Dave Glen Cantwell

We are very saddened to report that Dave Glen Cantwell suddenly left this world on May 30th, 2025, surely enjoying one of his many pastimes on a new motorcycle on one of the nicest days we have had in a while. Dave was born on November 3rd, 1957, in Butte, America to William and Ardella Cantwell. He is the family's youngest member, joining his siblings to complete the family. Dave grew up in Butte, attending local schools and graduating from Butte High School in 1976. He attended Montana Tech before joining the Air Force that same year. After basic training, Dave was stationed at Davis Monthan AFB in Tucson, Arizona. While stationed in Arizona, he was listed as a Missle Systems Analyst Specialist for the MX Missle SIlos. He has many stories of his adventures, usually working a 24-hour on 48 hr off shift, needing to be ready to hit that switch if ever called on. Over the years, he has brought many people down to the base to check out the Silos, now as a museum. He would share with the Tour guides all of his memories when he was there babysitting the missiles. One tour guide suggested that he get a job doing the tours since he had a wealth of knowledge. Dave's young professional career included multiple local butte establishments like KXLF TV, and so began his multifaceted career history. Also, a stint in coaching grade school football at Webster Garfield for 5th and 6th graders. Upon his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he continued to showcase his entrepreneur/jack of all trades business moves. Dave began purchasing Butte properties, which started his long-term career as a landlord to many properties in Butte over the years. He worked for CJ’s for many years, selling records, tapes and sunglasses around the State of Montana. Dave and Craig were also business partners in the real estate business as well as brother Bill, with Cantwell Properties. In 1989, after a fire damaged the Scandia, Dave and Jeri bought the Scandia from his in-laws, Frank and Carol Eddy. He used his carpentry skills to make the repairs needed to bring it back to life and run a strong business ever since. He got to add the title of restaurant owner, night club owner for the TEch parties and even offering a place for a butte theater group to utilize the Hall. He had a wide range of hats he would wear, some overlapping. Bar owner, handyman, landlord. He enjoyed his work at Bert Mooney Airport. He was always on the go. In all of his adventures, business and pleasure, he made many lifelong friendships along the way. Dave married Jeri in Superior, MT November 7th 1988, They raised three children, Angelia, Charlie, and Jennifer, on Main St, right next door to his childhood home. Over the years, more adventures with the family, including many road trips covering most of the states west of Oklahoma. He enjoyed time spent out at the cabin and was really starting to warm up to the idea of snowbirding down in Yuma with Jeri. Throughout his life, Dave acquired so much knowledge on so many topics. He was always willing to help out and share his talent. His partner in crime and right-hand gal is his sister, Georgia. She was getting all the teachings to be a mighty fine handywoman herself, many times joining Dave on his jobs. They were a powerful duo. Dave enjoyed many hobbies as well. He liked finding great deals on vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, snowmachines, and an occasional boat. He made many bike trips all over Montana and a few trips down around Arizona and Nevada, usually with a great group of friends and family affectionately called the Scandia Biker gang, or Apple Dumplin’ gang. His bright smile, infectious laugh, killer dance moves, and all the stories and jokes will be missed. A very good friend to all Dave is preceded in death by his son Charlie Cantwell, parents William H and Ardella M Cantwell, and father-in-law Frank Eddy. Dave is survived by his wife of 37 years, Jeri. Daughters Angelia (Randy) Mathias, Jennifer (Pat) Crossman, and Carrie Cantwell. Grandkids Mickenzie (Chase), Stephan, Evan Smokin’ Joe, Aurora (Jasper) Aayliah, Athena, Genevieve, Natalie, and LJ Great Grandchildren Raylee, Rowan, Easton, Gracelynn, and Mayleigh. Siblings Sue(Al) Rickard, Linda(Skip) Murphy, Georgia Sheridan, Bill(Collette) Cantwell. Mother-in-law Carol Eddy, sister in laws Loretta, Carol(Clyde), Donna (Rick), and Lisa(George). Many nieces and nephews as well. He is also survived by his faithful boys club at the bar. IYKYK! We are going to miss you! Please join the family in celebrating the life of Dave on Tuesday, June 10th at 2 pm at the Butte Elks Lodge, remembering all the fond memories each of us has about Dave. A private family interment is planned for a later date.

Tributes

Dave Glen Cantwell

November 3, 1957 - May 30, 2025