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David Charles Hamlin Roope
David Charles Hamlin Roope
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David Roope Obituary
David never gave up hope for a cure, used every treatment available and always remained positive. He spent quality time with family and friends since his diagnosis.
He was born in Helena on March 30, 1989, to Michelle Lea Sargent and Charles C. Hamlin.
From the age of six, David came to live with his aunt and uncle, Gary and Debbie Roope, who raised him as their son and who he called mom and dad. David attended Broadwater Elementary School, C. R. Anderson Middle School, Capital High School and PAL.
David was a hard worker and worked at Jade Garden, and for two summers he worked for the Montana Conservation Corps, doing volunteer work in the mountains. He had also been a camp counselor assistant for a summer.
David was very active all of his life and happiest when snowboarding, mountain biking, skateboarding, fishing and camping. David spent many summers playing Babe Ruth baseball and was a star pitcher and hitter. He received many trophies for wins including first place in both the 2000 Cal Ripken/A Division Tournament and Cal Ripken/Capital League and in 2003 the 14- to 15-year-old league for first place both in the Babe Ruth City Tournament and for regular season.
He was an artist who could draw anything, did wood burning projects, designed hemp necklaces and created unique glass etchings, some of which are in the halls of PAL. David drew people to him with his smile and all who knew him love him. David's goal was to graduate high school and go on to film and video school in order to create extreme sports videos. As an avid photographer, he surrounded himself with photos of family and friends. Many families consider David as one of their own children and David's passing is heartbreaking to all. Yet we rejoice in the fact that David was a born-again believer who is now in paradise with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
David is preceded in death by paternal grandfathers, Dale E. Hamlin, and Clayton E. Roope, and friend, Kenneth D. Pippin, all of Helena.
He is survived by paternal grandparents, Shirley L. Roope and Janet M. Hamlin; maternal grandparents, Robert E. Lea and Rachel C. Lea; parents, Debbie G. and Gary W. Roope, Michelle L. Sargent, and Charles C. Hamlin; siblings, Jeremiah N. Roope, Jacen F. Roope, Jonathan C. Hamlin, Rachel M. Roope, Robert E. J. Roope, and Devrey R. Zapata, all of Helena. Other survivors include many aunts, uncles, cousins and one niece, Ellie M. Williams.
The family would like to extend an invitation to all who know and loved David to join them at the services to celebrate his life. Viewing hours will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 23, with the family receiving friends between the hours of 5 and 8 p.m., and also from 9 to 11:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 24, at Retz Funeral Home.
Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m., Friday, Aug. 24, from the First Assembly of God Church, 2210 Dodge Avenue. Interment will follow at Forestvale Cemetery. At the graveside service, we will release balloons in celebration of David's life. A reception then will be held at the First Assembly of God Church gymnasium.
"Come rip open the skies with David's family with Remedy Drive after the service, a free concert at the Memorial Park band shell at 7 p.m."
In lieu of flowers please send your contribution to Great Divide Ski Patrol, Belmont Drive, P.O. Box SKI, Marysville, MT 59640
Express condolences at http://www.legacy.com/HelenaIR/.
This obituary was originally published in the Helena Independent Record.
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michele faure
August 18, 2008
David,
It is impossible to believe you have been gone from us for a year!! We think of you and miss you daily..Logan got a tatoo on Sat of the picture of the star w/halo on your headstone, it looks great...I know you are where you needed to be, but still wish you were here with us...I just wanted to let you know that you were and still are an important part of our lives...we will take lessons we learned from you with us ...We love you David (or Davin, remember when Rico couldn't say your name??, I am sure you do...lol). Watch over us....thanks...Love, Michele
Jessie Glosser
May 6, 2008
David-I found myself thinking of you today. It makes my heart ache to think that I never got to say goodbye to you. I was gone during last summer at training and learned of your death in a phone call from my cousin, Cori. You were always a sweet guy and I thank you for being such a nice person to everyone you came in contact with. I knew when I left last summer that I would probably never see you again. I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough to face it and tell you I love you and you'll always be in my heart. I miss you buddy.
