Dave “Safer” Morley, Age 61, of Anaconda, Montana

On a sunny Monday morning, Dave “Safer” Morley was called to heaven after a long battle with kidney and liver disease. He was blessed to pass at home surrounded by family and friends whom he fought so long and hard to be with until his mom called him home.

Safer was born in Butte Montana on December 3, 1958 to Margaret (Dunn) and Milton Morley. He grew up in Walkerville and Anaconda. He joined a large family as the baby; a title he used to his advantage many times over the years. He was a hellion who led his posse of brothers and sisters on many adventures.

A jack of all trades, and a master of none was true of our Safer. He drove trucks, had stints logging and with construction. However, his favorite times were with George Mungus, Keith Barkell and Brent Wasley.

Dave was a diehard Steelers fan who never met a stranger and was famous for making friends wherever he went. He had many remarkable adventures that always ended in unbelievable stories laced with the “f” word. Afterwards he would recall these times and add in some cock and bull to his story. You never knew truth from sh** but it was worth hearing his infectious laugh as he told them to you. He loved the 4th of July and made it a Morley right of passage. Many a tale came from this yearly gathering as well. Sparkler bombs, fires, burns and roman candle fights were always started by Safer. With a gleam in his eye and his laughter echoing all along the family home on Locust Street.

Traveling to the famous Sturgis gathering was a favorite annual trip where he made lifelong friends. He would ride his Harley which he named “Lseen” after his beloved mama. His Sturgis friends even made the long trip to Montana to see their friend when he was at his worst. This years visit with Jerry, Marcus, Jim and Ray was the highlight of his final months.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sandy, children and spouses Jeromy and Shannon and Amanda and Trent. He loved his grandchildren Arianna, Bethany, Roman, Kimmy, Tucker and Dalton. And bonus grandkids Angel and Will and their families. He leaves behind his brothers Jim (Rosie), Tim, Marvin (Jill), Fred (Debbie), Kathy, Jeannie, Jimmy John (Michelle) and Rob (Judi), his favorite mother in law Avalon Billquist and in laws Jerry Billquist (Bonnie), Marty Billquist (Joyce) and Peggy Ohman (Larry). He also leaves behind an unreal number of nieces, and nephews. Also many dear friends who were like family.

He was proceeded in death by his dad when he was just a year old, his mother, father-in law Ole Billquist, brother Jack and brother in law John Rusinski. Also proceeding Safer to heaven was his special friend Danny Angelle.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 P.M. on Saturday, September 26, 2020, at Beaver Dam Park in Opportunity. Please bring a chair and masks are encouraged. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dave’s name to the Tri County Fair, P.O. Box 149, Deer Lodge, MT 59722.

Dave wants everyone to remember: “We’re not here for the long time, we’re here for the good time.”

Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Dave. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Dave and his family.

Service Schedule

Celebration of His Life

1 p.m.

Saturday September 26, 2020

Beaver Dam Park in Opportunity

Opportunity, Montana 59711

View map

Share

Send flowers

Please visit the floral shop page for assistance in choosing a local florist.

Photo Gallery

Share your photos