David M. Tofte

1950 - 2022

David M. Tofte, 72

February 10, 1950 - March 6, 2022

David M. Tofte peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 6, 2022. Dave was born on February 10, 1950, in Bend, Oregon to Beverlee (Yeager) Tofte and Theodore Johnson. Dave was later adopted by Sandy Tofte, and lovingly raised by Beverlee and Sandy. Dave grew up in Oregon and Washington State, and he joined the US. Army after high school. Dave served honorably in the service, and was very proud of his status of a veteran.

Dave, always seeking a new adventure, attended college at Chaminade University in Hawaii, where he attained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing.

Dave then took his education and travelled to Kansas City where he went to work for Hallmark, as a salesman. Later, Dave travelled to California where he embarked on a long and highly successful career selling real estate. There, he met the love of his life, Suzanne (O'Connell) Combs, and they were soon married. Dave and Suzanne were married for 34 wonderful years. They joined forces with their real estate expertise, and became part owners of 3 Keller Williams offices and founded their own sales office in The Villages Real Estate Team in San Jose California. Dave and Suzanne fully retired in 2019 and moved to Butte, Montana to be closer to their kids and grandchildren.

Dave was truly a unique individual, full of life and love. He cared for everyone he met and had a very special way of making everyone feel important. He was always quick to compliment somebody or start a conversation with a perfect stranger. Dave was described as somebody who made the world a better place.

Dave had a very generous streak, freely giving his time and energy to all. He was a long-time member of the Shriners, and frequently visited children's hospital wards dressed as Popsy the Clown. He and Suzanne also spent 20+ years as Santa and Mrs. Claus for hospitals, schools, and Christmas functions.

Dave was particularly loved by his granddaughters Abigail, Katie, and Scottie Combs, all of whom absolutely adored him. Popsy always made time for them and made them a priority in his life.

Dave loved new adventures and travelled and bareboat sailed all over the world with his beloved Suzanne and many special friends and family. Cruises, catamaran sailing in the Caribbean, trips to Hayden Lake, Idaho, Santa Cruz beach and boardwalk, family reunions, weddings, funerals, volleyball games, softball games, and all too many other events to mention, all led to a very full and rich life for Dave.

Dave is survived by his wife Suzanne Tofte of Butte Montana, his children Scott and Eleanor, of Butte, MT, Gretchen Combs of Pine Grove, CA, granddaughters Abigail and Scottie Combs of Butte, and Katie Combs of Pine Grove, brothers Rick Tofte, Yuma, AZ, Richard Tofte, Panama, and Brian Tofte, Longview, WA, sisters Meladee Smith, Federal Way, WA, and Kimberly Tighe, of Roy, WA, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and too many close friends to mention.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Beverlee and Sandy Tofte, and son Dan Combs.

Celebration of Dave's life will be held from 1-4PM on 3/19/22, at the Finlen Hotel, Butte, MT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Butte Emergency Food Bank, or to another charity of the donor's choice.

Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Dave. Axelson's has been privileged to care for Dave and his family.