michele faure
March 31, 2008
Hey there you, Happy Birthday, (I know a day late...) We had a great evening with your family and friends, just hanging out and talking, it was nice to talk about you with people who really knew you...your family. We all talked about the "Summer of the Garage", and how you all thought it was the greatest, and how all I did was try to keep tabs on you guys...Have a great spring David..I can only imagine how beautiful it must be.....love, Michele
michele faure
November 22, 2007
David, Happy Thanksgiving!!! Rico says to tell you hello...we had our first snow this week and we all thought of you and how excited you would have been to get on your board...thinking of you and missing you....love, michele
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michele faure
October 18, 2007
Hey there David, well, it has been 2 months since you left us, I wonder how many hours of boarding you have gotten in, I would imagine too many too count. It is hard to believe how quickly time passes, it seems like yesterday you were here at the house, hanging out with the boys. Just know we think of you, and talk of you all the time, you will always be a part of our lives. Talk to you again soon, michele
michele faure
September 11, 2007
David, I thought of you today, as I do every day at some point, and selfishly wondered again, why you had to leave us all...and I figured you would tell me to get a grip like you used to when I would bug you guys about something...like it really is no big deal...I miss you David, but I do know you are in Heaven looking down on us all...thank you for that...the boys miss you, you were such a big part of their lives. Friday is the tree ceremony at PAL, all the kids who go there will get to hear a little something about you, and with that you will touch even more lives...I have to think that was the reason you were here such a short time...you have a job to do in helping people know and learn that time is short..care about and love each other now....Good night Dave, see you ......love, michele
Jacquelyn Simonson
August 27, 2007
David-It hurts my heart knowing I won't see that handsome face and beautiful spirit. You are one of a kind that everyone loved. Only the good die young. God needs your talents else where. Rest In Peace... I love you.
Debbie and family- what a wonderful son you raised. David had great love and talent. I could just stare at him all the day...He was truelly that remarkable. I know recognized the uncontional love David had for his family and am so sorry for his loss. You are amazing people and through the strength of god may your hearts be at ease. My thoughts will always be with you.
sara Kittelson
August 27, 2007
My daughter Kelsey Cumley was friends with Daved and spoke of him often, she wanted to be with David but went to boot camp three weeks ago, she was sad on her leaving knowing she may never see him again,but said she was lucky to have been his friend. My thoughts and prayes are with you for the loss of this very special person. Kelsey sends her prayers as well. Sara Kittelson.
Vickie Murphy
August 27, 2007
Gary, Debbie and Family,
Although I didn't know David, I have heard a lot of wonderful things about him and wish I had the opportunity to get to know him better. I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Trevor Parvinen
August 25, 2007
A brief candle; both ends burning
An endless mile; a bus wheel turning
A friend to share the lonesome times
A handshake and a sip of wine
So say it loud and let it ring
We are all a part of everything
The future, present and the past
Fly on proud David
You're free at last.
Mary Ann Dubay
August 25, 2007
I wish that I could have known this special angel from God. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Thank you for letting me see him through your eyes Debbie.
Mary Ann
Donna Hofferber
August 25, 2007
Debbie and Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you all.
Brenda Figarelle
August 24, 2007
Debbie,Gary,Robert & family,
I am so very sorry that David passed away. David & your family have been in my prayers this past year & I will continue to pray that God will give you Comfort,Strength & Peace. You have inspired me so much with your Faith that you have in our Lord!! May God bless you through this difficult time.
Catie Cloninger
August 24, 2007
Gary, Debbie and David's entire family,
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you in this difficult time. It was such a pleasure to get to know David and the entire Roope family as David fought the battle. His smile and sense of humor will forever be in my mind and heart. May the Lord continue to shine down upon you all and know that David is in paradise!
Jenn Balsley
August 24, 2007
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your son. Your are in the thoughts and hearts of many at this difficult time.
Gerry & Susan Day
August 24, 2007
To David and his family,
David, the pure joy you are experiencing in heaven with our Lord could never be adequately described.
To David's family,
Know that a multitude of people are holding you up in prayer. God will lead you through these days and will infact carry you if you need him.
Parents of one of David's friends,
Cheri Spencer
August 24, 2007
All of David's Family - What a sweet tender boy, we were all blessed to have him touch our lives. My prayers are for you all to find peace, I know David has.
Robin Hall
August 23, 2007
Debbie, Gary, and family,
David was an awesome friend to Brett and he loved him like a brother. I remember him as a sweet quiet young man who had a wonderful smile and was the most gifted athlete I had ever met. I wish you Peace for the days, weeks, and years to come. My heart hurts for you.
Doug Dellwo
August 23, 2007
Debbie and Family, I am very sorry for your loss. Robert, know that right now you need to hold on to your family and take comfort in their love as you go through this difficult time. May God's peace come to your Family as you grieve.
