Char-Koosta News
The Official Publication of the Flathead Nation online
For the Record...December 2007 ObituariesMax
Joseph Andrew Max grew up in the Ronan area with his sisters April, Amber and Alida. He attended school in Ronan until the 8th grade. He always had a smile on his face and liked to raise heck with his family and friends. He enjoyed playing pool, being outdoors and hunting until his hunting accident. His survival was proof that miracles do happen. Max fought long and hard to learn how to walk and talk again. His strength and determination was an inspiration to us all. But even through that ruff and tuff time Max still had a smile for everyone and a kind loving heart. When he was able to play pool again it was with one arm, but he didn't let that stop him from kickin some butt on the table. I bet he could've given his dad a go! He is preceded in death by his grandparents Harriet and Andrew Andrew, Sr. and Alfred and Bernice Senecal; his uncles Andy Andrew, Jr., Gerry Sias and Maxine Andrew, for whom he was named after; his aunts Diane Andrew, Gerri Andrew and Enid Andrew and his sister Michelle Courville. He is survived by his uncles Joe Senecal, Ted Sias, Fred Sias, Herb Sias (Ann) and Danny Andrew; his aunts Tina Andrew and Lucy Senecal; sisters April Garfield, Amber Garfield, Alida Garfield, Angelic (Shawn) Schlensker and their children Damian, Martin and MJ also many cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends to numerous to list. Richard
"Rik" Alan Matt Rik was born on Sept. 7, 1962 in Butte to Sophie and Joseph Matt. He graduated from Flathead High School in 1980 and attended Flathead Community College and Central Arizona College from 1980-1982, where he majored in Business Administration. He was the first Flathead Indian to become a golf pro. He was a golf pro in Oregon, Arizona, Florida and Montana. He was committed to teaching young people how to play golf. He had a "hole in one" in August of 1983 at the Polson Country Club and was co-holder of many course records at golf courses across the country. He also had a hole-in-one in Pablo at the Silver Fox Golf Course. He enjoyed golfing, tutoring golf and making necklaces. He is preceded in death by his father Joseph and brothers Dean and Randall. He is survived by his Mother Sophie of Big Arm and a sister Barbara Clark of Kalispell and a nephew Robert Joseph Clark of Kalispell. Arrangements were by Grogan Funeral Home of Polson. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Howard
F. Morigeau He traveled to meet his parents Cora Louise Grenier and Joseph Antoine Alexander Morigeau; grandparents Mary Frances Blanket Hawk and Moiese Grenier; uncle Forrest Morigeau; son William Morigeau; best friend Ben Ascencio and all who have traveled the path before him. The much-anticipated first grandchild of Moiese and Mary, Howard entered this world August 19, 1931 days after his grandfather passed on. A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Howard grew up on the reservation. He sampled life in the Northwest working in hospitals and healthcare facilities. He met Cynthia Jane Morigeau in Lynnwood, Washington where they married in 1971. Howard and Janie continued to sample life in various north-west communities and Oklahoma, always being called back to the Flathead Reservation or bordering communities. Howard earned his Chemical Dependency Certification to become a drug and alcohol counselor for the CS&K Tribe. He and Janie opened their home to numerous foster children in Montana. He leaves behind his wife Janie; his special daughter Dina Morigeau Sebring; daughters Shelley Mackey and Donna Mathwig; sons Robert Morigeau, Beau Parker and Mitch (Nikkolette) Parker; his sister-cousin Dorinne Bingham and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We will miss Howard's wacky wisdom, warped and wild humor and his well-hidden gentle love. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 1 p.m. in the Foster & Durgeloh Funeral Chapel in St. Ignatius. Jason
