David "Wayne" Hirst

In loving memory of David "Wayne" Hirst, who departed this world suddenly on May 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, humor, and an insatiable zest for life. Born on September 3, 1952, in Chester, Pennsylvania, Wayne was the cherished son of William H. Hirst and Anna Jean (Lamey) Hirst. He is now reunited with them, along with his beloved sisters, Jean Ann Wright and Susan Jennings, in eternal peace. A devoted husband, Wayne shared an extraordinary 46-year journey with his soulmate, Shirley Siefke, whom he married on August 25, 1979. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and countless memories, exploring the world hand-in-hand. Shirley remains, along with their daughters, Terri Gruber and June Hirst, to cherish these memories and carry forward his legacy of compassion and kindness. Wayne was also a proud grandfather to Michael Hirst (Stephanie), Tyson Gruber, Sara Bunton (Michael Zeik), and Thomas Gruber, and a beloved great-grandfather to 11 lively great-grandchildren who filled his days with joy and laughter. Wayne's academic journey saw him graduate from Springfield High School in 1970, followed by earning a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Montana in 1974. It was there that he developed a lifelong love of skiing, a passion that would carry him to snowy peaks near and far. His professional life as a traveling tax preparer began in the Troy area in 1977. Through dedication and hard work, he opened an office in Libby, MT, serving generations of families until his retirement in 2017. Wayne took great pride in his work and cherished the relationships he built with his clients. A man of many passions, Wayne's love for skiing was matched only by his enthusiasm for travel. Whether cruising across the ocean from Rome back to the USA or embarking on spontaneous journeys, he was fueled by a desire to explore the world. Wayne had an affinity for walking his dogs, Mr. Charlie, Mr. Bill, and his beloved Barbara, often seen ambling along the East Fork of the Bull River, greeting passersby with a friendly chat and a warm smile. Wayne was known for his vast store of knowledge, which he generously shared with others. His sense of humor and deep appreciation for friends and traveling companions made him a joy to be around. Ever the adventurer, he was constantly on the move, always eager to see new places and meet new faces—unless, of course, he was enjoying the serene relaxation of a cruise. Wayne is survived by his brother, Bill Hirst (Robert), and his nephew, Brody Wright (Kendra), who will continue to hold his memory dear. He leaves behind a community of friends and family who were touched by his spirit and whose lives were enriched by his presence. A service to celebrate Wayne's remarkable life will be held on July 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at the Fred Brown Pavilion in Riverfront Park, Libby, MT. Family and friends are invited to gather and share stories, laughter, and tears in remembrance of a man who truly lived life to the fullest. As we say goodbye to Wayne, we carry his spirit with us, forever inspired by his love of life, family, and the world around him.