David Arthur Lewis

David Arthur Lewis of Clinton, MT transitioned to his next adventure on December 1st, 2022 at home, in his bed, surrounded by love. David was born on May 6th, 1948 in Miles City, Montana to Margery Elizabeth Jones Lewis and David Aldean Lewis. David was the oldest sibling of five: David, Dean, Kathy, Tom and Jason. The family of seven created roots in Helena, MT where David attended school and graduated in 1966. After high school, David enlisted in the U. S. Navy in December, 1966 and was honorably discharged from service in August, 1972. During his time in the Navy, David served in Vietnam and aboard the USS Enterprise. He made life-long friends during this time as well as developed a worldview that included a desire for peace and respect for other cultures and communities. Unfortunately during this time he was also exposed to Agent Orange and consequently endured and survived multiple major health issues from this exposure throughout his life. After serving in the U. S. Navy, David returned to Montana and reconnected with Candace Anne Bozman whom he had met when they were 8 years old. David and Candace married on the top of a mountain, during a snowstorm on December 27th, 1972. The newly-weds began their married life in Missoula, MT where David took classes at the University of Montana. David became a father for the first time on May 3rd, 1978 when Cedar Brooke came into this world. Kindle Dawn followed shortly after on September 24th, 1982 and, after a brief pause, Connor David blessed the family with his presence on December 27th, 1994. David was exceedingly curious and loved learning complex systems and concepts, he translated this passion into a life-long career in technology and computer systems. Over his life, David worked for 4-G Computers, The Elk Foundation, and Curry Health Center. His time at Curry Health Center was especially meaningful for David as he made many work-place friends and very much enjoyed going to work. David also held creativity and creative expression as life values and necessities to happiness. Throughout his life he found solace, healing and joy in drawing, painting, tinkering, and particularly, carving soapstone aka talc. David’s art reflected his deep respect and love for our natural world and he hoped that through his art others would be inspired to honor, safeguard, and find joy in our environment. David’s stone carvings have been featured in trade publications, galleries in Missoula, and surrounding areas. The beauty David left behind in his art is only amplified by the magnitude of his generosity in spreading love. David found every opportunity he could to go out of his way to make others’ lives a little easier whether this be through supporting several non-profits, providing a safe space for those needing one, ensuring his fruit trees were healthy, or giving “20-second oxytocin hugs”. David endured and survived many hardships in his life and consequently became an outspoken advocate for those in need, the environment, and fostering peace. David’s legacy lives on with: his wife Candace; children Cedar, Kindle, Connor; son-in-law Jason and grandson Alex; siblings Kathy, Tom (Beth) and Jason (Bev); as well as many beloved in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins (of all levels), friends and found-family members. If you would like to remember David, please leave a memory in the comments below and/or make a donation in David’s name to one of the following: - Montana Food Bank Network - The Poverello Center - The Wilderness Society - Doctors without Borders - Charity: Water