Vital Pierre Stevens

ARLEE — Vital Pierre Stevens, 71, went to join the ancestors on April 18, 2005, at his home in Arlee.

Born in Arlee on Dec. 2, 1933, to Peter and Cecile Vanderburg Stevens, he was raised and educated in the Jocko Valley along with his 13 siblings.

Vital worked as a woodsman, cutting Christmas trees, post and poling and for Forestry until an ankle injury in 1967 caused him to change jobs and he went to work for the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe where he served in food distribution until his retirement in 1987.

A confirmed bachelor Vital never married.

Vital enjoyed his godchildren and the joys that they brought and being around his family.

Vital had been a fancy dancer and had danced at the many powwows but he most enjoyed going to the powwows in Sheridan, Wyo., Cardtson, Alberta, those in Idaho and Washington as well as the local areas. He danced until he was 37.

The last of his generation, he was preceded in death by his parents and 12 brothers and sisters. He leaves behind his son, Vic Stevens, and a granddaughter, Aaliyah Jade Stevens McEldery, as well as a large family of nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends whom he regarded as family.

Mass was celebrated April 22 at the new Arlee Community Center. He was laid to rest with his family at the Jocko Cemetery.