Calhoun "Big Jay" Julius Jason was born on August 10, 1974 to Rod and Paula Julius in St. Ignatius, Montana. The first grandchild born to Rose Redhorn Tanner and the first baby nephew to a large extended family who loved him. In his youth, and throughout his life he lived both in Montana as well as in Bellingham, Washington where he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Eagle Clan of the Lummi Nation. He attended schools in Bellingham, Arlee, Ronan and Two Eagle River School where he met his lifelong friends who gave him the nickname "Big Jay". He was proud to be named after his uncle Cal. He enjoyed movies, listening to music, playing videogames, attending family dinners and cruising with his friends. Big Jay was known to spin good tales and liked to tease his family and friends and was always looking for laughter. He had a big, loving, generous heart and would help out any of his friends or family if he was able. His biggest enjoyment, and what brought him joy, was to spend time with the love of his life, his daughter Deja. Big Jay would travel to Bellingham to visit with his father and family and loved to spend time on the beach, watch the canoe races, and participate in his Lummi Tribal culture. Big Jay lived for his family. Both families as well as his friends are going to miss his company, laughter and big spirit. Jason was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rose Redhorn Tanner, Haynes and Vela Julius, numerous uncles, aunts and cousins who he now joins in heaven. Survivors include his loving daughter Deja and mother Paula of the family home in Ronan; father Rod Julius of Bellingham, Washington; brothers, Willie Azure; Marcus Azure of Ronan; Rod Jr., Reese, Gary and Jesse Julius of Bellingham, Washington; sisters, Kathy Julius of Ronan and Kelly Julius of Bellingham, Washington; special nephew; Issac and niece Victoria; godparents, Andrew and Rita Woodcock; numerous aunties and uncles, cousins and several nieces and nephews both in Montana and Washington. Clifford
Armond Matt Born on May 26, 1932, Clifford lived a life full of family and friends, and all who were blessed to share his life with him, loved him deeply. The oldest of twelve children, Clifford devoted his life to the people around him. He attended boarding school in Pierre, SD and Chemewa, OR and graduated from St. Ignatius High School where he met his best friend and love of his life. He married Charlene Tellier at age twenty-one and the couple made their home in St. Ignatius. Following that, he entered the army in the 2nd Infantry Division and was stationed at Fort Carson, Fort Lewis and in Alaska. Returning home to Montana, Clifford started working in construction, and later with the BIA Roads Program at the Dixon Agency. He continued to work for the BIA for the next forty-four years, retiring at the age of 70 from the Flathead Irrigation Project. Clifford loved being in the mountains hunting and cutting wood, working outside, tending to his garden, watching sports and westerns, and spending time with his friends and family. He especially loved the game of baseball and was a pitcher in a men's semi-pro league when he was younger. A great storyteller, he was always making the people around him laugh; and he loved to visit. Clifford is the pillar of a strong family who are all very close. He will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents Armenia and Louis "Sonny" Matt; son Craig Matt; and grandson Anthony Howlett. He is survived by his wife Charlene Tellier Matt, with whom he was happily married for fifty-three years; children Clayton (Yolanda) Matt of Pablo, Ronda (Kevin) Howlett of Arlee and Cort Matt of Missoula; grandchildren Caato and Crystal Matt, Daniel and Sierra Howlett and Bradie Ann Matt; great-grandchildren Macao Jackson and Trushaun Matt; siblings Helen (Gene) Leishman, Thelma (Wyman) McDonald, Merle (Diane) Matt, Ronnie (Andrea) Matt, Joyce (Ernie) Wallen, Edith (Sam) Morigeau, Zilia (Bob) Lewis, Bonita "Bunny" (H.B.) Wilder, Janice (Tom) Shea, Marlene (Tom) Roberts and Penny (Willie) Kipp; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Joshua
Dean Young Running Crane Born in Browning on January 3, 1985 to Rhonda Cockrum and Michael Young Running Crane, he was raised and educated on the Blackfeet and Flathead Reservations. A kind, well-liked and good friend with a very caring heart, Josh was a hard worker and had worked as a carpenter and as a beekeeper. A special person, he enjoyed being around his friends and family, playing basketball and being outdoors whether it was camping, fishing and hunting or just taking rides in the hills. His path to being an avid fisherman and hunter expanded when he shot his first buck nine years ago. It brought such an enthusiastic zeal for the outdoors that one could not believe the smile it gave him. His smile and presence will be sorely missed. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Duane Rutherford as well as many other older members of his parent's families. Survivors include his parents Rhonda (Clayton) Pierre of Arlee; Michael Young Running Crane and family of Birch Creek, MT; brother Robert Young Running Crane of Browning, Sisters Rochelle Young Running Crane of Arlee and Michelle Young Running Crane of Birch Creek; grandparents Eva Horn, Gene Grant and Bobby Rutherford as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins from the Young Running Crane, Rutherford, Horn and Pierre families. Asia
