David F. Callies

David F. Callies, age 77, passed away peacefully at Benefis Peace Hospice in Great Falls, Montana. He died from complications after a fall at his home and cancer. He was born November 15, 1944, in Forest City, Iowa. Dave served in the US Air Force as an electronics technician. He flew in a RC121 reconnaissance aircraft in Thailand during the Viet Nam War. After finishing his 4-year tour of service he was discharged from the Air Force. He then worked for the FAA as a radar maintenance technician. His final years were spent working as an electrician at Malmstrom AFB. As a private pilot, he logged a lot of flight time and had many adventures. He loved flying numerous aircraft which he owned, especially a Cessna 150. On one occasion, he flew from Great Falls to Boeing Field in Seattle, over the Cascade Mountains and was scud running under the soup at times. One other occasion he flew to North Dakota and was running out of fuel, so he landed on a farm road and bought some from a farmer. He loved to fly low and would state at 6,000 feet he would get a nosebleed. He was noted for landing at Great Falls and having to climb to get to pattern altitude. He would pop up over the bluff and climb to get to the proper height. He acquired the nickname Tractor Wake. He was good to everyone. It was simply his nature. His quiet kindness was felt by many in countless ways. These deeds were never mentioned by him. He never expected anything in return. He loved animals large and small. He purchased a farm near Havre, MT which was managed by Jane Johnson. The place became a rescue home for numerous animals. Dave is survived by siblings, Joel E. Callies, Robert C. Callies, Shirley M. Norquist, and Joyce E. Tollison. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward A. Callies and Theo M. Callies. Dave was cremated and desired to have his ashes spread in the Highwood mountains area. Dave has “slipped the surly bonds of earth” and is safe from the goon squads and nipping alligators. There will be a celebration of life gathering at Front Range Aviation in Great Falls, MT to be announced at a later date.