David E. "Spike" Fuller

1941 - 2022

David E. (Spike) Fuller

July 28, 1941 - February 5, 2022

David E (Spike) Fuller died on February 05 2022 from Covid related symptoms. He was born 07/28/41 in Helena, Montana to Harry and Hallie (Sasek) Fuller. He attended East Helena Public School through the Eighth grade and graduated for Helena Senior in 1959. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Harry, Jr. He is survived by his sister, Cathy Fuller and several cousins and their families.

David was a leader during every stage of his life. In high school, he was an excellent student, an athlete, class president and editor of the yearbook. And was nominated by Senator Lee Metcalf to attend the U.S. Military Academy but poor eyesight prevented that; so, he went to the University of Montana on a baseball scholarship. His college years also showed his natural leadership. He was active in his fraternity and various honorary organizations.

After college he moved to the San Francisco area to teach in a low-income area. He then returned to Montana and became the Executive Director of the Montana Democratic Party, Montana Commissioner of Labor & Industry, Montana State Senator, and Lewis & Clark County Commissioner. He, also, worked for low-income people in other state jobs and was very proud of his work at Rocky Mountain Development Council.

Dave was a true believer in the great American experiment in democracy and participated actively in it on a daily basis for decades. In every day of a public service and political career that spanned more than three decades, he demonstrated his commitment to everyday Montanans. Dave's East Helena working class background and his belief in working people as the backbone of our state and nation always guided his efforts, you never had to wonder whose side Dave would take in a political or policy fight – he always chose to fight for the less-powerful people and against the powerful economic interests. Dave believed that government existed to be helpful to citizens who needed help to make their lives better. He understood that politics and elections were the vehicle by which governmental actions in favor of the people could be made real and dedicated himself to their causes at both the ballot box and in the hallways and meeting rooms of government.

Dave's resume is filled with work and activities that all speak to public service. He had a supervisory quality that was unassuming but effective. As a mentor he encouraged improvement by engaging in casual conversation and questions, never harsh criticism. These coaching conversations were gentle but his message was delivered. He made suggestions not demands and gave encouragement not criticism.

Dave possessed a lifetime of "old style" political stories in which he described his role(s). Though he proudly held elected office, he more often talked about the politicians he supported and respected, especially the late Lee Metcalf.

Dave was an interesting person and if you were fortunate to spend time with him you likely saw or experienced some or all of his characteristics. He was: loyal, frugal, intelligent, shrewd, a serious Griz fan, generous, teacher, mentor, Democrat, patriot, opinionated, proud, shy, reclusive, benevolent, fierce, determined, dedicated, clever, rational, and astute.

He will be remembered always – he made a positive difference

Please visit www.helenafunerals.com to offer a condolence to the family