David B Tawney

David B. Tawney, 94, passed away in the early morning hours of January 20, 2017 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. The last seven days of his life he was surrounded by the constant presence and love of his children and their families.

Dave was born in Hamilton, MT on October 10, 1922 to Leona Dinneen and David B. Tawney, Sr. His early years were spent in Hamilton, Missoula and Great Falls. Following graduation from Missoula County High School he studied pre-dentistry at Montana State University (U of M). Summers were spent working the hay fields in the East Fork drainage of the Bitterroot River and for the Forest Service at Powell Ranger Station, Idaho.

Partway through dental school at Marquette University, he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in WW II in the medical corp., stationed in the Philippines. Before deployment, he married Alpha Dowling of Hamilton, MT in Chicago. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he completed dental school with the celebration of the birth of his first child, Philip, on graduation night.

Returning to Missoula, Dave established a dental practice that spanned over fifty years. By 1958 three more children; Mary Lynn, Jack, and Linda, had joined the family. Weekends were often spent at the Dowling Lodge on the East Fork of the Bitterroot River or the cabin he and Alpha built on Lindbergh Lake in the Swan River Valley. This cabin was home base for adventures exploring the lakes, rivers, and trails of the Swan and Mission mountains and Glacier National Park. An avid fisherman, hunter and hiker, he taught his children to fly fish, tie flies, train labrador retrievers, backpack, ski and to respect and appreciate the natural world.

In 1964, they built a home on a south-facing slope of Pattee Canyon where they raised their family and Dave lived until his death. He took his responsibility as a steward of the land seriously and could often be found thinning trees and brush, tending slash piles and gardening. The words “enough firewood” were never uttered by Dave, and he could most reliably be found with an axe or chainsaw in hand. Along with the dogs his farm included sheep, goats, steers, chickens, bees, horses and mules. Backcountry horse trips became an annual event.

An early interest in safety led him to retrofit the family cars with seat belts long before they were required. In the 1960s he began to grind wheat to make his weekly whole wheat bread. He rode his custom Braxton bicycle up and down Pattee Canyon to work, well into his 70s. His patients, family and friends were often the recipients of continuous information on diet and exercise.

Active in his community, he was a Boy Scout and 4-H leader and a loyal fan of the activities and sporting events of his children. Dave was an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church, active in the Western District Dental Society, served on the State Board of Dentistry and the Western Regional Board of Dental examiners and the MT Tree Farm Steering Committee. After retiring from his practice, he volunteered at Partnership Health Center. He was a member of the Five Valley River Parks Association, now Five Valley Land Trust. He was a founding partner in the Ironwood Athletic Club in Coeur d’Alene, ID.

A man of boundless energy he rarely sat still and was most happy when those around him did the same. His children and grandchildren were fortunate to be mentored by a spirited, gentle, generous man. He genuinely showed care and concern for others throughout his life.

After Alpha’s death Dave married Jeannette Buchanan in June 1986. They shared their interests in dentistry, music, and travel. They were actively involved in the parish of Holy Spirit Episcopal Church. As Jeannette’s health declined he became a devoted full-time caregiver.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, brother George, wife Alpha, son Philip, and wife Jeannette.

Survivors include his daughters, Mary Lynn Eiseman (Charlie) and Linda Tawney (Dave Scheel), Missoula; son Jack (Megan Wood), Edmonds WA; and daughter-in-law Robin Tawney Nichols (Nick), Missoula. Grandchildren Land Tawney, Mikal Tawney Begnoche, Whitney Tawney, Michael Eiseman, Erin Eiseman, Jacklyn Tawney, Nick Loan, Calli Loan, Ann Scheel McElyea, Charlie Scheel and Alpha Scheel; eight great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dave’s family is deeply grateful to Ally Logan for her loving friendship and steadfast care over the years. Harvest Home allowed him to care for Jeannette at home the last seven months of her life.

Memorial contributions can be made to Five Valley Land Trust, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, or the String Orchestra of the Rockies.

A celebration of his life will be held in the spring, his favorite season.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.gardencityfh.com