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Francis "Fran" LaMar Guest Sr., 85
Francis "Fran" LaMar Guest Sr., age 85, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2008 surrounded by loving family at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell, Montana under the care of Hospice. He was born May 24, 1922 in Twin Falls, Idaho, the youngest of four children born to Edward Mailon and Ada (Cook) Guest.
When he was twelve years old he went to work at a grocery store to help support his family. From that point on, he always maintained gainful employment. In High School he was on the Track Team, running the mile; played the French Horn both in the High School Band and in the Community Band. He continued to play the French Horn throughout his life not only for his personal enjoyment but the enjoyment for those around him. A gifted singer, he sang in various choirs throughout his life; in high school, at church, and in the Glee Men Choir (later to be known as Valleyaires) He was the vocalist at many weddings, funerals and special church events.
After graduating from High School in Twin Falls, Idaho; Fran moved to Tacoma, Washington where he went to work in the shipyards before joining the Merchant Marines. He served on several Oil Tanker ships, one being the U.S.S. Wiley, as an Oiler and junior engineer during WWII and was honorable discharged from the U. S. Coast Guard in 1945. He met Venus Gloria Qualls in Tacoma, Washington and they were married on July 19, 1944 in the Alberta Temple in Cardston, Alberta, Canada.
Living in the Flathead Valley since 1945, Fran worked at Gambles then at Hall Motors, as office manager and accountant; and next at a lumber company called Superior Buildings. He started as an accountant and later becoming a Co-Owner, retiring in 1983, after 31 years of service. Fran had the pleasure of building two homes in the valley, and always seemed to be working on one or the other.
Fran was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many positions, including, Branch President, Counselor in several Bishoprics, in the Young Men's Program and serving many years on the Stake High Counsel.
Fran served as the Physical Facilities Representative for many years and oversaw the remodel or construction of all the L.D.S. chapels in the area. In 1997 Fran and Venus were called to serve a mission in Rochester, New York, where they served in the Mission Office for one year.
Everyone that new Fran loved him and was strengthened by his great testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He served in the community in many areas, including as a PTA President, on the School Board for District 5 for 10 years, and on the Montana State School Board. Fran also enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Fran was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters
. He is now survived by his wife, Venus Guest of Kalispell, MT and five children: LaMar Guest and wife Bobbi of West Jordan, UT; Muriel Reed and husband Oren of Kalispell, MT; Marlene Francis of Troutdale, OR; Mark Guest and wife Grace of Kalispell, MT and Kevin Guest and wife Lori of Riverton, UT; 15 grandchildren; Andrea, Rebekah, Erin, Emily, Ethan, Justin, Jeremy, Heather, Lindsey, Audrey, Daniel, Nathan, Holli, Ryan, and Stephani; 13 great grandchildren.
Funeral services for Fran Guest will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel in Bigfork, MT with Bishop Jon Marshall conducting. Burial will follow in the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday April 25, 2008 from 9 AM to 8 PM, with the family here from 6PM to 8PM only, in the Johnson & Gloschat Chapel. The family suggests memorials be given to Hospice, Home Options, 175 Commons Loop Ste 300, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Johnson & Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Fran's family.
Anna Mae (Brubaker) Carver, 83
Anna Mae passed quietly at North Central Care Center in Spokane, Washington on May 25, 2008, where she had been cared for over three years by a loving and generous staff. Her mind was still sharp and she even perked up during her last days when she heard Hillary Clinton had won several primaries -- a true Democrat and backer of liberal causes for women all her life.
She was born in Somerset, Pennsylvania to her parents Maurice and Emma (Eisler) Brubaker. She graduated from high school then married Robert (Skaptauckas) Carver. They divorced in 1971. She was an Army wife that traveled and set up homes at a dozen different cities throughout her marriage, ending up in Kalispell, Montana in 1968.
She bought a little home in Bigfork, Montana in 1971 and lived next to the Swan River until 1996 when she moved to Spokane, Washington due to her health, to be close to her daughters. In Bigfork she spent her time raising flowers, writing poetry and making art: pen and ink drawings and watercolors. She was especially known for her hand-made decorated Pennsylvania Dutch greeting cards and mailing envelopes. She was active in Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork for over 20 years and had a great love for the Lord.
She was proud of her German and Swiss heritage and always encouraged others to find their roots. While married, she was lucky to live in Germany in the early 1960s where she tracked down her Eisler family on her mother's side and had a lifelong correspondence with them.
