Derwin Fredrick Halvorson, Sr.

HOT SPRINGS — Derwin Fredrick ("Din") Halvorson, Sr., 85, of Hot Springs, died on Monday, May 2, 2005 at St. Patricks Hospital in Missoula.

Din was born on Jan. 29, 1920, in Polson, the youngest son of Nora (MacDonald) and Fred Halvorson. Niarada, Lonepine, Hot Springs and the MacDonald Ranch were the places where he grew up. Din graduated from Hot Springs High School with the Class of '38, the first class to attend all four high school years together in the new school.

On June 22, 1941, Din married Gladys Louise Dedrickson at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Missoula, and together they started a home and family in Hot Springs.

Din was a member on the Nyah Grange and the Elks. He was a successful cattle rancher and known as a generous, kind man of quiet integrity, with the utmost loyalty to his family and friends. He was a loving husband, friend and father with a quick smile.

He was a member of the Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation, where he served as councilman and Tribal representative from the Hot Springs area for approximately 12 years.

Din was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Gladys, a brother, Louis and a grandson, Jeremy.

He is survived by his children: Derwin F. Halvorson, Jr., James J. Halvorson and Kim L. Halvorson, all of Hot Springs; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Memorial services and celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 14 at 2 p.m. at the Lonepine Community Hall in Lonepine, followed by a luncheon at the hall.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bunch-Toews Funeral Chapel of Plains.