Ronald Ray Pugh

ANACONDA — Ronald R. Pugh, 62, of Anaconda, died Saturday, July 15, 2006, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

He was born Jan. 10, 1944, in Fort Benton to James F. Pugh and Eva Joy Halley Pugh. He graduated from Fort Benton High School and attended the University of Montana.

Ron graduated from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science and had an active and dedicated career as a mortician. He worked with Squire, Simmons and Carr Rose Chapel in Missoula, Mosley Funeral Home in Polson and Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula. At the time of his death, he was a partner in Longfellow Finnegan Funeral Home in Anaconda.

For several years Ron was employed as a representative for Montana and Wyoming with the Community Concerts Division of Columbia Artists Management Inc. He was a gifted musician and in his youth he studied music in Fort Benton and Great Falls.

He currently served on the session and as treasurer of the First Presbyterian Church of Anaconda, where he also was organist. He had been active in the Presbyterian Church when he resided in Polson. In Polson he also was employed by Eddie's Drug and as manager of the Ancient Mariner Supper Club.

Ron enjoyed visiting with his many friends at Thompson's Bar over coffee every morning. He was an avid reader and subscribed to several newspapers and news magazines.

He is survived by his longtime friend Michael Kahoe of Philipsburg, business partner Sibley Malee of Anaconda and cousin Darrell Halley of Las Vegas.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 20 (today), at the First Presbyterian Church of Anaconda with the Rev. Mary Davis officiating and the Rev. Warren "Rusty" Craig assisting.

Graveside services will be 1 p.m., Friday, at Riverside Cemetery in Fort Benton.

Memorials are preferred to the First Presbyterian Church of Anaconda.