She is survived by her three children Lou Ann Carver (Spokane), Val Carver (Zimmerman, Minnesota) and Robanna Carver Brosten (Lewiston, Idaho) and three grandchildren, Joel and Rachael Carver and Ryan Boe.
Anna Mae requested cremation. A memorial will be held at her daughter's home in Spokane, Washington, on June 14. Send your kind words and memories to loucarver@comcast.net. Monetary donations can be sent to Peace House Foundation, 6581 City West Parkway, Eden Prairie, MN 55344, a Lutheran school for African children orphaned by AIDS.
John F. Fisher, 80
John F. Fisher, 80, passed away June 27, 2008 at his home in Bigfork, Montana. He is survived by his wife Patricia, daughter Barbara of Scottsdale, son John, daughter in-law Mickey, and grandson Robbie of Dallas, and stepson Christopher of London, England. He carries with him memories of his son Tommy. He and Patricia moved to Sedona in 1988 following his retirement after thirty-three years with Bank One Corporation, Columbus, Ohio as Senior Marketing Officer.
He was well known internationally in the banking industry for his early accomplishments in the 60's, 70's and 80's having pioneered many developments of the modern day credit card. He also helped invent and introduced the first nationally accepted debit card and introduced the first group of automatic teller machines that evolved into the present day ATM. Near the end of his career in electronic banking he experimented with early applications of on-line banking and introduced many of today's branch banking innovations. He is a member of The American Bankers Electronic Banking Hall of Fame. He was named Marketing Man of the Year and taught bank marketing to advanced financial students at several mid-western colleges.
A native of Ohio, he served in the U.S. Army in Germany following the War; then graduated in Radio Journalism from Ohio State University. He began his creative career at Radio Station WCLT in Newark, Ohio.
John enjoyed bird hunting and trout fishing in the West. He and Patricia particularly enjoyed their summers for twenty years in Big Sky and Bigfork, Montana, where they currently maintain a summer home; and where John leaves many trout in the Madison River and ducks over Stuttgart, Arkansas. He enjoyed his many friends in the One Barrel Oil Club, The Mavericks and Sedona 30.
Private celebrations will be held in Bigfork, Montana and Sedona, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Intermountain Children's Home, 300 South Lamborn Street, Helena, Montana 59601 or Sedona Humane Society, New Building Fund, 2115 Shelby Drive, Sedona, Arizona 86336.
Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for John's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign John's guest book.
Patrick "Pat" Hustis, 81
Patrick "Pat" Hustis, formerly of Bigfork, MT., passed from this world with quiet dignity at the age of 81 on June 26, 2008 at his home in Spokane, WA.
Pat was born in Los Angeles, CA in 1927. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at a young age serving on the USS Schuylkill, an oil tanker, during WWII. He served his entire enlistment in the Pacific theater for which he was meritoriously decorated.
After his years in the Navy, Pat spent 40 years participating in the Motion Picture Industry as a teamster, actor and honorary stunt man. It was during this time Pat designed, perfected and operated his well-known "Hustis Camera Cars"; an integral part of filmmaking that allows for the close-up filming of chase and action sequences. He won special recognition for his chase scenes in the classic film "Bullitt" with Steve McQueen and "Smokey and the Bandit" with Burt Reynolds and Jackie Gleason.
In 1973 Pat married Faye Livingston of Great Falls, MT., and moved to Bigfork, MT, building their home on the shores of Flathead Lake and later, their second home on the banks of the Swan River. Instead of retiring, Pat and Faye helped build, co-owned and co-operated the Bigfork Marina in Bigfork's North Shore Harbor for 22 years.
In 2003 the Pat and Faye relocated to Spokane and Loon Lake, WA., where he continued to enjoy the restoration of his wooden Century runabout boat and his passion for boating and fishing.
Patrick was pre-deceased by daughters Patti Ann Hustis and Christine Baxter.
He is survived by his loving wife, Faye; brother Wayne Hustis of Van Nuys, CA; daughter Kelly Hustis of Santa Clarita, CA; step-son Mark Edwards of Las Vegas, NV; grandsons Patrick Dettman and his wife Lorraine of Heber City, UT and Matthew Bacon of Jacksonville, FL; and three beautiful great grand-daughters Baylee, Megan and Allison Dettman, also of Heber City, UT.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Hospice of Spokane for their indispensable help and compassion in Pat's last days. At Pat's request there will be no services.
