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David Earl Solie (Earl for his mother’s beloved father) was born to Maurice P. and Esther Elaine Solie on May 14, 1956, in Sheridan, Wyoming, where they lived until he was 5. His young life was lived in many places — San Diego, California, (where he rolled in the beautiful grass lawns in Mount Soladad on his way to and from school — there was only sagebrush in Wyoming!), Billings, Montana, and finally, Arvada, Colorado, where he graduated from high school in 1974. He grew up with three sisters and a brother in a home filled with love and music (and coffee with cookies as befitted all Scandinavian homes!) He went fishing, camping and hunting with his father, uncles, brother and cousins, even bagging a moose in Alaska and spending a summer on the Gulkana River with his cousin Dan, filling both families’ freezers with salmon. He loved and remembered his childhood fondly all his life.
His love of computers and programming directed his career, providing him with a good living and a fulfilling life pursuit.
He married Merilee Jean Colby on May 25, 1990. They welcomed five children into their family: Emily Elizabeth, Margaret Elaine, Abigail Christine, Daniel Earl and Grace Eilene. David loved his family and passed on his love of the mountains, music, the stars and coffee with cookies to them. He was proud of his children and the people they grew up to be.
What defined David, however, was his love of the Lord. He was an avid student of Scripture and loved to discuss it with anyone, regardless of their affiliation. The old hymns of the church were his favorite music, giving him great comfort in hard times while magnifying his joy in good times.
His rock-solid faith gave him peace through the last weeks of his life and carried his children and family along with him.
He is survived by his children, Emily (Devon-Wolfe) Chavez, Margaret Solie, Abigail Solie, Daniel Solie, Grace (Michael) Ponton, and their mother, Merilee, as well as his much-adored grandson, Nathaniel Solie; his siblings Beth (Randy) McElmury, Chris (Karl) Helvik, Mark (Cande) Solie, Sharon Ward, and all their families.
On Nov. 8, 2025, David was welcomed into heaven by his savior, his parents, his son Joseph, and his grandchildren, Addison, Caleb and Noelle. We are sure there were hymns, coffee and cookies.
A celebration of life is planned for the summer of 2026.
Memories and condolences can be shared on David’s memorial page at www.BallardFH.com
