David Jerome Brickley


 

David Jerome Brickley was a devoted husband and loving father. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on March 28th.

David was born September 8th 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 US and Hawaii.

David met the love of his life, Connie Zwemer, in Billings and they were married soon after in Deaver, Wyoming. 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 pinnocle 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, AK.

The casket will be open for viewing on Wednesday, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary.  Cremation will follow.  Memorial Services will be held at  1:30 P.M.,  Thursday, April 2nd at Faith Chapel.  Memorials may be made to the Montana Rescue Mission or Habitat for Humanity. 

    

 

Remembrances

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We were saddened to see that the world has lost David. He was more than a business associate of ours - He was a friend. A friend that we trusted, one who made us laugh and one we will miss dearly. Our prayers are with the family. We know that David is in the "Best" place!

Paul and Sandy Gray


Dear Connie and family--Roy and I are praying for you during this difficult time. We sure did enjoy being around Dave and looked forward to playing pinochle with you. We pray God will comfort you with His arms of love and protect you, shield you and be your strength as you walk this new road.

love, Roy and Marie Downer


Dave will be missed. our families have known each other for years (from music together, church, to sports) the kriegers will remember dave as the guy at every event with a huge smile on his face, and always first to ask: hey, how you guys doin?

dave bugged me for a few years to come sing barbershop with him, but i never got the chance. he was a great insurance agent as well---yet again, showing his trait that he was always looking out for the best in your family. such a caring man and part of an awesome family!

our prayers are with the brickleys.

trevor, alyssa, olivia, and dylan krieger


I am so sorry to hear about David. He was such an enjoyable man and highly motivated in his business and personal life. David loved his family! His wonderful smile and his energetic spirit will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Warm regards, Sandra Rickett


David was a classmate at Billings Senior High School. It was good to reconnect with him at the 30 and 40 year class reunions, and to play golf with him at those times. His sense of humor and his commitment to helping other enjoy life was a blessing. It was a pleasure to know him. Those of you who knew him best are in my prayers.

Gary Armstrong

Ottumwa, Iowa


My thoughts and prayers are with Connie and family. I will always hold David's smile in my heart.

Kathy Paul

The Hartford


So many emotions race to mind when thinking about how the world has lost such an amazing man. I remember thinking that he was incredible the very first time I met him when I was a kid when visiting the house with Jesper. Seeing him, talking to him or even just talking ABOUT him could always bring a smile to my face.

The amount of family togetherness your family demonstrated has always been an inspiration to me and as an adult I have strived to achieve the same.

Words cannot express the sadness I feel for you all, and I only pray that you will find the means to keep inspiring people like me without him.

The world is a much worse place without him.

-Miki Marsala (Skau), choking back the tears.


I remember David as a little guy when I was going to school with his older sister Diane. We were able to see him again last year when doing business with our home. We are so sorry for your loss. Dean and Anne Dunlap


I was a classmate of Dave's from the class of 1966 at Billings Senior High. I have enjoyed watching him ref games at Will James Middle School where I work. He was always so full of life and energy. I can't imagine this world without him. He has done so much, and the next class reunion will not be the same without him and his forever crew cut. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. Please know that God called him for for a reason, and he is now in perfect peace with the Lord. Jan McCandless class of 1966


Dear Connie, Skyler, Jesper and Camela - You are all in my thoughts and prayers, as is Dave. Elizabeth and Carissa also send their condolences. I am hoping to eliminate a conflict so that I can share in your memorial service Thursday. God bless, Dave Klarich


Dear Connie, Skyler, Jesper, and Camela, It has been so long since I last was in Montana to visit. I am sure that you "kids" will no longer remember your old cousin from California. I have always had the most fond memories of you all and David. I was so sad when I heard this news. My mom called me last night and said that when Jay told her he said, "The world is not as sweet without David." And that is how I remember him especially with you kids, sweet. My thoughts are with you all. I am sad too. Love and much positive support from me to you. Always, Nicki (Wentholt)


Dear Connie and family,

I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved husband and father, David - I am saddened too. He was always one of a kind and I have very fond memories of our times together many years ago - now he and Bill Wolfe are together again...

Please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers Suzi Vandal


Dear Connie and family, I can't possibly say anything to heal the pain you must be enduring, but I want you to know that Dave was an amazing person to work with in our mutual associations in Great Northwest and MAA, and I will truly miss him. I considered him a good friend. It won't be the same at meetings without his positive input and his great attitude. My heart is heavy, and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Roberta Knapp, Knapp Insurance Agency, Helena


To the Brickley Family,

I was stunned to hear of Dave's passing. I always liked, looked up to, and respected Dave. He was a great father and role model both for his kids and his kids' friends. I hope you all find peace in this difficult time.

