Lloyd G. 'Sonny' Burland

RONAN - Lloyd G. "Sonny" Burland, 83, died of a heart attack early Tuesday, July 20, 2004, in Ronan.

Sonny was born July 3, 1921, in Ronan to Antoinette (Peone) and Gilbert Burland. Raised in Ronan, he attended school at the Ursuline Academy and in Ronan. Sonny then started his family and married Alta McDonald in 1940.

He made his home in Hot Springs, before moving to Missoula where he worked in the mills.

He later moved to Cut Bank, then to San Francisco and later to Seattle before returning to the Reservation.

Upon his return he worked as a ranch hand, barkeeper and for the Tribe in forestry.

A traveler by nature, Sonny still traveled after he settled in Ronan, making his rounds every day where he was affectionately known as the "Governor."

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Dennis and an adopted son, Kenny Burland, and sister Marie McLeod.

Surviving are his children, Babe and Gary of St. Ignatius, and Andrea "Dad Do" Thomas of Ronan; sister, Curly Fulkner of Polson; aunt, Wanona Todd;four nephews, Jimmy Skelton, Art, Mike and Ronnie Trahan; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Mass was celebrated Friday in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ronan. Interment followed in the family cemetery near Ronan.