David Lee Miller

David Lee Miller, 83, of Bozeman, MT, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on April 8, 2025, following a sudden cardiac emergency a few days prior.

Dave was born in Halifax, PA, on December 15, 1941, and grew up in Lancaster, PA. Dave graduated from McCaskey High School and excelled in football and track, receiving All-State Honors in football and setting a Pennsylvania state record in javelin. Dave went on to be recruited by Herb Agocs to play football for the Montana State Bobcats from 1961 to 1964. Dave was a powerful fullback and linebacker for the Bobcats, renowned for his tough running and hard hitting, holding down that fullback position all four years. As a Senior, Dave led the Bobcats in rushing with 688 yards, receiving All-Big Sky Conference Honors in that season's Big Sky Conference Championship and Western Regional National Championship football title at the Camellia Bowl. While at MSU, Dave also found time to earn his bachelor's degree in physical education with a teaching certificate.

Dave married Bonnie Dostert, and they had their son, Lance, in 1965; they would later divorce. In 1967, Dave joined the Bozeman Fire Department for a stellar career that spanned 36 years, retiring with the rank of Captain. He was affectionately referred to as "#8", for "the 8th wonder of the world". You couldn't spend time around Dave without having a "Dave Story" of some kind. If you were ever in a crisis, Dave was the one you wanted in your corner.

In 1990, Dave married Stacy Terrell, and they spent the next 34 years together, enjoying many summers of camping and boating at Canyon Ferry Lake. Dave also enjoyed dirt biking, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, skiing, and scuba diving throughout his life. Dave's biggest passion in life was flying. He dedicated 12 years meticulously building his experimental TRI Q200 homebuilt airplane. He was very proud of that airplane and could talk endlessly about it. In 2002, Dave was the Montana representative selected to carry the Montana Capitol-flown U.S. flag back to New York in his airplane for the "Flight Across America", commemorating the freedom of flight in America and to honor those fallen in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Catherine Miller, and his brothers, Gerald, Josef, and Dale. He is survived by his wife, Stacy; son, Lance (Maede); his beloved dog, Tucker; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and great friends. Dave will be deeply missed.

Memorial contributions in Dave's honor are suggested to the pet rescue or firehouse/rescue unit of the donor's choice. A Celebration of Dave's Life will be held in June, with more details to follow.