Day Marie Gray Asia was born September 25, 1979 in St. Ignatius, Montana to Jack and Jane Whiting. Jack and Jane brought their second daughter home to the family home in Big Arm where she resided until she was married. Asia was raised along with her older sister Ann on a farm with goats, chickens and ponies. She owned her first real horse when she was 13 and from that time on was determined to be a horsewoman. She spent her summers galloping bareback through the hills with her cousins and around Flathead Lake to see her grandparents. She loved to be outdoors in every season. After much study and reflection, Asia decided to dedicate her life to Jehovah God. She symbolized this by baptism on July 7, 1990. She was a poet, a dreamer, and a thoughtful and loyal friend to all who knew her. Asia attended Polson Schools and graduated in June of 1997. A lifelong dream was realized for Asia when she married her best friend Loren James Gray of Bigfork in a festive and beautiful wedding on May 29, 1998 in Creston, Montana. Loren is the second son of David and Dee Gray and they welcomed her into their family as if she was one of their daughters. Asia and Loren were partners in many adventures including annual fishing trips to Alaska and Mexico, pack trips in the mountains of Montana and vacations in Hawaii. Loren gave Asia wings and her talents flourished in their time together. She had the ability to create anything: carpentry, native beadwork, baskets, painting, sushi, vintage Volkswagens, a beautiful barn and beautiful photographs. She was self-employed as a horse trainer and helped her dad with his Polson Storage business. Loren and Asia were generous hosts and made their friends welcome and comfortable. Asia was tenacious and feisty and beautiful in the most natural, unaffected way. She grew more beautiful every year. She deeply loved her horses and worked hard to communicate with them. This love and her natural talent combined to make her an effective horse trainer. She knew the freedom and power of being a rider. She was capable of packing into the Bob Marshall Wilderness, backpacking through Ecuador and working in New York City with ease and style. Asia was a frequent participant in barrel races, hunter-jumper shows and Indian relay races throughout Montana. Asia dearly missed her mother Jane, who passed away in March 2007. She looked forward to seeing Jane in the resurrection as promised in John 5:28,29. We also eagerly anticipate our future reunion with Asia and Jane on the Earth under much better conditions than we experience now. Revelation 21:4 says, "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. " Asia's captivating smile was as constant and genuine as the daily sunrise. She is survived by her husband Loren Gray, father Jack Whiting, sister Ann Whiting and numerous great-aunts and uncles, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and in-laws in the Flathead Valley and Flathead Indian Reservation and Pacific Northwest. She was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Don and Elva (Crockett) Whiting and maternal grandparents Walter and Gladys Jo (Lozar) Fouty and mother Jane Mildred (Fouty) Whiting. A memorial service will be held on Thursday December 20, 2007 at 1p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Polson Montana located on Highway 93 south of Polson. There will be a gathering at the Elmo Community Hall immediately following the memorial service. Funeral arrangements have been made by Johnson's Mortuary in Kalispell. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnsonsmortuary.com Mack