Most sincere condolences,

Garrett, Julie, and Riley McGrath

Helena, Mt


Something tells me that what Dave accomplished here in the human relationship area will encourage and enlighten many people for a long time. From Junior High on through, Dave was a shining example for many of us. We will keep him close by.

Gary Daniel and Dick Estep (by request).


Dear Connie and Family

I can't believe that David is gone, I will miss him greatly. He and I have been friends since third grade, went to high school together and roomed together in college. I have many, many remebrances of him and of the things that we did together. He was a great guy-you would be hard pressed to find anyone who didn't think well of David. He was a real genuine person with a cheerful presence and great sense of humor. Connie, my prayers are with you and your family-please let me know if I can be of help to you. God Bless Scott Langman


Connie & Family, I was so sad to hear of Dave's passing. He was such a positive person in everything he did. You can be comforted that he loved all of you so much and wasn't afraid to show it or tell anyone. He and Bill are together now. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Linda Lange


My condolences to Connie and family. My husband and I had the pleasure of knowing David for many years. We met him when he was an Allstate agent and then again as an Independent through Montana Agency Alliance. We are devastated at such a "young" death and will certainly miss his presence at our meetings. He was a very "upbeat" positive person with a great personality. He was also an accomplished businessman. Sincerely, Jenny and Ron Collins, Butte


David- This wasn't how it was suppose to end. I will miss you so much. You always cared about me and my family, you always put the needs of others above those of yourself. You were as good of a person as there was and I will always miss and think about you. You were suppose to come and visit me at my store during the lunch hour, talk about fishing, life, or what you and Connie did the previous weekend. I'll always have a seat for you. We had so many Stillwater and 'Horn floats left together; how can you be gone? I feel impacted more than you would have ever guessed. We love you David! Now that you are in heaven and right next to God, Please ask him to help you out and get the New Orleans Saints to the Super Bowl already! We will always love you David! The Romersa's of Billings MT


I can only echo sentiments above...positive, youthful in outlook, fun-loving, vibrant, energetic, upbeat, loving, caring, able, devoted father and husband, wonderful human being with a great and giving heart...also a heartmelting smile and twinkling eyes. David was my younger cousin, just 5 months older than my brother, Jay. Those two were great pals, just like our fathers had been growing up together so many years before. Jay and David were not close in miles but were always close in affinity, and they picked up just where they left off whenever they came together either in person or by phone. I think that may be true for many who were privileged to know David. I always loved him. He was open and fun to be with, but he was also a thoughtful and committed person who wanted the best for everyone, including friends he had yet to meet in places he had yet to visit.


Dear Connie, Skyler, Jesper, Camila, and Cara, I wish there was something I could say to comfort you and ease your pain, but only time does that and never completely. Your tight-knit family will draw close around one another and lift each according to his need. You are your joy and your strength in these seemingly unbearable days of grief and longing. We are there with you in Spirit. James sends his love along with mine. Joanne Brickley Conroy


Dear Connie, Camela, Skyler and Jesper

David is the greatest fan anyone ever had, and the best friend. He just wanted people to get along and was puzzled that anyone would want to go through life without enthusiasm and joy and hope and love. You married a great man, Connie, and you kids have a great father. Always did and always will. I can't even begin to understand how much I am going to miss him, let alone you. It's one of those one day at a time things, I guess. Kelly had lunch with him on Thursday and he was upbeat, preparing for knee surgery, happy that things were working out well for his family. Connie, he loved you and respected you and was in awe of you. You gave him focus and purpose and you made him want to live forever. I truly believe he is now, and he will be waiting for us with a big grin and an upbeat greeting and everything he can gather to make us welcome and loved when we find ourselves on the other side of the Great Divide.

Kelly and Mary Alice Addy


David has been our insurance agent for several years. He was always friendly, prompt and efficient at handling our insurance needs, and just seemed like a genuinely nice guy. It is hard to believe we won't be hearing his friendly voice on the phone or seeing his smiling face any more. We are very sorry for his family and staff, and send our sympathy. Kathy and Al Wise


Connie & Family,

Most of my fondest memories working in the Insurance Industry was when I worked with David. Every day was a great day when David was at the office. Most people wanted to aspire to David's level of life. Connie, I encourage you to take time and celebrate David's life and the lasting impact he had on all of us. I know you to be a strong lady but..allow your friends and family to surround you with love and support.

With deepest sympathy,

Jeannie Newman


You were the best DB!


i'm glad to have known david and sad to hear about his passing. may GOD hold you and your family close in this time of loss. GOD bless randy,deanna timme


Connie and family, David and your insurance agency joined Montana Agency Alliance five years ago and we have counted our blessings ever since. David brought insight, intellectual and thoughtful contribution and fun to our organization. From a personal perspective, he called every few weeks to chat and talk about the industry. I gained much from him and will forever hear his voice saying 'Well hello young lady!'. We've all been blessed to have known him.

Dianne Meinhardt, Cogswell Agency and Montana Agency Alliance.