David Lawrence Armstrong, 72, of Barre Town, Vermont died peacefully and unexpectedly in his favorite chair on October 25th. Dave was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Lawrence C. Armstrong and Anne M. Glovack. The eldest of three sons, Dave lived a life full of adventure, stories, and lots of laughter. Dave was raised in Lowell, Michigan where he made life-long friendships, especially with the members of The 46ers. He attended Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan graduating in 1969 with a degree in pharmacy. The highlight of his working life was the time spent as a small-town pharmacist in Carson City, Michigan where he was able to know his clients on a personal level. This allowed him to provide excellent care, but also gave him the opportunity to engage in jokes, banter, and fun not possible in larger stores. Dave had a running joke with one customer who would come in to exchange a $2 watch just prior to the warranty expiration complaining that it wouldnt keep time. He would replace it with another $2 watch just to continue the cycle. Dave would also have cards and gifts ready for the regular customers whod come in at the last minute on Christmas Eve or Valentines Day to see what he had selected for their wives. He knew everyone in town and everyone knew him. His life in Carson City included serving on the local volunteer fire department for twelve years as well as seven years as treasurer of the the local school board. He was also on the golf league and played poker regularly. In the early 1970s he became a commercial hot air balloon pilot who was not known for gentle landings, but as someone who would "make a firm commitment to the ground." Ballooning as a hobby was just getting started at that time and Dave and his partners knew some of the pioneers and early champions on a first name basis. He married Sally Daab in 1975 and together they raised two wonderful children and began a forty-three year adventure that led them to Vermont and North Carolina; then back to Michigan and Vermont with travels to many foreign countries along the way. In Vermont he was part of the Worcester Choir with nearly perfect attendance at their weekly poker games. No singing involved. In North Carolina he became a beekeeper and was a founding member of the McDowell County Bee Association. He enjoyed gardening, but wasnt very good at it. He always planted radishes, leaf lettuce and lots of day lilies, not because he particularly liked them, but because theyd grow. While in North Carolina he also joined St Marks choir where he actually sang. Since he was never quite sure of the notes, hed proudly say that he was "strictly volume." Although in his later years he was slowed by medical issues, he often marveled at the incredible life he had led, the many things he had done, and wonders he had seen. He cut turf in Ireland, ate salmon in Alaska and raw herring in Amsterdam. He listened to Big Ben while floating down the Thames and navigated the subway in St. Petersburg. He engaged in elaborate practical jokes and made more pies than needed every Thanksgiving. He loved to fish even when they werent biting and enjoyed watching the Mountaineers baseball games even when they werent winning. He loved card games of all kinds especially poker, cribbage and euchre where he had perfected the art of stealing the deal. He laughed easily and often and always looked for the humor in any situation. He was a true lover of life! Dave was preceded in death by his parents. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Sally; his daughter Jennifer Armstrong and her former husband, Josh Rollins of Barre; and his son Jeremy and his wife Jenna Aube of Charlotte. Dave is survived by his two brothers, Blair Armstrong (Georgie) of Lowell, Michigan and Mark Armstrong of Holland, Michigan. Papa Dave will be missed especially by his five grandchildren whom he adored: Silas Rollins-Greene, Iris Rollins-Greene, Fiona Rollins, and Aven and Matthes Armstrong as well as many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Daves life will be held at The Unitarian Church of Montpelier, 130 Main Street, Montpelier, VT on November 13th at 10:00 a.m.