David P. (Jerry) WestenbargerDavid Westenbarger, residing at 915 Saddle Drive, Helena Montana passed away comfortably at home in the presence of his two loving children on November 13, 2021 after a long illness. Jerry, as he was known to family, was 87 years of age.David's ashes will be interred with military honors in a private family-only service at Fort Harrison, Montana. A public Celebration of David's Life will be held on November 27 from 1:30 to 2:30 pm at Touchmark, 915 Saddle Drive, Helena Montana. Cake and punch will be provided by David's family to those wishing to pay their respects, share memories and learn more of David's remarkable life. David was born on February 8, 1934 to Lester and Gretchen Westenbarger in Lancaster Ohio where he was raised and first expressed his life-long sense of duty by becoming an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Ohio State University, Columbus OH, in 1957 where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He majored in Transportation and Business. In 1957 David met the love of his life, Ellen, while she was on a blind date with a fellow obviously unsuited for her affections. Later, when a mutual friend asked Ellen "what kind of guy do you like?" She firmly responded "Well ... A guy kinda like that Jerry Westenbarger."David and Ellen Jean Bell of Wooster Ohio married on December 23, 1957. Together they pursued his Air Force career taking them to Texas, Republic of the Philippines, Florida, Okinawa, Greenland, Ohio and Montana before he retired honorably in 1978. David served three campaigns in Vietnam piloting the amphibious twin-prop Grumman HU-16 Albatross aircraft recovering servicemen in trouble for Air-Sea Rescue. David earned two Silver Stars (1965, 1966), two Distinguished Flying Crosses (1965,1966), the American Legion Aviators Valor Award (1967) and 22 Air Medals for his actions while in Vietnam. Upon retirement from the Air Force, David returned to school obtaining an Accounting Degree from the College of Great Falls and embarked on his second career as an auditor for Blue Cross/Blue Shield until he retired in 1991. He was then employed part-time with H&R Block. Throughout their married life David lovingly supported Ellen in her diverse self-employment adventures. His roles included head accountant, party plan advisor, chief cook and bottle washer, daycare /preschool playmate, Chief Emotional Support Officer, under sales person, handyman and general go-fer. David's sense of civic duty extended to being an elder at Sunrise Presbyterian Church of Great Falls, freely providing his time and skills with Great Falls Tax-Aide Program for 10 years, and volunteering for the Great Falls Visitors Center and Benefis Hospital also in Great Falls.David's hobbies and passions were as diverse and rewarding as was his working and volunteering. His enthusiasm for bicycling was so intense that staff at both Malmstrom AFB and Blue Cross/Blue Shield surprised him with labeled "Reserved Parking" spots in their bicycle racks. David earned at least two Presidential Sports Awards for Jogging and Racquetball and if there were a Presidential Award for vegetable gardening he'd have that too. Snowshoeing in the Little Belt Mountains, backpacking in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park, numerous fish-less fishing trips and several game-less hunting trips are all part of his legacy and the subject of many family stories.There were certainly misadventures as well. One day, in Great Falls, David brought home an enormous grey 20 foot home-made canvas and wood canoe atop the struggling car and announced his entire family of four, plus dog, would soon be spending a week floating the Missouri River in the monster. The tale of that trip, rife with thunderstorms, flattened tents, prickly pear cactus, blisters, laughter and trying to get his family to paddle in unison, takes significant time and is best told in person.David is survived by his wife Ellen; his sister Penny Lautzenheiser (husband Bob); his children daughter Carol Westenbarger Carpenter (husband Marvin) and son Kurt (wife Eve); his grandchildren Nicole and Drew (wife Lexsey) and step-grand children Rachel and Nikolas; and by his only great grandchild Lochlan (child of Drew/Lexsey) who's delightful eyes match the blue of his great grand's. David is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. David is predeceased by his parents Gretchen and Lester, and by his brother Robert.Since Jerry shared much of his life with several beloved dogs, his family requests anyone wishing to memorialize his passing kindly make a donation to Lewis & Clark Humane Society, PO Box 4455, Helena MT 69604. Thank You.