Furn Leona Boyd

POLSON — Our beloved Granny Furn died at St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2007. She was born March 23, 1916, at the family's farm home south of Poplar to Charles and Minta Maude Gidley. She will be missed by all those who knew her and loved her.

Furn graduated from Richey High School in Richey. She was married to John Boyd, her high school sweetheart, in Wolf Point on June 19, 1933. They lived in Richey where John worked at the Standard Oil gas station and Furn became a mother for the first time. They later moved to Culbertson where John was a bulk dealer for Standard Oil Company and Furn gave birth to two more daughters.

Furn and John moved to Wolf Point where she was able to enjoy being a mother and an active part of her community. When John retired in 1972, they moved to Apache Wells, Ariz. Furn later moved to Leisure World in Mesa, Ariz.

In 2004, she moved to Polson, where she had many friends and relatives. She loved Flathead Lake, the Mission Mountains and the beautiful seasons of Montana. She was so happy to return to the resting place of her husband John.

Furn had three daughters and she lost her beloved husband John in May 1974. Furn's infectious smile and sweet manner won her many wonderful friends. She loved the Phoenix Suns, bowling, golf, dancing, playing card games and bridge, but her greatest love was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a lifetime member of Eastern Star in Wolf Point and a member of the Community Church in Apache Wells.

Furn was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Minta Maude Gidley, her husband John Boyd, sister-in-law Gertrude Boyd Gariepy Joy, brothers Jim Gidley, Cecil Gidley and Maurice Gidley.

She is survived by her sister, Beverly Johnston (Johnnie) of Poplar; sister-in-law, Pauline Gidley of Colorado Springs; daughters Vonda Lee Ashberger (Gary) of Tucson, Ariz., Jeanette Phillips (Bill) of Polson, and JoAnne Lenzen of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Kelly Gonzalez (Donald) of Fresno, Calif., John Phillips (Karin) of Parker, Colo., Jennifer Bell (Drake) of Minneapolis, Julie Wagner (John) of Minneapolis, Jamie Lachman (Dan) of Minneapolis, Bob White (Leslie) of Lemoore, Calif., Tammy Louria (Bill) of Waxahachie, Texas; 16 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the Grogan Funeral Home on Friday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Services will be held in the Mission Valley United Methodist Church on Saturday, Aug. 25, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow services at Pleasant View Cemetery in St. Ignatius.

Memorials for Furn may be sent to Apache Wells Community Church, 2115 N. Gayridge Road, Mesa, AZ 85215, or St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation, 6 13th Ave. E., Polson, MT 59860.

Arrangements are being made by Grogan Funeral Home, Polson.

Gene Magini

Oct. 20, 1913-Aug. 20, 2007

Gene Magini was born the fifth child of nine, on Oct. 20, 1913, in North Judson, Ind., to his Italian immigrant parents, Virginia and August Magini. His parents immigrated to the USA in 1906. They came to the Bitterroot Valley in 1926 when Gene was 13. He loved farming and working with his dad and three brothers, Charlie, Ben, and Frank.

Since they all grew up in Stevensville on the old Baker Place on Burnt Fork, all the children went to school in Stevensville, so many people were acquainted with and respected the Magini Family. Gene's folks moved in 1939 to Parma, Idaho, where the climate was more like the climate they had left in northern Italy. They could grow grapes and make wine, grow peaches, watermelon, cantaloupe, etc. Gene continued to stay in the Bitterroot Valley the rest of his life because he loved it here.

He spent his life ranching in Pine Hollow where he married his wife, Mary Kline (Magini) on Nov. 24, 1940, and they reared two girls, Darlene and Karen. He loved that ranch, that land, and his family and we knew it.

He also loved to catch a big fish every so often. He really loved a good horse (Karen shared that passion with him) and he could grow a bountiful garden, enough to feed the whole town.

His hands were a definition of his life because he could hold the reins of a horse with expertise and joy; the wheel of a John Deere tractor with knowledge and skill; or the hands of grandchildren with total love and pride.

The two gifts that he was totally enamored with were his two grandchildren, Todd and Shelly. The feeling was mutual as one had to sit on one side of him and one on the other at mealtime! They have lots of memories of their Papa Magini.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Kline Magini at the Hillside Manor in Missoula; daughters Darlene Ann Slusher of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Karen Suzzanne Scalf of Polson; two grandchildren, Todd Ragene Slusher (Joyce) of Las Vegas, Nevada (their children: Cilicia, Logan, Grayson, and Noah, plus one great-greatgrandson, Jeffrey), and Shelly Lyn Slusher House (Ken) of Phoenix (their children: Sheree, MaKayla, and Tanner); sister, Nelle Leigh of Parma, Idaho; brother Frank Magini (Jean) of Salome, Ariz., and many nieces and nephews.

