David "Dave" Goff

David Dave Elmer Goff, 83, of Great Falls passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2014 from complications of pneumonia at Benefis West Wing, Great Falls.A graveside service with military honors will be held on Monday, December 29, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison in Helena. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, December 29, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at the VFW Post 1087 in Great Falls. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.David was born on October 27, 1931 in Pinehurst, WA to Elmer and Faye Goff. He was raised in the Puget Sound area with two older siblings, Harold and Patricia. He graduated from Puyallup High School in 1950. He enlisted in the Air Force after working a short time with Boeing Aircraft. He married Peggy Heinrich that same year. They divorced in 1973. He married Madelyn Kleckner in 1975.He was assigned to Hickam AFB, Hawaii after Tech School. After several west coast assignments and three sons, tours with the family to Turkey and Taiwan were the highlights of his military career. He was assigned to Malmstrom AFB and the gem of this station kept him here the rest of his life.Dave continued his active military service, retiring in 1973. He always liked working with the young troops and his house was filled with them during the holidays. His love of military did not end there, as he joined the US Air Force Civil Service until his retirement in 1991.As a life member and Quartermaster of VFW 1087, he enjoyed meeting all the veterans. His greatest satisfaction was working with the older veterans to make sure they were getting the medical and other benefits they deserved. He was a member of the NRA, Eagles, Elks, Scottish Rite and the Masons. The love of the outdoors stayed with him throughout his life. He loved spending time with his friends and family trolling Holter Lake, fishing on the West Coast, camping, and hunting trips.Dave is survived by sons Kenneth (Karen) of Sitka, AK, Mark (Denise) of Stockett, and Robert (Tamara) of Great Falls; stepson Grant (Audrey) of OR; grandchildren Joshua, Jesse, Michael, and Zachary; and great-grandchildren Joshua Jr. and Hope.He was preceded in death by his father; mother; brother; wife; grandson Matthew; and stepdaughter Lori.Dave enjoyed his dogs and cats and always had a couple of them. They are Tanner, Mitzi, and Mouse.