Joe T. Nelson, 94
Just three days short of his 95th birthday, Joseph "Joe" Theodore Nelson's life journey on this earth came to an end in Bigfork at the home of his Granddaughter, Lori. And what a journey it was!
When Joe was born in Kalispell, Montana on July 8, 1913, only Aunt Fuller gave him a chance of surviving. He proved the rest of the world wrong and thus began a life of overcoming extreme challenges, smiling and cussing all the way. Incidents from childhood shaped the journey to come'a journey of taking risks, embracing each and every day, innovating for survival, searching for ways to help others and never, ever having a regret.
Joe's love for Bigfork was always clear. As a youngster, his mother was stricken with tuberculosis and the family moved from Bigfork to Clarkdale, AZ for five years. Even a brief stint in Nebraska with relatives during this time could not cool Joe's passion to return to the Flathead. He left again for Clarkdale when the Great Depression came to Montana. Not only did Joe find work there, but also his partner for life, Flo. Twelve hours after their wedding on October 29, 1937, Joe and Flo boarded a bus headed for Bigfork and never looked back.
Joe will best be remembered for the pivotal contributions he made to both the Bigfork Fire Department and fire departments state-wide. As an early architect of funding programs for local volunteer fire departments, he quickly rose to leadership roles including president of the Montana State Fire Chiefs Association and Fire Chief of Bigfork Volunteer Fire Department for 39 years. During his tenure, Joe implemented many innovations and changes that continue to grow and modernize Bigfork's department.
Beyond Joe's vocation as Chief Operator of the Bigfork hydro plant, he eagerly served the Bigfork Lions, again taking on many leadership roles. This attitude of service to others and community involvement continued well into Joe's 90's. Whether driving Flo to the Montana Association for the Blind Meetings or helping out with the Pioneer Auto Club and engine shows, Joe's attendance had a positive impact.
Joe loved retirement! It meant working on his Model "A" and driving Flo south for the winter in various camping trailers and motor homes. Their trips always took them to Arizona to visit family and long-time friends and each journey was peppered with new discoveries and adventures. Almost always, they ran out of gas, took a wrong turn, had a flat tire or breakdown. However, Joe turned all incidents into a great story illustrated with slides, snapshots and video.
Joe was husband to E. Florine (Flo) Gilcrease Nelson of Kalispell, and father to Geraldine Grace Rainwater Johnson of Tacoma, WA and Palm Springs, CA (husband Ron), Joseph Theodore Nelson, Jr. (wife Karen) of Petersburg, AK and Harriett Brittenham of Parker, CO (husband Marvin). Other survivors include brother Earl Nelson of Kalispell, MT, grandchildren Lori Rainwater of Bigfork, MT, Alan Rainwater and wife Pamela of Tacoma, WA, Ron Rainwater and wife Tohni of Graham, WA, R. Garrett Brittenham and wife Michelle of Parker, CO, Dan Nelson and wife Lyssa of Albuquerque, NM, Paul Nelson and wife Christy of Albuquerque, NM and Jolene Nelson and husband Keith of Kalispell, MT. Joe's 17 great-grandchildren and future 18th great-grand child and first great, great-grandchild will greatly miss him.
The "Celebration of Joe's Life" will be held Friday, July 25, 2008, at 3:30 at Nelson Hall (Bigfork Fire Hall) in Bigfork. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bigfork Volunteer Fire Department or charity of your choice.
Hamden Landon Forkner, 89
Hamden Landon Forkner, Jr., B-17 Pilot and Distinguished Educator
Hamden (Ham) Landon Forkner, Jr. of Bigfork died on July 8, 2008, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.
Born in Berkeley, CA on December 22, 1918, to Hamden and Marjorie Moore Forkner,
Ham was graduated from University High School in 1936. He received a bachelor's degree in 1940 from the University of California-Berkeley, and was a member of Skull and Keys, the Interfraternity Council, and President of Zeta Psi Fraternity. Following service in World War II, he earned Master's and Doctorate degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City.
Ham earned his Air Force wings in November 1942, and was assigned to the newly-formed 381st Heavy Bomb Group'an early Flying Fortress Group. The group joined the 8th Air Force at Ridgewell (UK) in May, 1943. Ham and his nine-man crew flew squadron lead on the notorious August 16-17, l943, bombing raids on the Schweinfurt ball bearing factories. After being hit with anti-aircraft fire, Ham and his crew bailed out of their burning plane and all survived; he was hidden by the Dutch resistance for 14 months until liberation. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and several battle ribbons, and later flew air-sea rescue missions in the South Pacific with the 13th Air Force.