He impacted a great many people's lives here in the Bitterroot Valley on a daily basis, as he served on the Big Ditch Board, the Sunset Ditch and as a director on the Board for First State Bank. He was the Creamery Picnic Parade Marshal several times. He set a great example, had an undeniable work ethic, was always fun to be around, and was devoted to and beloved by those of us who knew him best; those who called him friend; and those who saw his heart. We learned a lifetime of lessons and had great examples of integrity, truth, honor, courage, kindness, joy, and hard work.

Daddy's goodness, kindness, generosity and pure delight touched generations of people in the Bitterroot, including his family and beloved friends. His stories with "parables of wisdom" were always welcomed, even though some people never got the message! We will miss him enormously and carry him in our hearts forever. I have often said that he was the best man I ever knew, and the best part of who I am, came from him. It is still true. For many of us, he was like that huge bull pine across the road from our house, where we could always find wisdom, and comfort. Even after that tree was hit by lightning, it continued to flourish, as did Daddy until God finally called his name.

An Informal memorial gathering to celebrate his life will be held at the Stevensville Senior Center on Saturday, Sept. 1, from 2 - 4 p.m. It is said that the time between the date of someone's birth and the date of their passing is called the Dash. That is the time they lived — and our dad really lived, so come share the Dash with us as we reminisce, tell stories on him and say goodbye.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Special K Ranch (tax deductible) at PO Box 479, Columbus, MT 59019 (www.lspecialkranch.com) or to Aspen Hospice at 3972 N Highway 93, Suite D, Stevensville, MT 59870.

Vuelta L. "Bella" Clairmont

POLSON — Vuelta L. "Bella" Clairmont, 86, of Polson died of natural causes on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007, with her family at her side.

Bella was born on Feb. 25, 1921, in May, Idaho, to Verne and Lydia Hammond. Bella graduated from St. Ignatius High School and then went on and completed schooling at the Missoula Beauty School. She owned and operated her own beauty salon in St. Ignatius for two years.

On Oct. 17, 1940, Bella married Alexander "Sam" Clairmont in Wallace, Idaho. She sold her beauty salon to be with her husband and raise their family. Her family was her whole life. The family went everywhere together. The Clairmont family built their log home together on Sunset Bay on Flathead Lake. Bella also loved to dance.

Her parents, her beloved husband Sam, brother Bill Hammond, sister Eileen DesJarlais, granddaughter Christen Clairmont and grandson Elias Clairmont preceded her in death.

Her children, Jane Clairmont of Polson, Steve (Terry) Clairmont of Polson, Carol (Ron) Phillips of St. Ignatius, Jim (Judy) Clairmont of Ronan, Wendy Clairmont of Polson, 13 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild survive Bella.

Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated Aug. 29, 2007, in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Jim Connor officiating. Interment followed at Lakeview Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

Richard A. Bourdon

ST. IGNATIUS — Richard A. Bourdon was born on Apr. 14, 1952, in St. Ignatius to Susan and Art Bourdon. After battling many illnesses, he went to be home with the Lord and join his loved ones who passed before him on Aug. 24, 2007, in Missoula.

Richard was a member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai tribe of the Flathead Reservation. Through the years he had accomplished many great things. He was a minister, a professional Golden Gloves boxer and a caring, loving father and dad to his children and many others to whom he opened his home.

His life had many ups and downs. At a young age, he was placed in foster homes along with his brothers Duane, Calvin and Art and was faced with many challenges.

While in school in St. Ignatius, he tried out for boxing. It did not take him long to find out that he had excelled in the sport. He said "Finally, I have found the attention I had been looking for." He was a great athlete.

Boxing became the only important thing to him at that time in his life. He dedicated his life to his new career and won the Golden Gloves championship for three years — first in Montana, then New Mexico and later in Las Vegas where he boxed Sugar Ray Seal and lost.

As a minister, he said, "My Reservation lies in a valley that is surrounded by a chain of mountains. I started to climb those and half way up someone took my hand and was helping me climb, I looked up and I knew it was the Lord. 'What does this mean?' I asked. He said one day I would make it over that mountain, I will go down into the valley and tell all my people what He has done for me."

Soon, after doors began to open for him, and Richard was back on his Reservation. It was not easy at first, for he remembered the old Richard as the alcoholic, the murderer and fighter.

He is survived by his children Billie Jo Caduiax, Samuel Bourdon, Daniel "Jr." Bourdon, Rhonda Bourdon, Susie Winchester, Valerie Bourdon & Angela Bossy; brother Calvin Bourdon; aunt Clara Bourdon; uncles Eneas Adams and Bill Bourdon; many grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

His funeral services were held Wednesday, Aug. 29 in the St. Ignatius Community Center. Burial was in the St. Ignatius Cemetery.

Doris Mabel Oxford

ARLEE — Doris Mabel Oxford, 86, died Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007, in Boise, Idaho, while visiting her daughter. Funeral services are pending with Foster & Durgeloh Funeral Home .

James Brubaker, Sr.