Darlene Abeyta
August 23, 2007
Debbie, Gary and family:
I have continued to pray for your family. David was a very handsome young man. I know he is doing something fun in heaven. And no more pain. God Bless you all
Jack & Melody Foster
August 23, 2007
Debbie and family,
Our prayer is that the Lord our God will continue to give you peace and understanding through this time of loss. It is wonderful to know though that David is with Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour!!
Teresa Yakoweshen
August 23, 2007
Debbie, Gary, & family;
You are on our minds and in our hearts. We are sorry for the loss of David. We pray for God to bless you with his peace and comfort during this time. You have many special memories of David to cherish in your hearts forever. A time to celebrate David’s new life in Heaven as we know he is having an awesome party with the Lord.
We love you. The Yakoweshen Family
Rebecca Hargis
August 23, 2007
Dear David,
I am blessed to have known you for however brief a time. You will be in my heart always. The memory of your innocence and inner peace will shine brightly in the darkest of hours.
Dear Rachel & Robert,
My special prayer for you is that you find that place of inner love and peace when the loss and grief begin to overwhelm you; that place were we are all one, that place where David is now and shines forth from so brightly.
Dear Gary and Debbie,
David was so blessed to have you as parents, advocates, aunt and uncle, friends, and all the diverse roles you played in his life. Your unconditional love will connect you to him always. Your greatest strenght is your undying belief in God and that will always see you through.
Rebecca Hargis
Dan Fox Foster Care & Adoption Program
Youth Homes, Inc.
Melissa and Nick Pippin
August 23, 2007
To Debbie, Gary and Family
I just wanted to say that we love you all and we are thinking of you everyday. David, you will forever be in our hearts.
Love,
Melissa, Nick and Kenny A. Pippin
Curt Black
August 23, 2007
Gary and Debbie and family,
Please accept our condolences in the passing of David. It brings joy to our hearts to know that he found his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We echo the sentiment of the outpouring of love we feel in these messages. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you.
Curt and Darcy
Dawn Piazzi
August 23, 2007
David's family,
We all have so many happy memories of spending time with David. Knowing him, even briefly, was a real gift.
Love, Dawn Piazzi
Betsy Tarrant
August 23, 2007
Debbie & family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time. Remember the good days...they will carry you through.
Betsy Tarrant
Caldwell ID
Kimberly Kralicek-Pengra
August 23, 2007
To all of David's Family,
It was a great honor to know David. His enthusiasm, positive attitude, and smile could always brighten someones day. My sympathy goes out to all of you.
David - You are greatly missed.
Kathy Gay
August 23, 2007
Debbie, Gary and family.
I want to let you all know how I appreciated you let me get to know not only David, but your entire family while you stayed with us in Seattle at the Residence Inn. Be Le and I send our love and prayers to your entire family. Our home is always opened to you and your faimly anytime. Love and Prayers from the entire staff at the Residence Inn Seattle. Kathy Gay
michele faure
August 23, 2007
David, We will always remember that smile that was yours alone...just a bit of attitude in it...and that is only one of the many things about you that made you so special and loved by all...I will always miss you and keep you in my heart, you are the 4th son of the Faure's, thank you for being you. David, have a great time up there...do what you love....love you, Michele (you know how we used to say hello and goodbye to each other, so picture that...I know you are smiling at that..)
Gary,Debbie, and family,
David was beyond lucky to have the family he has, as you were all lucky to have him, and so willing to share him with all who knew him. Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss, and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, God Bless all of you..
The Faures
Michele, Mike, Logan, Josh, Derek, and Gramma Marian
August 23, 2007
To all of David's Loved Ones
I am so sorry to hear about your precious son's death. Family and friends are needed in this time to help one another through these hard times. Prayer and reading the bible is also a source of comfort. Please accept my sincere condolences on behalf of your son.
Andy and Joanne Anderson
August 23, 2007
Although Andy and I did not know David, we know how precious David was to you, and we grieve with you on your loss. May God comfort you, Gary and Debbie, and all of David's family.
Dori Lynn Wetherelt
August 23, 2007
Dear Debbie, Gary, Robert and family,
The Lord is a loving and gracious God. He is rejoicing in receiving David into His loving arms.
When I told Hunter of David's passing to be with our Heavenly Father, he cried and cried and said that he wanted to meet David. I comforted and reassured him that he will meet David in glory some day. Both Tia and Hunter want me to deliver hugs to you all which I will loving oblige when I come to see you this week.
May the peace of our Lord which passes all understanding be in your hearts, minds, bodies and souls as you move through this difficult time. Remember that the Lord is constantly at your side and that the Wetherelt's are continuing to be your prayer warriors for peace, strength, love, hope and His glorious arms wrapped tightly in the grace and love of God.
