David Eldon “Rooster” Cogdill joined Our Lord August 28, 2015 at the age of 54. David was born on March 26, 1961 to Homer and Ruth (Anderson) Cogdill in Turtle Lake, North Dakota.
The family moved to Colstrip, MT when Dave was 7 years old. At the age of 13, he began working for various ranches such as: Hugh Broadus, the Paddlock Ranch in Hardin, and Janet McDonald. David loved working with horses and continued doing this line of work until he joined the Laborers Union in 1992, where he worked until his time of passing.
Dave married Vivian in 2003 and gained a large family that absolutely loved and adored him. He was one of those people who would walk into a room and you instantly felt the positive energy of his person. He was always thinking of ways to put his energy to use. Dave loved all animals. Horses were his favorite as he was a true cowboy. He loved riding horses, fishing, hiking, skiing, rodeos, playing cribbage, and everything he did in life. Dave was a person who would help anyone with anything and never expect anything in return. Wherever Rooster went he would run into someone he knew. He had been to so many places and had met so many people and always made and instant friendship with them. One of Dave’s gifts in life was his ability to tell a story and have everyone around him laughing.
Dave is survived by his wife, Vivian; children: Rashell (Warren) Scheeler of Miles City, Dustin Berdahl of Bozeman, Chavis (Becky) Berdahl of Forsyth, Rajean (Malcolm) of Jordan and Chance (Alysha) Sprague of North Carolina; there are nine grandchildren, or as Dave would refer to them, “hairballs”; his mother Ruth Watson of Forsyth; his sisters: Cathy Mertz of Minot, North Dakota, Cleo Shea of Billings, Clenora (Gary) Quinlan of Forsyth; and his brothers: Darwin Cogdill of Colstrip and Iver (Julie) Cogdill of Billings. He also has nieces and nephews.
Dave was preceded in death by his father, Homer Cogdill, brother-in-Law Dan Shea, and a nephew Wesley Mertz.
Dave, you will be missed by all, because to know you was to love you. May God welcome you with open arms.
A visitation will be held from 12:00-5:00 pm on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth. Funeral Services will be on Friday, September 4, 2015 at 1:00 pm in the Chapel of the Funeral Home. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and condolences may be sent to www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Thursday September 3, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Friday September 4, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Carolyn Schenk says
Oh Lord !!! Colstrip classmate of mine !! Golly, soooo sorry !! Don’t know what happened, May the Good Lord get ur family thru this sad time . Rest In Peace David !!!
Jack and Carol says
I was shocked to see this. I am so saddened for his family.
Donna and Lawrence McCulloch says
Vivian, We were shocked and saddened to hear about David’s death this morning. May your good memories of David help you through the days ahead. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe and Sheri seleg says
Vivian, I our thoughts and prayers are with you. David was a wonderful man. He was so good to the kids.
Tom and Shirley Skinner says
We were shocked and saddened to hear of David’s death. All of his family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Wetsch says
Vivian, I am so sorry to hear od your loss. Hugs and prayers.
Dale Robinson says
David was one of the best men that I ever knew. I’ll always remember his grin and humor. I’m sorry Vivian. He was one of a kind. I’ll miss him.
Lloyd A. (Hal) Hart says
Vivian, like Dale just said above, David was one of the best. I will always remember the time we spent working together at the mine and all the moments of lighthearted humor and laughter we shared. I considered him to be one of my very best friends, I will indeed miss him. I am very sorry for your loss.
James Hunziker says
Viv, I’m so shocked, I don’t really know what to say. I loved working with Dave, both on site and around your place. I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and Stan.
Bob and Darlene Pestreich says
Vivian, we were so sorry to hear about Dave. If there is anything we can do to help you please let us know. We are very sorry for your loss.
Beth Burnette says
Dear Viv!
I am so sorry to hear of your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you! Dave was a kind soul and I love how he could make you laugh…sending you lots of love and hugs . Beth
Mike & Paula Childers says
Such a tragedy, our heartfelt sympathies to all of David’s family.
Connie Plesuk says
Vivian, Cathy, Cleo, Darwin…and Mom…Ruth…We were shocked and saddened to hear about David’s death this morning. May your good memories of David help you through the days ahead. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Take care of each other…He always seemed to have a ready smile or could make you laugh over some memory, Love to all… John & Connie Plesuk/Sara, Eva, & BJ
Chuck and Sue Nissen says
Vivian and family – Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the Lord’s presence and grace be with you now and in the days ahead. God Bless.
Rick and Calene Smith says
To all of Dave’s families… you were blessed with a wonderful man while he was here. His way with horses was magical; his way with people a close second. We know that you all will miss him greatly in so many ways, and we hope your memories of the good times will help you through the sad times. God will help us .. and may Dave rest in peace.
Diana Kukes Perkins says
I am so very very sorry for David’s family. We grew up down the road from David and his family. He always had a smile on his face. My husband also worked with him several years ago. Peace and hugs to the family.
cathi sopher says
sorry to hear this news.prayers at with all of you during this time …
Joe and Pam Ash says
Vivian, we are so sorry for your loss. If Joe and I can do anything, please let us know. Our thoughts were with you.
Ray & Rebecca Gookin says
We are still shocked to hear about Dave.
We are so sorry Vivian and family.
He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Dave.
Winter (Buckalew)Cherry says
Vivian, my prayers and thoughts are with you. As everyone has said he was one of a kind! He had a heart of gold and it was always a pleasure to visit wth him. I know my kids liked seeing uncle Dave and aunt viv
Much love and sympathy
Robert Burns says
prayers to the family, rest in peace my friend!