C. Olson Mack was born to Lloyd and Jo Ann Olson in Grinnell, Iowa on January 5, 1966. He graduated from BGM High School in Brooklyn, Iowa in 1985. Mack's interest in the beef industry drove him to enroll in the beef program at Rick's College in Rexburg, Idaho. During college, Mack did internships at various ranches including Nelson Angus Ranch in Salmon, Idaho and Sitz Angus Ranch in Harrison, Montana. After graduating from college, he went to work for B & L Angus Ranch in Shawnee, Oklahoma. In 1988, Mack went to work for Stewart Angus Ranch where he met his true love and companion forever, Wendy Stein. On November 24, 1990 Mack and Wendy were married in Lewistown, Montana. For the next few years, Mack had his own Custom Feeding and Fitting Business, traveling to various shows to fit show cattle. In 1991, Mack and Wendy moved to Midway, Utah where Mack managed River Meadows Ranch and later Duncan Angus Ranch in Aberdeen, Idaho. In September of 1992, they were blessed with their first child, Kyla Shelby. The Olson's moved to St. Ignatius, Montana in 1994 to manage the Inniway Angus Ranch for their dear friends Bill and Pert Wunderlich. It didn't take long for Mack and Wendy to fall in love with the Mission Valley. They thought it would be the perfect place to raise their family. Their son Kane Tanner was born in January of 2000. After the Inniway Angus Ranch dispersed in 2002, Mack had the privilege of joining the Mytty Angus Ranch program. With cattle spread from the Bitterroot Valley to the Mission Mountains, Mack and Kevin Mytty established a herd of Registered Angus Cattle that are known worldwide. Mack was a proud member of the American Angus Association, the Montana Angus Association, the Western Montana Angus Association and was a director for the Western Montana Stockgrowers Association. He was also a beef superintendant for Lake County 4-H. Mack was very involved in the local 4-H club and truly loved working with all of the kids. Mack had a passion for cattle and an eye to fit the champion of champions. He was always willing to share his knowledge as well as his smile with all of his friends. In 1995, one of Mack's greatest accomplishments was winning the Herdsman Award at the Western National Angus Futurity in Reno, Nevada. Mack lived for his family and touched the hearts of many. He will be missed by all who were blessed with the opportunity to know him. Survivors include his wife Wendy, daughter Kyla, son Kane; parents, Lloyd and Jo Ann Olson; brothers, Marc (Lori) Olson and Matthew (Lori) Olson; sisters, Mindy (Dean) Huls and Molly (Tom) Judy; all from Iowa. Father-in-law Tony (Lori) Stein, brother-in-law Wade (Debbie) Stein of Lewistown, MT; and sister-in-law Rachel Stein of Seattle, WA; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial in memory of Mack has been set up at the Lake County Bank, PO Box 664, St. Ignatius, MT. 59865. Perry
F. Roys Perry Franklin Hartmann Roys was born in East Helena on September 22, 1922. He was the youngest son of Norwegian emigrants, Inga and Henry Roys, who preceded him in death. A brother and two sisters also preceded him in death. He met his future wife, Helen Mae Butterfield, in 1941, while in college at Montana State University of Bozeman. They were married January 19, 1946, while he was home on leave from the Navy. In his early years, Perry worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad and managed the Bungalow Drug store soda fountain in Bozeman, where he learned to make superb ice cream and malts. Perry and Helen also managed the Penguin Shop in West Yellowstone, MT, where they made thousands of doughnuts. As a Naval officer, Perry served on a fleet hospital ship based outside of Okinawa when the Japanese surrendered. He was tossed into a rice paddy by a typhoon during the occupation of Japan, but returned to active duty after his jaw and teeth were repaired. He was recalled during the Korean conflict and served in California for two years. He also authored a report on the economics of tungsten for the Atomic Energy Commission in Washington, D.C. After the war, Perry earned an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan. He also attended Carroll College and Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. His fields of study were business, economics, and government, which led to a career focused on regional planning, economic development, and business administration. He first taught at the Montana School of Mines (now Montana Tech) in Butte and eventually retired as a professor of business management from the University of Montana. During the intervening years, he also taught at the University of Omaha and the State University of New York at Buffalo. He served as Director of the Montana Department of Planning and Economic Development in Helena under several administrations. He was the manager of the Area Development Department for the Northern Natural Gas Company in Omaha, Nebraska. In Buffalo, New York, he was executive vice president of the Greater Buffalo Development Foundation. In 1980, Perry retired from the University of Montana to devote his time, energy, and carpentry skills to the beloved family gathering place at Flathead Lake. Perry was one of the pioneers in Montana skiing; in high