Virgil Peter 'Slick' Auld

POLSON — Virgil Peter "Slick" Auld, 58, of Ronan died at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan on Thursday Aug. 25, 2005, after a long illness.

Virg, a member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai tribes, was born on Jan. 7, 1947, to Alice (Wakan) and Mose Auld of Elmo. He grew up in Elmo, and attended school in Twin Bridges and then Flandreau, S.D. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran, who served his country after enlisting in the U.S. Army early in 1967. Upon his honorable discharge in 1971, he attended the University of Montana.

Virgil's love of the outdoors led him to numerous seasons of fire fighting and other outdoor jobs. Hunting, fishing and just walking in the woods were among his favorite pastimes.

Virg had a compassionate, giving and caring personality. He rarely turned anyone away. These inner gifts made him many, many friends, young and old. He became known as "Slick" to his friends and "Uncle Virg" to many of the young in and around the reservation.

Survivors include Edward Auld of Salt Lake City, Glenna Auld Askan of Arlee, Linda Auld of Ronan, Curtis Auld of Elmo, Carson Auld of Pablo, Weemus Wilder of Ronan, Andrew Wilder of Missoula, Lisa Bigby of Ronan, James Bigby of St. Ignatius, and Francis Auld of Elmo.

Other Survivors include Donna Michel, "Mary Mary," The Askan Boys, Linda's daughters Tara and Stacy, Ed's daughters Veranda, Darnell, Darlana, and Carce's daughter Randi; and many cousins, aunties, uncles, friends and relatives.

Preceding him in death are his mother, Alice Wakan; his father. Mose Auld; a sister, Darlene R. Auld Wilder Bigby, and Auntie Louise Burke.

A funeral mass was celebrated Aug. 27, in the Elmo Hall. Burial with military honors followed at the Dayton cemetery. Pallbearers were Mose Moulton, Orsino Walker, Brad Eneas, D.J. Joseph, Gilbert Michel, Wilbert Michel, and Gale Eneas was the cross bearer.

Arrangements under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home, Polson.