David "Dave" Wilson

David Dave Wilson, 75, of Great Falls, a veteran Montana radio broadcaster, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2015, from a longtime battle with COPD.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Dave was born on May 9, 1940 just outside of Hamilton, Alabama to Doyle D. and Hazel G. (Jeffreys) Wilson. He attended schools in the Byrd community, Hamilton, and Jasper, graduating in 1958 from West End High in Birmingham, Alabama. He found he had an ear for music and began playing harmonica, then bought a Gene Autry guitar. After joining the school band he began playing trombone. He was awarded the Arian Award for most valuable member, playing first chair trombone, was in all city band, Birmingham All City Orchestra, and was called to play recording sessions at Heart Recording Company in Birmingham.After starting his own group they were hired at Pappys Club, the biggest night spot in Birmingham. This led to T.V. and radio appearances. Dave fell under the influence of Joe Rumore on WVOK Radio where his band played the Noon Jamboree. In 1958, he was approached by The Four Flickers to be their bass singer and instrumentalist. They went on tour playing in 45 of the 48 continental states. This brought him to Montana in 1959, playing the 3-D Club in Black Eagle for a two week engagement. While here he took a trip to Helena. He made the gorgeous drive through Wolf Creek Canyon, along the mighty Missouri, visited the capital, and watched the mountains turn blue as night fell. He was so taken with Montana from that moment on and never wanted to leave.After the band returned to Birmingham, two months later, he quit and came back to Montana. He had met a girl here, Judy Wiselman, and they were married in 1961, until 1972. Their son Mark was born in 1962 and daughter Michelle in 1967. Dave worked numerous jobs including City Motors parts, Don Ryan Olds, Bison Ford, Western Auto, and Hesteds.In 1964, he put the band Nu Tornadoes together to play rock-and-roll at the 3-D. The group later was called Brother James and the Children. They played numerous venues in the city. After playing a year at Traceys in Helena with a new group and traveling back and forth every night, he decided radio would keep him in touch with the music without the downside. He started selling radio advertising for KUDI in 1968. Dave approached Al Donohue at KMON about an On Air announcing position. Though he had no experience, after hearing his voice was put on for his first shift St. Patricks Day 1969. This was part-time until January 2, 1970, when his career started with the afternoon drive shift. He was soon moved to mornings where he excelled. In 1972, created the Grass Roots Gold radio program, which is still the largest continuously running show of its type in the Northwestern U.S. In 1974, he was named Program Director at KMON. He was honored in 1976, being named Most listened to morning announcer in Montana.In 1977, Dave met Cheryl Hoffarth and after a four year courtship, were married May 29, 1981. They celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary in 2006. They were truly soulmates.In 1982, Dave and Jim Lynns band, Country Connection traveled to Scandinavia for an eleven day tour at four venues. They returned again in 1983, playing five weeks in Denmark, Sweden, Holland, and Germany. In 1986, he voiced the presentation of the Elvis bronze, which was unveiled at Graceland. In 1996, he moved to Operations Manager of Star Radio, until 2004, when he accepted a position at KLSK Radio. His last professional position was with Fisher Radio when in 2009, after 40 years doing what he loved, retired.Dave cut a C.D. My Turn to Sing in 2005, backed by close personal friends in the music community. It was a realized dream of his.He was involved with the community in many ways, including: Special Olympics, Bluegrass on the Bay, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Cascade County DUI Task Force, MC for Veterans Memorial Opening ceremony, and Mayors Prayer Breakfast MC for 17 years.Dave received the Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award and the Silver Award from the Great Falls Advertising Federation. Dave and his son, Mark were both inducted into the Montana Radio Legends in 2011. In Daves words, A victim of a life thoroughly enjoyed.He is survived by his wife, Cheryl of Great Falls; son Mark (Jenny) Wilson of Billings; granddaughters Jessica (Jeremy) Lawrence of Havre and Rachel (Logan) Kriedeman of Great Falls; great grandchildren Daja, Taya, Jamison, and Rhyann; sister Joan Johnson of Leeds, AL; and many nieces and nephews.Dave was preceded in death by both parents, Doyle and Gertrude Wilson; daughter Michelle; and father-in-law Louie Hoffarth.