school and college he skied competitively, won and placed in many events, including downhill and ski jumping championships. He was also a creative carpenter, boat builder, fly fisherman, and once received national recognition for pitching a no-hit softball game. In later years, he became a fine senior golfer and also played pool with his golfing buddies. Perry was a positive and energetic man, a philosopher, a professor, an entertaining storyteller, and a genial, thoughtful, intelligent, and generous man. He encouraged people to be open to new experiences and challenges, and he followed his own advice. As a result, Perry was even able to view his experiences and the new friendships formed in the "chemo lounge" with a positive attitude. His wife, Helen, survives him at their home in Polson. He leaves behind their son, Hal Roys of Salt Lake City, Utah; daughters, Krista Roys (William O'Connor) of Madison, Wisconsin, and Adina Pagel (Ron) of Missoula; seven lucky grandchildren, including five granddaughters and two grandsons; two great-grandchildren; four nieces and two nephews. In addition, two cousins survive him: Odd Stronnes of Norway and Everett Lay of Manhattan. He was a member of the Sons of Norway, the Polson Elks, SCORE, and the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson. The family wishes to thank the many people involved in Perry's care during this past year of illness: Dr. Shull Lemire; Dr. Ries and Dr. Beatty of the Montana Cancer Center; radiologists, Dr. Markette and Dr. Menendez; the fifth floor staff of St. Patrick's Hospital; Polson Home Health, and the Village Health Care Center of Missoula. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society, the Cheerful Hearts of Polson, or an organization of your choosing. A memorial service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson (409 4th Avenue East) on December 27, 2007, at 2 p.m. Grogan Funeral Home of Polson will handle the arrangements. Condolences may also be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Donna
Mae Dupuis Donna was born September 3, 1935 in Big Timber, MT to Carl and Angie Violett. They made their home in Dayton, MT. She attended Dayton Elementary School and graduated from Polson High School in 1954. On April 26, 1958, Donna married Floyd Kenneth "Kenny" Dupuis. They had two sons, Kevin and Todd. Donna worked at Queens Court, Sears, Service Incorporated, worked as a nurses aide, Captains Wardrobe Drycleaners, and bartended at the Eagles Lodge #3913 in Polson. Her parents Carl and Angie Violett, sister Fern, brother Bob, nephew Jack, and her husband Floyd Kenneth "Kenny" Dupuis preceded her in death. Her sons Kevin Dupuis and Tina Darnell, Todd and Sally Dupuis, and her grandchildren Michael Lochner, Jazmyn Mae Dupuis, Christina and Matthew Darnell survive Donna. Several nieces and nephews, and everyone who called her "mom" also survive her. Her love and her best friend, Cliff Bucher of Polson, who shared 14 wonderful years together, also survives her. We love you. She will be missed greatly but her spirit will move on. Donna Mae loved to play piano and loved to be with people she loved. A special thanks to the staffs of St. Luke's Hospital in Ronan, MT, also to Kalispell Regional Hospital and the Heritage Place. A remembrance of Donna's life will be celebrated on Saturday December 15, 2007 at 3 p.m. in the upstairs hall at the VFW in Polson, MT. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Paul
W. Speck Paul was born on January 8, 1916 at Rockford, IL to Paul and Cora Speck. In his youth, Paul enjoyed boxing. Paul left home at the age of 15 and later told great stories of his "hobo-ing" years. For several years, Paul earned a living as a bull rider on the rodeo circuit. Paul joined the US Air Force and retired as Chief Master Sergeant with 30 years of service. He served in WWII, Korea and Viet Nam. Following his discharge from the Air Force, Paul worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator. His parents, twin sister Pauline, brother Vernon and stepsister, Ada Gould preceded him in death. His life partner Gladys Malmstrom, sisters Kathleen Young and Bernice Freschet and her husband "Fuzz" survive Paul. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Paul's name to Lake County Hospice, PO Box 39, Polson, MT 59860. A memorial service will be held at Grogan Funeral Home on Sunday December 16, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. with Ron Ryan officiating. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be sent to the family at groganfuneralhome.com |
