David Speich

David Owen Speich was born on May 18,1946 in Scotia, Nebraska. He passed away at age 73 after a short illness on March 2, 2020 in Helena, MT. At the time of death, he resided in the West Mont Caldwell House group home in Helena. David and his parents moved to Cut Bank, MT in 1948 where his father taught school until his retirement in 1965. His sister Cathleen joined the family in 1949 followed by another sister, Arlis, in 1958. David attended Cut Bank Elementary School for a short time and then was home schooled by his mother. Later David resided during the school year in the Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs, MT and went home for holiday breaks and summer vacation. David had developmentally disabilities from birth but as a youngster he had an amazing vocabulary and could memorize anything read to him. He was also able to compute advanced mathematics at a very young age. Uncle Hallie and Aunt Virginia also assisted in advancing his knowledge and education. In 1978, David moved from Warm Springs to a nursing home in Helena and later joined West Mont, a non-profit organization that cares for Montanans by offering a wide variety of services for people with disabilities. He lived in numerous group homes in the Helena area and worked in the West Mont work program for a number of years before retiring. He enjoyed participating in various activities and outings with his fellow housemates. A favorite treat was having an O’Doul’s nonalcoholic bear on Fridays. Because he loved babies, he had a special baby doll named George. He was proceeded in death by his parents Clarence and Esther Speich, a younger sister, Wanda Lee Speich, his favorite uncle, William (Hallie) Speich and beloved aunt, Virginia Speich. David is survived by his sister Cathy Speich- Ferguson of Dillon, sister Arlis Vannett of Dillon, his nephew Joseph Vannett of Great Falls (great- nephews Leland and Cian), and niece Leah Vannett of Havre (great niece Cadance). David’s relatives would like to give special thanks to all of the West Mont staff who cared for David over the years. They truly are a wonderful part of his family. Memorials may be sent to West Mont, 2708 Bozeman Ave, Helena, MT 59601 All friends of David are invited to attend his memorial service to be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Caldwell Group Home, 3275 Cabernet Drive, Helena, with Pastor Lowell Bartels officiating. He will be interred in the Crown Hill Cemetery, Cut Bank Montana.