David Ferrell Obituary

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David Darrell Ferrell was born on May 17, 1954, alongside his twin Donald to Sam and Clara King Ferrell.

He grew up in the Williston area getting into all sorts of shenanigans with Donnie.

Dave married Melody Courchene on July 14, 1971, and from their union came a son Justin and daughter Pamela.

Dave's heart and soul was Blacktail Dam. He would spend many days and nights at his grandma and mother's cabin until finally buying his own.

He was united in marriage October 28, 1994, to Jo. This also meant round 2 of raising kids since along with Jo came Nels (NC), 9, and Carrissa (CJ), 5. He also took on a new role of bus driver hauling them to Tioga for school while he was working at the gas plant. Dave retired from the Hess gas plant in 2016 after 30+ years of service.

Dave and Jo along with countless family members were continually working on the house and yard at Blacktail making it into a true place of paradise. It didn't stop with just their own place. Dave was always working endlessly on the park itself. Between grating the roads and fixing whatever needing fixed you could count on Dave to get it done. The golf course in itself was one of his greatest projects. Working side by side with a designer on the hole layouts to brushing the weighted beads into the greens. His favorite hole was number 9 which him and Jo sponsored when it was redone. He would be sure only the use of golf carts were permitted on the course since he could monitor with binoculars from his yard. There is no telling how many games of golf he played out there.

Dave was always picking up odd end jobs to either help a friend or make a little extra money. He was vastly knowledgeable in construction and loved concrete work. He was a true laborer for love.

If Dave wasn't working on something or golfing, you could bet money that he was fishing. He loved catching all that he could to have a big ole fish fry for family and friends. He prided himself on getting damn near every fish bone out prior to cooking.

On September 15, 2018, Dave suffered a massive stroke. He made an amazing recovery blowing away hospital staff and countless therapist with his turn around time on learning how to walk and talk again. He wasn't able to regain all his motor function which was especially hard for him since all his favorite past times were all very physical. He was always sound of mind and sharp as a tack and willing to teach and share his lengthy wealth of knowledge and experience to anyone needing it.

Dave and Jo sold their little piece of paradise at Blacktail in the fall of 2021. What was once such an enjoyment became a somber reminder of what had been and likely never to be the same again. They had also become snow birds since 2015 living majority of the year in Mesa Arizona. Great friendships evolved and a lot of good times were had.

The last few summers had been spent at his daughter and son in laws place in the country outside of Trenton while also traveling to St. Louis before and after summer visiting Nels, Jodi and Neil. They would get their fill of grandkids and family nearby in 3 short months which was never enough. Along with their love for extensive yard work.

Dave is survived by his wife Jo of 30 years. Children Justin (Kathy) Ferrell, Pamela Ferrell, Nels (Jodi) Knutson and Carrissa (Bradley) Russell. Grandchildren, Tiffani Ferrell, Brandon Ferrell, Austin Ferrell, Caleb Ferrell, Kyle Shellum, Brittany Shellum, Winston Russell, Neil Knutson, and Bowen Russell. Great grandchildren, Leilan Ferrell, Bridger Ottley, Delilah Bruce, Blakelynn Shellum, and arriving in September, baby girl Key. Brother, Leamon Ferrell. Sister-in laws, Gail Ferrell and Kell Ferrell. Brother-in-law, Gerald Binde. Nieces and nephews, Robert Ferrell, Gwen Ferrell, Gennifer Ferrell, Brent Ferrell, Libby McIvor, Brenda Swartout, Debbie Reinowski, Tara Sletvold, Lana Ferrell, Tracey Shellum, Ryan Ferrell, and Robin Peterson.

Proceeded in death by his parents Sam and Clara Ferrell. Brothers, Dean, Al, and Donald Ferrell. Sister, Carol Binde. Sister in laws, Patty and Deb Ferrell.

Dave's celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, July 17, at the home of Justin and Kathy Ferrell, 5221 1st Ave West, Williston, ND at 3 p.m.

Daves favorite color was blue and thought everyone looked great in it. If you have a blue shirt, please wear it in honor of him.