David Earl Solie

David Earl Solie (Earl for his mother's beloved father) was born to Maurice P. and Esther Elaine
Solie on May 14th, 1956, in Sheridan, WY, where they lived until he was five. His young life was
lived in many places - San Diego, CA (where he rolled in the beautiful grass lawns in Mount
Soladad on his way to and from school - there was only sagebrush in Wyoming!), Billings, MT,
and finally, Arvada, CO, where he graduated from High School in 1974. He grew up with 3
sisters and a brother in a home filled with love and music (and coffee with cookies as befitted all
Scandinavian homes!) He went fishing, camping, and hunting with his father, uncles, brother,
and cousins, even bagging a moose in Alaska and spending a summer on the Gulkana River
with his cousin Dan, filling both families' freezers with salmon. He loved and remembered his
childhood fondly all his life.
His love of computers and programming directed his career, providing him with a good living
and a fulfilling life pursuit.
He married Merilee Jean Colby on May 25, 1990. They welcomed five children into their family:
Emily Elizabeth, Margaret Elaine, Abigail Christine, Daniel Earl, and Grace Eilene. David loved
his family and passed on his love of the mountains, music, the stars, and coffee with cookies to
them. He was proud of his children and the people they grew up to be.
What defined David, however, was his love of the Lord. He was an avid student of Scripture and
loved to discuss it with anyone, regardless of their affiliation. The old hymns of the church were
his favorite music, giving him great comfort in hard times while magnifying his joy in good times.
His rock-solid faith gave him peace through the last weeks of his life and carried his children
and family along with him.
He is survived by his children, Emily (Devon-Wolfe) Chavez, Margaret Solie, Abigail Solie,
Daniel Solie, Grace (Michael) Ponton, and their mother, Merilee, as well as his much-adored
grandson, Nathaniel Solie. His siblings Beth (Randy) McElmury, Chris (Karl) Helvik, Mark
(Cande) Solie, Sharon Ward, and all their families.
On November 8th, 2025, David was welcomed into heaven by his Savior, his parents, his son
Joseph, and his grandchildren, Addison, Caleb, and Noelle. We are sure there were hymns,
coffee, and cookies.
A celebration of life is planned for the summer of 2026.