On Saturday evening, January 11, 2025, the sounds of storytelling, and prospecting waters stood still as David Mazurek left this earth as the heavens opened up and welcomed one of the most remarkable men of all time. David Mazurek passed away peacefully at his home. He was 71 years old.

Known to many as "Arkansas Dave Rudabauh" or "Dave Mo", David enriched our lives and charmed us all. He was a character of characters. He embraced a passionate life with a fearless sense of humor. His infectious smile and distinctive chuckle were cherished by one and all.

He was born in Fort Worth Texas in 1953 and was the youngest son of Byron King Butt and Jane Weaver. After his father's death, Jane moved the family to Helena in 1964, where he became the youngest son of 7 children in a union between his mother Jane Weaver and Tom Mazurek. Together, she and Tom successfully blended their families into one. David loved his new family and he loved Montana

David met the love of his life, Bridgette Polly Mazurek, in June 1974. They eloped to Seattle and were married on July 9, 1976. From the first day to the very last day, their incredible friendship and love never wavered. Above all he was a father to his beautiful son, Dillon Holmes Mazurek and his precious grandson, Trizten King Jessie James Mazurek.

In 2017 Dillon met Katherine Cora Burgess and fell in love. Their desire for a family of their own, Dillon and Katherine became the proud parents to, the love of their life, Baby Trizten. David loved being "Papa" to Trizten and was happiest when they shared fun loving and treasured moments together.

David loved his Dallas Cowboys and football but even more he loved floating rivers and fishing. He was always excited when summer came when he could set up his camper, gather up the raft, the fishing poles and all the camp toys and head for the river.

David was known for his exceptional skill as a lifelong carpenter and contractor. He was hard working, talented, and competent. He built many beautiful homes on the Monterey Peninsula and in Montana. Mazurek Construction was his business, but his real business was people, helping them build their dream home or troubleshooting any building or remodeling problem. He was a talented guy. He was so talented that he was chosen to play an extra in a show that he could have starred in, Yellowstone. It really was a lifetime dreams come true.

The years he lived in Monterey, California were especially dear to David. He loved Monterey and Big Sur and had a special connection to The River Inn in Big Sur where he celebrated his 70th and 71st birthday with his nephew Brian and Lacy. He remained close with all of his friends in and Monterey and with all of his lifelong friends in Helena. David never met a stranger.

David was preceded in death by his son, Dillon Mazurek, his parents Jane and Tom Mazurek, his older brothers, Joe, Byron, Charles and Bill Mazurek. David's "brother from another", Steve Lohman and his nephew Joseph Lohman.

David is survived by his grandson Trizten King Mazurek, his ex-wife Bridgette Polly Mazurek, Kathryn Burgess his daughter-in-law, and his stepson Sylis Bowen. Also, two sisters Sonja and Nancy Mazurek. He was "Uncle David" to several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews among other close family members. And his trusted buddy, his dog Hendrix.

So fly away, fly past the speed of sound

For loves the greatest healer to be found

So leave me if you need to

I will still remember

Angels flying too close to the ground

Willie

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held at Simple Cremation Montana, 315 E Sixth Avenue, on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 1:00 pm. A Potluck reception will follow at On Broadway from 2-6pm.