David Carlisle Boulter, 74, of Rock Creek, our loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, fighting to the very end, lost his courageous battle with cancer on Feb. 17, 2014, surrounded by his loving family.

      Dave was born on Oct. 31, 1939, to K.C. and Ruth Westland Boulter in Helena. Upon graduation from Butte High School in 1957, he proudly served in the Air Force from 1958 to 1962.   Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Butte where he worked for Metro Sewer.

      He later joined his mother in operating the Grand Hotel on West Broadway in Uptown Butte for many years.   Dave bought his beloved place “up the creek” in 1974 and enjoyed weekends there until he retired there permanently in 1991.   Dave also owned /operated several small businesses in Butte and Missoula throughout the years.

      In 1980, he married Earlene Fairchild, and together they shared 33 years of partnership and undying love.   Their blended family included many children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren.

    Dave was a gentle giant.   He was kind, hardworking and had a special wit.   He loved the San Francisco 49ers and the Boston Celtics, and greatly enjoyed the trips he and Earlene made to see both teams play.   He also enjoyed “dropping $5”now and again with Earlene.   Dave was incredibly strong and resourceful.   If it was broken, he could fix it; if it wasn’t broken, he could find a way to improve it.

      Dave was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bob Boulter.

      He is survived by his wife of 33 years,   Earlene Boulter;     children,   Paul (Wendy) Boulter of Butte, Kim Lince of Butte, Sandy Miller of Clearfield, Utah, Kevin Osterma of Albuquerque,N.M., Kim Morrow (Jim) of Missoula, Michelle Manzanares of Layton, Utah, and nieces, Edrie Bizak of Portland, Ore., Adele Gibbs of Missoula,Heidi Osusky, and Katrina Boulter-Reed, of Spokane;   11 grandchildren;   11½ great-grandchildren;   many other nieces and nephews;   and last but not least, his faithful companion dog, Luca.

      A special thank you to the wonderful staff at the Providence Center of Missoula, Dr. Thomas, Dr. Weber, and Dr. “Bill”, for their loving care.   Also the staff at the Hillside Manor of Missoula, and Dr. Murney and the Veterans Administration.

      At Dave’s request, there will be no formal services.   However, the family will celebrate Dave’s life this summer “up the creek.”

      Express condolences at www.mtstandards.com/obits