David James Jillard died September 2, 2018 doing what he loved most, riding his motorcycle in the mountains while camping with his family. It was a sudden departure from this world, but we are left knowing that Dave’s spirit is soaring among the tree tops and mountain peaks where he lay down. Dave was born in Birmingham, England on January 2, 1965 to parents James and Anita Jillard.
Dave went to Cockshut secondary school and graduated high school with top scores. He then went on to… Read More » Solihull College for sound engineering. Dave was passionate about all types of music.
Dave worked as a carpenter for some time, then departed England to find work in Greece in 1990. Dave found employment in Greece on an island called Santorini at a motorcycle/scooter rental. Dave learned to speak Greek and enjoyed living and working on the island seasonally for 5 years until he met an American girl from Bozeman, Montana back packing Europe, named Amber Jones.
They set off together from Greece to Birmingham, England for the winter. They decided to marry in Las Vegas in the Spring of ‘96 and tour the western United States on a motorcycle; Dave loved to travel by motorcycle. Once settled in Bozeman, Dave found employment at the Honda Dealership in Four Corners for 6 years.
He then went to work at Yellowstone Harley Davidson where he stayed for 14 years until his passing. Dave was a talented mechanic that had a vast knowledge of all makes and models of motorcycles. Not only did he work as a factory certified tech by trade, with many factory certifications under his belt, but also achieved master tech as a Harley tech.
Dave loved to restore British motorcycles and customized his own Harleys as a hobby. Dave had the honor of becoming a US Citizen on August 16, 2018; after 22 years he naturalized. He was so proud to be an American and was looking forward to the future as an American.
Dave had a charming, magnetic personality that lit up a room, making fast friends with everyone he met. His British accent left a smile and an impression with everyone who had the pleasure to make his acquaintance. Dave was a caring husband and devoted father.
He worked tirelessly to support his family and made sure they had everything they needed above his own needs. He also made sure his family was able to share his passion for the 2-wheeled arts, taking the family on camping and motorcycle riding adventures in the mountains of Montana, and the occasional trip to Moab, Utah, creating a tight family unit. Dave is deeply loved by his wife and children and they will miss him dearly.
Dave is preceded in death by his mother, Anita “Ann” Jillard. He is survived by his wife, Amber Jillard; children, Arri, Dion, & Jade Jillard; father, James Jillard; sister, Sue Wiggins; and brother, Matthew Jillard. Special thanks to Reach air ambulance pilots and Jefferson County Search & Rescue whom all helped with Dave’s recovery and whom safely escorted Amber & Jade home.
A celebration of life will be held for Dave at Yellowstone Harley Davidson on Friday, September 14th at 3:00pm. Please attend this event and share fond memories and stories of our friend Dave. In lieu of flowers, please donate to https://www.
gofundme.com/medical-amp-funeral-exspenses-for-dj&rcid=r01-153634598792-ff3eca05c5eb473f&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_to help the family with medical expenses.
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