Grover F. Botkin

Grover F. Botkin, 80, died on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2004.

He was traveling in his beloved home state of Montana. Grover was born on Oct. 2, 1924, in Washington, D.C., to Grover Cleveland Botkin and Lillian Webster Botkin.

He served more than 39 years in dignified service to the country. He entered World War II at the age of 17 with the United States Navy and served on the USS Emery DE-28 and the USS Prime.

Several years after the war, he enlisted with the United States Air Force as a radar controller, earning distinction with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant at retirement.

For the next 15 years, Grover served as a police officer in Great Falls. He lived for 40 years in Montana, owning homes in Opheim, Great Falls, and Billings.

He and his wife, Greta, built their retirement home on Flathead Lake and have resided in Dayton for 11 years.

Grover loved hunting, fishing, collecting antiques, artwork, and guns.

He was an avid lover of his horses and pets at home. He will always have a special place in all of our hearts for his talent of telling "the most wonderful stories and tales of adventure."

He was a consultant in several large Hollywood movies. He was very proud to be a member of the Masons, WCSM, NWMACA, and he was a life member of the NRA. Grover was a father who taught us valuable lessons of good citizenship, manners, and independence.

Grover is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Greta Botkin; and his family who include Bruce Botkin and Vici Peters, Ben Botkin and Rose Mary Taylor, Beverly Botkin LaCasse and her son Nathan LaCasse, who is serving with the U.S. Coast Guard, Lisa Sell and her husband Dean Sell and their daughter Nahtanha. Nathan and Nahtanha are the grandchildren of Grover.

A public memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 8, at Grogan Funeral Home in Polson at 1 p.m. with Father Gary Reller officiating. A community potluck welcoming all friends, neighbors, and family will be held at the Idle Spur Saloon at Dayton, on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005, at 5 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory.