David F. Grimm

1973 - 2021

David F. Grimm, 47

May 19, 1973 - February 19, 2021

David F. Grimm passed away on February 19, 2021 in Columbia Falls, MT. He was born on May 19, 1973 in Havre, MT to Pat and Phil Grimm. He spent his early years in Portland, OR, Bainbridge Island, WA and Federal Way, WA. His younger brother, Matthew was born in 1979 in Seattle, WA. David loved his new little brother and family camping and boating trips in the Puget Sound area. The family moved to Butte, MT in 1982 where they made their home on Butte's west side. Dave graduated from Butte High School in 1991. After working in a variety of hotels and restaurants, Dave decided on a career as a professional Chef and graduated from the University of Montana, Missoula College with Associate degrees in Culinary Arts and Kitchen Management. He enjoyed working in the National Parks and spent most of his professional career in Yellowstone and Glacier. He served as the Restaurant Chef at Yellowstone's Snow Lodge, Roosevelt Ranch and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. He also spent two years as the Chef at the Crazy Mountain Ranch, Clyde Park, MT. He then moved on to Glacier National Park where he was the Executive Sous Chef for all of Glacier Park through the end of the 2019 season. During the off seasons, he also served as the Banquet Chef for the Cedar Creek Lodge in Columbia Falls. He was a trainer and mentor to many other aspiring chefs and was highly regarded by his corporate supervisors and student chefs alike.

In addition to his love for cooking and banquet preparations, David loved music and playing his guitar, trips to band concerts, fishing and camping trips with his brother and friends. He also loved sailing and power boating on Flathead and neighboring lakes.

Dave was predeceased by his grandparents, Al and Marian Grimm and Doris Klumb, and also his uncles Byron Hill and Harley Johansen and beloved dog, Stella Blue. He is survived by his parents and brother Matt. He is also survived by his Aunts and Uncles Susan Hill of Manly, Iowa; Nancy Johansen and her son Peder Johansen of Spokane, WA; Dr. Fred and Wilene Grimm, Bainbridge Island, WA; and Fred and Lynne Bray, Chesterville, Maine. Dave also leaves behind many other cousins and their families in his large extended family.

The family is grateful for the many special times that they were able to enjoy with Dave in Yellowstone and Glacier Parks. A celebration of life for Dave is planned for later this year in the Columbia Falls area.

Memorials in Dave's name may be sent to Yellowstone Forever, P.O. Box 1110, Gardiner, MT 59030 (www.contact@yellowstone.org) or Glacier National Park Conservancy, P.O Box 2749, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.