Jon Currier Jr and family says
Condolences Vivian and family. David will be missed. He was a good man most of the time. Especially when you didn’t want to chase him down and choke him for pranking you. RIP Rooster.
Shelly Wayne says
Rooster was my leadman when I joined the Laborer’s Union in 2004. He gave me a hard time, ensuring I learned the ropes like anyone else. When I finally “proved” myself he welcomed me into the fold of pranking. I remember the tails he would braid and then hang onto other lead man’s pants (I think I had a tail or two as well). Hysterical! I will never look at a 5 gallon bucket the same way… they should only be filled with bottom ash and welding rod. And he always loved to make me walk the boiler scaffold since he knew I was scared of heights. “Hey, if you are going to be a laborer you have to learn to hang with the big boys.” Thanks for the memories, old boy! Your laugh will always be a fond memory! RIP… and prayers to your family. You will be missed.
Bob and Marlys Lee says
Vivian and Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sally (Stephenson) Barker says
My dear cousin, Vivian, may God hold you so close you hear His very heartbeat. May all the love you’ve surrounded others with be returned to you and David’s loved ones.
Jack & Sandi Van Pelt says
Viv and family we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers to all.
Pete & Debbie Nolan says
Vivian & Family:
Our condolences.
Stephanie Blackburn Cox says
I am sorry. May the family be surrounded with love as you all mourn the loss of one of your own. My thoughts are with you.
Colette Schmidt Payer says
To all of you, I am so very sorry for your loss. David and I were cousins by marriage years ago, living on the same ranch out on the Rosebud Creek. He had such a kind heart even as a young man. I remember him working hard and being such a goof ball when he had some free time which wasn’t very often. I lost touch with him for years and then got a chance to visit with him a few times a couple years ago when I moved to Forsyth myself. He seemed so happy and spoke of Vivian with a smile, which made me smile to know he had found someone to love and share happiness with. To Ruth, Cathy, Darwin, Cleo, and Clenora , my heart is so heavy with sadness for all involved. RIP Dear Cousin David, you will be missed.
Colette Schmidt Payer says
I rambled on so long earlier that I forgot to mention my cousin Ivere in my message to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family too Dear Cousin. I am so proud of the way you have grown up, take care of that sweet family of yours and keep moving forward in life.
Holly George says
So very sorry for the loss of a wonderful person. May Jehovah give your family strength, love, and wisdom to overcome the sadness we feel when someone we love dies. May GOD bless each one of you.
Connie Brown says
Vivian and family,
You are in my prayers today, tomorrow and in the days ahead!
Gerry and Jayne Tallent says
Vivian and Family we are sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May GOD Bless you and watch over you in your time of loss. Love you!
Jack and Julia Ferguson says
Vivian so sorry of your loss of your loved one. You are in our thoughts and prayers going out too family.
Gordon and Patty VanAsh says
Vivian: We’re so sorry for your loss.
Cora (Leemhuis) Myers says
Vivian, am so sorry for your loss, he will never be far from you his memories will keep him with you. May God bless and keep you.
Cathy Byron says
Vivian — My heart and prayers are with you and your kids as you walk through this sad, dark time.
Debi and Jeff Benson says
My husband knew Rooster from school. He graduated with his brother Lance. When I went to work at NAES Rooster was there. His nickname for me was “Casper” because he said I was always ghosting him. I told him that I was always trying to keep up with him – which was no easy feat. I worked hard for Rooster but I laughed a lot while I was working and learned a lot from him. He told me the best person in his life was Vivian. How much better his life was with her and how blessed he was. Jeff and I ran into Vivian and Rooster in Sam’s Club last year and I finally got to meet her. We had the best visit and I finally met the talented and smart wife he loved so much. Rooster would call me every couple of months and see how Jeff and I were doing – we always had some good laughs and he always made me feel happy – he was contagious. I will miss you Rooster – may we find peace in the happy memories you have left us with. Till we meet again – our prayers and comfort are with you Vivian and your family.
Jeff mayer says
Sorry to hear about your loss . I have worked with rooster last 4 years.played lots cribbage with him he was fun to work with he will be sadly missed .gods bless your family
Suzanne Damjanovich says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Vivian and the entire family. Those of us who were blessed to have Dave touch our lives will forever cherish his spirit of friendship, humor and loyalty. Dave was a selfless person always putting everyone else before him. Dave you were “one of a kind” and will be missed dearly. Thank you for the good memories. Rest in Piece my friend.
Cathy Morris says
You have left a hole in the heart of many, may the Lord wrap his arms around your family to help them find peace. Dwaine & Cathy
Mitzi Patterson (Robbims) says
Vivian and family
Although we haven’t met, I am so saddened by Rooster passing. I worked with him and Stan in Colstrip for several years. They both taught me so much about being a laborer. I won’t ever forget Rooster and his “ancient Chinese secrets”.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Rooster’s family and friends. ‘Bye Rooster. ……
Anita and Jim Scheeler says
We are so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. God Bess you all during this difficult time.
Troy Spang says
My condolences to David’s wife and family. I was a high school classmate of David’s and had a chance to talk with him at the last class reunion in Colstrip. He was a great person, very genuine and funny, got along with everyone and had this spark for the ranching way of life. He was easy to talk to and I always wished him the best, it saddens me to hear of his passing, we lost a good cowboy and friend.
Betty Clementich says
So sleepy about your loss. David was my cousin
denny says
rip rooster