God bless you all and much love,
Dori, Tia, Hunter and Jim Wetherelt
Tiffany Sturdevant
August 23, 2007
To the entire Roope family-
I would like to express my sincerest condolences for your loss. It is very apparent the impact David had on everyones lives, even those who didn't know him. He had a wonderful family who helped him fight the battle through the end. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope you find comfort in knowing that David is in a happy place now where there is no more pain.
Cathy Kovich and Family
August 23, 2007
Our condolences to David's family and friends. May the wonderful memories replace the sorrow and the emptiness become less painful as the days pass. Bless David's journey and his renewed faith for the battle has been fought and he has been released to dwell in heaven as an angel of the Lord. Blessed are we who have shared the strength, wisdom, faith and love of the Roope family through David's illness.
Susan Wheat
August 23, 2007
David became a friend of my son, Chris, when Chris started going to school at Broadwater in 2nd grade. The thing that stood out most to me about David was that he always went out of his way to say hello and ask how I was doing whenever he saw my younger sons and I out and about. Most teenagers would have just went about their business. His sweet, gentle spirit will live on through his family and friends.
Debbie, Gary, and family, please know that my sons and I are heartbroken over your great loss, and we are thinking of you.
Susan, Josh, and Chris Wheat
Jordan and Kade Serumgard
Shannon Hahn
August 23, 2007
Debbie and Gary,
My heart goes out to you and your family. Your bravery and gracious hearts made me want to be a better person with each and every e-mail you sent. Your love for David shined through every paragraph you wrote and your complete devotion to God was unwavering even when most of us would have lost it.
David was a bright and beautiful son who was taken way to early in life. Your journey made us all look at our lives and hopefully become better people.
Thank you for the continuing updates and sharing your life with
Renee Wuertley
August 23, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. God bless you and your family.
August 23, 2007
David, How joyful the heavens must be to have you there. Whenever I try to describe you to anyone the words that immediately come to mind is "the boy with the gentle and tender heart". That is how I will always think of you .
Ronnie Whitaker
Jerry Fox
August 23, 2007
To Jarred and all of David's Family
May the pain and sadness of the moment soon be replaced with the happy memories of the times you shared with David and the joy he brought to you and all around him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kim & Rob Sevening
August 22, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends during this difficult time. God has a plan for all of us and now was the time He called to David. May all the special memories made help you through the difficult times
Gordon Pippin
August 22, 2007
Debbie and Gary: May the compassion and love that you shared with us when Kenny passed be showered on your family ten-fold. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Gordon and Arleen Pippin
June Caudle
August 22, 2007
It was my sincere pleasure to work with David.. if only for a short time. To me, your loss as a family is unfathomable...words can not express my condolences to you all. David was a wonderful person and will be deeply missed.
Lisa Wise
August 22, 2007
David... I can't find the words to express how devistating it is to lose such a beautiful, kind man. Every memory of you keeps repeating in my mind, your face, your talent... Your crude sense of humor. I'll never forget you Dave...
Teresa Gonzalez
August 22, 2007
David, I am honored to have been your friend. You have left a special place in my heart. You will always be on my mind, never forgotten! I miss you and can't wait to see you on the other side!!
Elnora Wolff
August 22, 2007
You all have been constantly in my prayers and will continue to be. May God pour down His blessings on you and give you an extra dose of strength and comfort. I see David running and leaping in heaven.
Erin Williams
August 22, 2007
To all of David's loved ones:
Our heart goes out to you during this time of grief. David was a very special person and so lucky to be loved by you all.
Many condolences,
Erin Williams, Youth Homes
Sally Cooper
August 22, 2007
Earth has one angel less and heaven one more.
May you find peace in God's grace.
Fred Fisher
August 22, 2007
Dear Debbie and Gary, Please accept my sincere condolences to you both. I will be thinking about you and David.
Colleen Brockett
August 22, 2007
Altho, I didn't know David in person,I felt like I got to know him somewhat through his Brother, Jarred's updates at work and his Mom's email updates. What a wonderful young man! Our world is a little poorer and heaven just gained an angel.
Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
~Author Unknown
Jarred (Jeremiah) N Roope
August 22, 2007
David, my brother of the heart! So little time here on earth yet each moment I had with you was precious and will be cherished unto the end of my days.
You've been a blessing to me and I am proud to call you my brother!
Your presence here on earth will be missed but always know your in my heart!
I love you and I miss you!
Your brother,
Jere
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