David Henry

1936 - 2023

David Henry Montplaisir, Sr. passed away Monday morning, October 2nd, peacefully in his sleep at Prince William Hospital in Manassas, Virginia. David was born in Fargo, North Dakota on February 11, 1936. He grew up on a farm near Horace, North Dakota - the oldest of 12 siblings. He met his college sweetheart Shirley Mary Kellen at Moorehead State University in 1954 and they got married in August 1956.

David has led an industrious life. He was a Geography teacher and wrestling coach at West Fargo High School. He was a member of the North Dakota Legislature, and he had an illustrious career in the North Dakota Air National Guard as a back-seater in various fighter jets before eventually moving to Washington, DC where he was the first ever Commander of the Air National Guard Support Center. Wanting to be the best at everything David went back to school and earned a PhD in International Affairs at Catholic University. Eventually he retired from the military as a full Colonel and then moving on to be a military advisor for the US Senator from North Dakota. When he finally left Government service - he became the Chief Financial Officer for a government consulting firm until his final retirement when he turned 62 years old.

David has enjoyed a good life. He traveled the world with his wife Shirley. Flying to the Panama Canal zone, Germany and frequent trips to the Azores with the Air National Guard. He had a joyous marriage to his college sweetheart that lasted 43 years until cancer took her from him, but before that they raised three children and were blessed with four grandchildren.

He will join some of his family in heaven who went before him. Parents Henry and Jeanette Montplaisir, wife Shirley Montplaisir who left him in February 2000. Brothers and sisters Richard Montplaisir, Jerome Montplaisir (Joan), Edward Montplaisir, Kathy Harrington (Larry), and Eleanore Larson (Clifford).

He is survived by his son David Montplaisir, Jr.(Cristina), daughter Dawn Laws (Lee), and son Daniel Montplaisir. In addition, four grandchildren - Sean Montplaisir, Layton Laws (Danielle), Lauren Laws, and Kaan Montplaisir. He is also survived by brothers Ron Montplaisir (Linnea), Bruce Montplaisir (Mary Beth), and Mike Montplaisir (Wendy) as well as sisters Roseanne Seaburg (Thomas), Karen Chase (Rick), Linda See (Mike Schwab) plus sisters-in-law Carolyn Montplaisir and Mary Montplaisir as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends and co-workers from over the years.

A mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 a.m., Friday, October 6, 2023, at All Saints Catholic Church, 9300 Stonewall Rd. Manassas, Virginia. Pierce Funeral Home (9609 Center St, Manassas) will be taking care of all arrangements. David will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.