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Published on Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The Billings Gazette
DAVID JEROME BRICKLEY
David Jerome Brickley was a devoted husband and loving father. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on March 28, 2009.
David was born Sept 8, 1948 in Billings, to Richard J. Brickley and Gloria Dean. He attended Billings Senior High School where he enjoyed and participated in numerous sports and activities including basketball, football and baseball. David attended University of Wyoming on a baseball scholarship. When faced with choosing a major, he decided on business because “It was the closest to his dorm”. He was a star pitcher, and led his team to many victories all across the western U.S. and Hawaii.
David met the love of his life, Connie Zwemer, in Billings and they were married soon after in Deaver, Wyo. They shared a long, joyous life together, and recently celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary.
Always the adventurer, David accepted a teaching position in Assumption, Alberta, and taught there for 10 years. David and Connie had three children: Skyler, 31, Jesper, 29, and Camela 26. People were drawn to David’s charm, wit and fantastic sense of humor, and he was always surrounded by many friends. David began selling insurance in 1986 and opened his own agency, Brickley Insurance, with his wife in 1998. By the time of his death, he had built an extensive and successful agency serving the community of Billings.
David was passionate about his service to the community, volunteering his time to Habitat for Humanity, Rescue Mission, and Blue Blazers of Montana. David also sang in the Big Sky Chorus. Dave enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, tennis and golf. He also loved playing pinochle with his friends. David’s bright outlook was positively infectious. He loved the Lord and now he is with Him. His “larger than life” presence will be missed by all.
David is survived by his wife and three children, and his brother Dick (Hoa) Brickley of Fairbanks, Alaska.
The casket will be open for viewing on Wednesday, April 1, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Cremation will follow. Memorial services will be held at 1:30 pm Thursday, April 2, at Faith Chapel.
Memorials may be made to the Montana Rescue Mission or Habitat for Humanity. Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements and condolences may be left for the family at www.michelottisawyers.com
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Gary Daniel
What can anyone say about one of the most positive, engaging, friendly individuals ever produced in our fair city. From grade school (he was a Broadwater Spartan) on through high school, Dave was always "game". Our son, Roger, had the opportunity to coach Senior High Boys tennis a few years ago. Brickley joined Roger in the coaching and Brick confided in me that he and Roger were "Buds". And good buddies at that. I found that to be very pleasing. Several of our grads have had numerous good times with the Brick: holiday basketball tournaments, intramural basketball, (we won over West for the Championship as Seniors in intramural). Brick had been one of the late "cuts" from the Bronc Varsity, so he organized our intramural team. He pitched for the U. of Wyoming baseball team, had a good insurance business, a great wife in Connie, and some good kids. Then, one morning, Dave just did not wake-up.
Gary Armstrong
I moved to Billngs in time to start 4th grade at Broadwater school where I first met Dave (though we were in different classes). His friendship helped a new kid feel welcome in a new city and school. In high school Randy Korber and I would often walk to school together - and stop at the Brickley house and play pool on the way to school Dave served as the MC at our 30 year reunion - and did so with class - making it an enjoyable experience for those of us who were able to attend. At the 40 year reunion we played in the same golf grouping (along with Bill Turnquist, Bill's wife, and Steve Berger). I was saddened to hear of his death, but thankful for his friendship through the years.
Jan Cooper (MCandless)
Dave was a middle school basketball ref. It was !like a blast from the past watching him on the court. In fact I think he refer a game within a week of his death. The rest of the season felt really empty. Miss u David. Mr crewcut
Twinkle Ann Morton
I started third grade at Broadwater and remember spending time playing sports with David, Gary, Jim, Ed, and Bill through the years of grade school Then we moved on to junior high and high school where it was no longer cool for us to "play" together. But David remained steady and friendly - I am sorry to read about his death- I thought of him through the years as one very good guy!
Scott Langman
I will never forget the spring morning that I was notified by another close friend of David's passing. David and I had been friends/teammates from junior high school through college at the University of Wyoming. We were roommates at Laramie and, as you would expect, had many, many great times and shared lots of laughs and memories together. He was one of my closest friends and a really great guy. His passing was totally unexpected and pretty devestating. I miss him alot. Rest in Peace 'Straw Man'.