David Courtney Skilling

David Courtney Skilling (Dave), 74, of Missoula, MT passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Washington DC, Dave was raised in Bethesda MD by his father John M. Skilling Jr. and his mother Mary Jane (Courtney) Skilling.

Dave spent his high school years at the New Hampton School in New Hampshire. During his summer months, he worked on the trail crew at Grand Teton National Park where he discovered his passion for the out-of-doors, including hiking, climbing, fishing and environmental preservation. That passion led him to a BS in Forestry at the University of Montana in 1976. While at Montana, Dave followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Sigma Chi fraternity. He later continued his education and earned a Master's degree in Business Administration in 1981. He loved Montana and Missoula became his hometown for over 50 years especially after he married his Montana bride, Caron Burns.

Dave held several sales, management and operational positions over his career, many of which were tied to his interest in forestry, outdoor activities and software supporting first responders. His final job at Superior Hardwoods of Montana brought him full circle, helping clients select previously used specialty lumber. In his spare time, Dave was a DIY guy, always fixing, building and puttering around the house and their property in Thompson Falls MT.

Dave was athletic and loved sports. He developed a passion for winter sports including skiing and ice hockey and he raised his sons on the snow and on the ice. This led him to his other great love, refereeing for the [league name] at [rink name]. He spent twenty years as a referee (ice cop as he called it) well after his sons had graduated high school. He loved the camaraderie on the ice until he retired his skates in 2022.

Dave is survived by his wife of 41 years, Caron Marie (Burns) Skilling, from Butte MT, his cherished sons Daniel Courtney Skilling (Andrea) of Bozeman MT and Cody Michael Skilling (Rebekah) of Sitka AK as well as his canine companions Bandit and Abby. He also leaves behind his devoted sister Bonnie Skilling Muheim and brother John M. Skilling III (Josette) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on October 9th at Holy Trinity Church in Missoula. 

Because of Dave's deep ties to Missoula hockey, the family will sponsor a memorial skating session for Dave at Glacier Ice Rink time TBD. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Glacier Ice Rink.