David J. McDonough

David McDonough passed away November 29, 2020 after the toughest and most private battle of his life.  He fought with strength, tenacity, and an incredible will to live until bipolar disorder took his life, and God received him into His loving arms.

David James McDonough was born on September 9, 1989 in Shelby, Montana to loving parents, Pat and Jeanne (McNamer) McDonough. From the minute he was born he hit the ground running, by literally almost jumping off the hospital table!  Although he was the youngest of five children, David blazed his own trail.   As a child, he was not afraid to try anything.  He was a daredevil from the get-go, and could be found scaling fences or climbing anything that sparked his curiosity.  From a young age, David loved competing and playing sports.  He had a love for riding dirt bikes, skiing, and all water sports. David truly loved being on the lake with his family and friends. Out of all the sports, wrestling was his true passion.   He never missed an opportunity to teach the next generation the sport of wrestling and how to perfect the moves. He took so much pride in coaching his nieces, nephews, and other local youth wrestlers.  David loved being part of a team and was proud to be a Shelby Coyote.

David was gifted with an extraordinary self-taught musical ability that brought joy to so many around campfires, at ski lodges and family weddings. You were lucky to find yourself at one of David’s impromptu performances, which could take place anywhere from a bar to a church.

David loved learning and was constantly seeking knowledge.  He enjoyed his career as a lineman and respected the brotherhood that came with it.  Honesty, integrity, and always “giving your best effort” were David’s highest values.  As an adult, his adventures got bigger, and the mountains he climbed got taller. The back country called him, and he found great happiness in conquering the extreme challenges it offered.

He had a special bond with his Grandma Deloris and missed her dearly.   He sought out God and was able to find comfort in his faith.

David was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend.  The sparkle in his eye, his sweet-almost mischievous smile, and his beautiful soul will be remembered by all who loved him so dearly.

David is preceded in death by his Grandparents: Warren “Mick” McDonough,  Deloris McDonough, and Genore “Jean” McNamer; cousin Sofie Larson; and numerous other beloved family members.

David is survived by his loving parents, Pat and Jeanne McDonough; siblings, Bridget (Mark) Blevins, Brianna (Tom) Hansen, Brooke (Jabez) Rogers, and Daniel (Leanne) McDonough; beloved nieces and nephews, in whom he took great pride; Chloe, Cami, Cael Blevins; Brodey, Rowdy White, Birte Hansen; Wyatt, Halle, Lucas, Maclan Rogers; Finley, Shane McDonough;

uncles and aunts, Dennis (Cindy) McDonough and families, Mike (Patty) McDonough and families, Pam (Tom) Bogan and families, Micheal (J.J.) McNamer and families, John (Susan) McNamer and families, Lynn McNamer and families, Bridget (Harold) Larson and families; and so many dearly beloved friends.

A private family funeral and burial was held Friday, December 4, 2020 at Saint William Catholic Church.  David was laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery in Shelby, MT.

A Celebration of David’s life will be held at the Marias Valley Golf & Country Club on December 12, 2020.  The gathering will take place from 3:30pm-6:00pm, with a memorial tribute at 4:00pm.  Dinner will be served, along with an opportunity to share memories.  Memorials can be sent to the David McDonough Memorial Fund at PO Box 944 Shelby, MT 59474.

Social distancing protocol will be enforced.

Memorial Tribute at 4pm can be seen on ZOOM with following link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89594157428?pwd=bjZOUDFmQzJCV1JzYWxPUlBFN2V2UT09