David A. Strand, 81

David A. Strand, 81, died Feb. 5, 2022, at his home in Libby of natural causes. “Big Dave” was born March 2, 1940, in Bemidji, Minn., to Emil and Catherine Strand.

He grew up catching frogs, shooting squirrels and riding freight trains. At the age of 7, he missed a train, but it didn’t miss him. He lost his leg, but it gave him the “hitch in his git up” that we all knew so well. It never slowed him down! He was the hardest working man we’ve ever known. He was also the orneriest.

In 1955, they moved to Columbia Falls where his dad worked at Weyerhaeuser mill. This is where, at the age of 15, Big Dave met one of his best friends for life, Mike Herzog.

Big Dave went on to be a logger for several years. He lived a wild life as a confirmed bachelor until he met Peggy Sue. He would go in to see her at the local meat market every day for two pieces of lunchmeat. They were married in 1971 and this last November they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

In 1987, Big Dave and Peggy opened the pawn and second hand store called “New To You.” Big Dave was meant to be an entrepreneur. He was so proud to know the business is still going strong and still in the family for more than 30 years. What a legacy!

One thing Big Dave never missed was hunting camp. Every year, Big Dave, his family and his best friend Dan Ersland and his family would head to Dillon for hunting and camaraderie. Memories were made that will never be forgotten.

He liked his whiskey and even up until the last night of his life he shared it with his family, telling us all how much he loved us. He was a husband, father, brother, uncle and dog dad. Our world will never be the same.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Merle Ann and Cathy, and his brother, Larry.

He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Sue; his five children, Bonnie and Randy Lane, Brenda and Salvador Marez, Tara and Sean Miehe, David and Shannon Strand, and Sam and Nicole Strand; his sister, Karen and Doug McLean; 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held via Zoom on Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. To join the Zoom meeting go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89950802435. The meeting ID is 899 5080 2435 and the passcode is 735386.

One tap mobile: +13462487799,,89950802435#,,,,735386# US (Houston) or +16699006833,,89950802435#,,,,735386# US (San Jose). To dial by your location: +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston); +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose); +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma); +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago); +1 929 205 6099 US (New York); +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington, D.C.). Find your local number by going to: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcFPqiZ6pk.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.