8, 1952, to Elizabeth McLeod Lauchnor and Joseph Marvin Lauchnor in Salt Lake City. His family moved to Golden, Colorado, when he was eight years old and he grew up on South Tabletop in Applewood Mesa, running ditch trails and roaming the neighborhood as one of the original “free range kids.”
Dave met his lifelong love, Emily Harden Lauchnor, when they were kids riding mini bikes and horse all over the mesa. He asked her out on their first date when they were 15 years old, and married her ten years later, on Oct. 21, 1978. Their 50 years together has been a dance of challenges and adventures, love and laughter, but mostly gratitude for all that they experienced together.
At the age of 29, Dave got sober and was given a second chance at life. Continuing to be an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, he helped countless people in recovery by sharing his experience, strength and hope, gaining so many lifelong friendships over his 35 years (weekends too!) of sobriety.
Dave loved spending time outdoors with his family and friends fishing, hunting and camping. He enjoyed spending time with his son and giving back to the youth community. So, because his own experience with scouting was so important to him when he was growing up, he became an active volunteer in Boy Scout Troop #1960 for many years. Going on camp-outs, 50 Mile backpacking trips, Frost Point adventures, Chili Feed fundraisers, etc. with his son.
He was proud that he was present at the birth of all three of his grandchildren. They loved their “Papa” and he loved them, considering them one of his most precious gifts.
His education in finance was an asset in the many years in the insurance industry working for Lumberman’s Underwriting Alliance and Liberty Northwest. Retiring early, Dave and Emily had the chance to travel many places. He absolutely insisted on enjoying life.
Dave was preceded in death by his father Joseph Lauchnor, step fathers Calvin Cooksey and Glenn White, mother Elizabeth Lauchnor White and nephew James Joseph McDowell. He is survived by his wife, Emily; daughter, Libba and Andrew Chilcote, Stevensville; son, Davy and Ellen Lauchnor, Bozeman; sister, Kathleen McDowell, Denver; niece, Courtney Dorr, Denver, his aunt Francis Hardwick, Salt Lake City, cousins Jim, Hilary and Ken Hardwick, Brad, Susie, and Annie Lauchnor, and his three beautiful grandchildren, Preston, Skyla and Avalyn.
https://missoulian.com/news/local/obituaries/david-joseph-lauchnor-sr/article_339c81e1-93ce-5ea9-8628-8797d2f584da.html