While attending graduate school at Teachers College, Columbia University, he met and married Elinor Jeanne Smith of Shaker Heights Ohio, who was also a graduate student at Teachers College. Ham subsequently became managing editor of the Teachers College Press, taught professional writing courses there, and later served as director of development and secretary of the college.
In l957, Ham and his family moved to Ridgewood, New Jersey where they lived for 36 years. He was active in the Upper Ridgewood Community Church and in other community affairs. Ham was an avid tennis player and was a member of Upper Ridgewood Tennis Club, serving several terms as a trustee and was president of the Club in l979-80.
In l970, Ham left Columbia University and established the Forkner Publishing Corporation'a textbook publishing company. He was Chairman and CEO until he sold the company in l980 and retired.
In l993, Ham and his wife moved permanently to their summer home in Bigfork. Elinor passed away in 2006 after a long illness.
Ham is survived by a daughter, Leslie G. Forkner, of Charlestown, Massachusetts, and a grandson, Ross Hamden Kukulinski, a senior at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
In accordance with his desires, there will be no services. The family requests that those wishing to honor Ham's memory make a donation to the Bigfork QRU.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home caring for the family.
Gary Byron Lee, 69
Gary Byron Lee, beloved son of God, husband, brother and friend passed away at his home in Ferndale on July 20, 2008, due to esophageal and liver cancer. A celebration of his life was held at the Swan Chapel in Swan Lake, July 26th with Pastors Curtis Wallace and Ron Pierce officiating.
Gary was born to Byron and Inez (Beck) Lee on May 26, 1939 at Havre, Montana. The family moved to Ferndale when Gary was just one month old. He graduated frm Bigfork HS in 1957, and attended NMC at Havre and UM in Missoula. He joined the U.S. Army in June, 1962 and was assigned to Warrant Officer Candidate training school at Fort Rucker, Alabama prior to his discharge in March, 1964.
He is survived by the love of his life, Betty Abell Lee, whom he married on October 20, 1967 at Elko, Nevada. They celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2007. He is also survived by his brothers Conly B. Lee and Mike (Judy) Lee of Libby, sisters Mary Lee of Polson and Janet Lee (Bob) Thomson of Great Falls, cousin Ron Higgins of Troy, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other cousins.
Gary was self-employed as a ceramic tile and terrazzo contractor, he was also a fine craftsman, building and remodeling homes in western Montana. He was an avid basketball player and fan: he also enjoyed bowling and golfed every public golf course in Montana (all 91 of them). He was a "sports fanatic" continuously supporting the Bigfork Vikings, the University of Montana Grizzlies, and the Kearny, AZ Bearcats. He was honored by the Bigfork Boosters for his loyal support in 1982 prior to a move to Missoula and was given a tribute at the 2008 High School Graduation ceremonies. He enjoyed sports of all types and kept track of his beloved teams even from a distance.
He was very involved with his church and belonged to the "Friday Dirtbags" Bible Study group in Bigfork. He and Betty lived in Ferndale most of the year but in recent years spent winters at Kearny, AZ where he volunteered in community projects, the local church and enjoyed people. Gary had the gift of "helps" and willingly lent a hand where needed.
In lieu of flowers, it is suggested memorials be made to The Gideons, the Bigfork Booster Club, The Healing Room at St. Ignatius or an organization of your choice. Friends may post notes of condolences to the family at www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Funeral Home caring for the family.
Andrew Veseth, 81
Andrew Veseth, 81, of Bigfork, passed away August 1, 2008 at the Brendan House in Kalispell, Mt. Andrew was born October 26, 1926 to Einar and Alida (Njastad) Veseth in Malta, Mt. Andy enlisted in the U.S. Army the day after graduation from Malta High School in 1946 and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper. He attended Concordia College and the University of Montana. In 1962, he married Aase B. Ophus Olson in Great Falls, Mont., and together they raised four children, Jacqueline, Andrea, RaNae and Arthur. Andy started his career at Buttrey Foods as a box-boy and finished as a Vice President. He retired in 1986 after 35 years of service.
