Obituary - David Charles Ivey

David Charles Ivey was born February 24, 1935, to Charles and Cornelia Ivey in Havre Montana. Heaven gained an Angel on May 19, 2021 in Palm Springs, California, after a long and hard fight that began with COVID-19.

He grew up in Chinook Montana and graduated in 1953. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1953 and served four years. He also served in the Montana National Guard and Army Reserves.

Dave married Betty Jo Solem on June 7, 1958, in Havre. The couple then relocated to Denver, CO, where Dave attended Denver University and graduated with a business degree in 1960.

After graduating, the couple relocated to Billings, MT, where Dave was employed in banking and the car business. During this time, they welcomed two children, Dara Lynn and Steven Charles.

In 1972 David moved his family to Kalispell, MT, where he entered into a partnership and became an owner of Wild West Toyota. He later sold his partnership and went to work at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company.

Dave had many interests and hobbies that included golf, amateur radio, reading and music. His love for music included many years of involvement with the Flathead Valleyaires and the Glacier Chorale with his beautiful bass voice. Dave loved to swim and could often be found diving off the bridge in downtown Bigfork or swimming in the Swan River and Bigfork Bay. Upon retiring, Dave and Betty Jo spent many years snow-birding in Palm Springs, CA, and summers between Kalispell and Bigfork.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Cornelia Ivey; his brother, Del Ivey, and sister, Laurel Thompson.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Jo Ivey, daughter, Dara (Jay) VanQuekelberg; son, Steven (Karri) Ivey; grandchildren Jolene (Brent) Perry, Noah VanQuekelberg, Jordyn (Robbie) Thayer, Hayden (soon to be Mary) Ivey, and great-granddaughter Audree Perry; niece, Kristi Thompson, and nephew, Mike (Amy) Thompson.

No services are planned at this time.

We will miss you but are comforted by knowing that we will one day be reunited.