Andy and Aase retired to Bigfork in 1987 to enjoy retirement. They joined and became active in Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork. Andy enjoyed volunteering at the Immanuel Lutheran Home for many years and in 1999 he received the Senior Citizen "Volunteer of the Year" award. Andy loved to work with wood. He built beautiful cabinetry for the home and went on to learn how to turn wood onto a lathe. He made fabulous candle holders and bowls out of rare pieces of wood. He had a remarkable sense of humor; and remembered most all of the jokes he ever heard. Andy was a wonderful husband of 46 years to Aase, a loving father and a kind caring man. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Survivors include his wife Aase; four children, Jacqueline Whitehorn of Bigfork, Andrea & Jim Burke of West Virginia, RaNae & Eric Mitchell of Oregon, and Arthur and Lori Veseth of Germany: four grandchildren, Justin & Amy McKerrow, Heather & Rob Mackenstadt, Andrew & Jana Veseth, and Kristopher Veseth; five great grandchildren, Darby Mackenstadt, Keegan Mackenstadt, Lucas McKerrow, Sydney McKerrow, and Cameron Veseth who will be born later this month.
A memorial service was held in Bigfork at Bethany Lutheran Church on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. Donations may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease research, or the charity of ones choice.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home caring for the family.
Marion Virginia Trapp, 86
Marion Virginia Trapp, age 86, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 3008 at her residence in Bigfork, Montana. She was born on January 11, 1922 in Boulder, Colorado the older of two children of Caroline (Kirby) and Bayne Vogel.
She grew up in Boulder, CO., and attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, Boulder High School and attended the University of Colorado. She worked at the CU Campus Health Center and also for Dr. Gillespie as well as the Sturtz and Copland Florist and Greenhouse. She was an active member of the USO (United Service Organization) during WWII and volunteered for many war related organizations during that time.
Marion married Frederick J. J. Trapp, Jr. on June 16, 1948 in Boulder, Colorado. She was a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker. She was a skilled seamstress making most of her children's clothing and regularly volunteered her sewing skills in the neighborhood. She was a terrific baker, always having a tray of fresh baked goodies waiting for her children after school each day. Dessert at Grandma's house after church on Sunday was a tradition through the years. Marion was a kind and gracious person and was the perfect grandmother to her many grandchildren who always looked forward to spending time with her.
She was active in the Sacred Heart Altar and Rosary Society in Boulder and volunteered in the school's library.
Fred and Marion retired to Bigfork in 1981. They spent many happy years involved in the Bigfork Inn, where she designed the curtains and sewed over eighty-three waitress uniforms as well as contributing in many other ways. They loved to dance every Friday and Saturday night to the Company Brass.
Marion also donated her time for many years to the Bigfork Branch Library. She was a member of the Council of Catholic Women at both St. Catherine's and Pope John Paul II Catholic Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert Vogel, and an infant daughter Mary.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years Frederick Trapp of Bigfork, MT, and her seven children; David Trapp and wife Laurie of Victor, ID and children, Bailey, Jordan and Henry; Caroline Pitz and husband Chuck and children Nicholas, Nathan of Bigfork, MT; and Chris Trapp of Whitefish, MT, Suzie Keenan and husband Bob and children Marissa, Conor, Kyle, Sara and Ryan of Bigfork, MT, Judy Schmutz and husband Karl and children, Christian, Loren, of Prescott, AZ; Ann Trapp and Steve Furchner of Seattle, WA, and Monica Trapp-Tilton and husband Scott and children Bayne and Burke of Bigfork, MT and a great grandchild, Kristofer Schmutz.
The family is most grateful for the exceptional care provided by Ethel Bruno of Agape Home Care and Home Options Hospice.
A Catholic Rosary for her intentions will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at 6:30 P.M. and a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, September, 18, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. both at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork. Burial will follow services at Swan View Memorial Gardens (Bigfork Community Cemetary). There will be a celebration of her life beginning at 12 noon at the Bigfork Inn. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Marion's family.
Eloise Helen McKee, 81
Eloise Helen McKee, 81, of Enumclaw, WA, died September 10, 2008. She was born October 8, 1926 to Ernest and Helen Phillips in Sisseton, SD. Eloise enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing, playing Pinochle, but most of all she loved her church. She is survived by her husband Howard McKee of the home; sons Neil & his wife JoAnne of Montana, Charles of Enumclaw, and Paul & his wife Colleen of Enumclaw, 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held Monday, September 15, 2008 at 1 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Buckley, WA with burial at Evergreen Memorial Park in Enumclaw, WA.