MISSOULA — James Brubaker, Sr., 77, died Monday, Aug. 27, 2007, at Community Hospital in Missoula. Arrangements are pending with Foster & Durgeloh Funeral Home of St. Ignatius.

Vera B. Stephan

POLSON — Vera B. Stephan, 83, of Polson, formerly of Missoula, went to be with our Lord on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007. Vera was born Aug. 14, 1924, in Pierce, Neb. She attended school in Norfolk, Neb., and took a home college course.

She was head of the Math Department at the University of Montana for 25 years. She was also previous owner of the Evaro Bar and also owned a steak house and taxi service in Nebraska.

She married Ken (Stuffy) Stephan in Reno, Nevada, in 1981. Vera's hobbies were cooking, fishing, flower gardening and sewing.

She is survived by her husband, Ken Stephan of Polson; daughter, Sharon (Roger) Milner of Oregon; sons, John (Rosie) Hanner, Bill (Helen) Hanner, both of Fresno, Calif.; stepchildren, Karen (Kevin) Stephan of Alberton, David (Donetta) Stephan of Missoula, and Craig Stephan of Texas.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. Arrangements and cremation were by Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson.

Casey A. Zepeda

ST. IGNATIUS — Casey Allen Zepeda, 35, of St. Ignatius went to join the ancestors at his home on Friday.

Born April 25, 1972 in Ronan to Clarice Matt and Frank Zepeda, he was raised and educated in St. Ignatius. After high school Casey went to Seattle to study cosmetology and made his home in the Longview/Seattle area. While in Tacoma he met his partner Bill King. He and Bill returned to Casey's hometown of St. Ignatius in the late 1990s to renew his heritage and to be with his family where he and Bill have made many new friends.

Casey enjoyed the outdoors, whether it was fishing or picking berries, he always had a good time. He also enjoyed visiting and making people laugh. One could not ask for a more caring person and friend.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Margaret Finley Matt, Amelia Zepeda and Mickey Dumont and his Aunt Alice Zepeda.

He is survived by his partner of 13 years, Bill King; his parents, Clarice and Frank Zepeda; brother Charles (Gabrielle) Zepeda and sisters Alice Zepeda, all of St. Ignatius, and Cecille (Brent) Barlow of Las Cruces, N.M.; four nieces and nephews, as well Bill's two daughters and three granddaughters; his god-daughter Jay; his adopted moms Barb Oliver, Debi Cadeaux both of St. Ignatius, Judy Burgin of Shelton, Wash., and adopted sister Shawn of Shelton, Wash.; close friends, David of Seattle, Jerry of Tacoma and Mark of Arlee and numerous cousins, aunties, uncles and friends.

Mass was celebrated Aug. 30 in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission. Interment was in the Snyelmn Sntmtmne by his Yaya Margaret.

Harry Lyle Owen

April 3, 1935 - Aug. 21, 2007

SPOKANE — Harry Lyle Owen, 72, experienced a peaceful, merciful death. He was cared for at his Spokane home by his wife and three sons, with support from Horizon Hospice and Pastoral Care Services of Holy Family Hospital, Spokane. A debilitating struggle with cancer was his call home, to be with Our Father in Heaven.

Harry was the son of Wilson Robert Owen and Emily Glover Owen of Polson. He had a lifelong love for the Salish-Kootenai and other Native American Indians. Harry graduated from St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul, Minn., in 1953. He then joined the U.S. Army and served in Germany until 1956.

He began a long career with the U.S. Postal Service as a distribution clerk shortly thereafter. Harry was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie #2, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1474, Hillyard.

He was a lifetime blood donor of nearly 20 gallons at the Inland Northwest Blood Center. Harry married Madonna Jean Gourneau (Turtle Mountain Chippewa) of Belcourt, N.D. on June 22, 1967, in Reno, Nevada. The marriage was fruitful — producing three sons, Wilson Robert Owen and twins Harry A. and Donald B. Owen. Harry retired on a medical disability, then began his phenomenal work of being a stay-at-home parent and homemaker, at which he excelled. Harry was the "son of a nurse" and the "husband of a nurse."

Memorial contributions may be made to the Harry Owen Nursing Scholarship Fund, c/o Holy Family Hospital Foundation, 5633 N. Lidgerwood, Spokane, WA 99208.

The funeral service was Aug. 25, 2007, at Ball & Dodd Funeral Home in Spokane with Fr. Uche Obisike officiating. Interment was in at Holy Cross Cemetery, Spokane.

William (Bill) Lynn Burns

MOIESE — William (Bill) Lynn Burns 75, died of natural causes at his home in the Moiese Valley. Lynn was born May 20, 1932, in Pocatello Idaho, to Leonard Russ and Wilma Irene (Spear) Burns.

The family moved to the Moiese Valley, where he attended grade school. Lynn then attended Charlo High School, playing in the high school band. He graduated from Charlo High in 1949.

Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS Tawana from 1950 to 1954. Lynn was a candidate for the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md. While serving in the Navy, Lynn played in the Navy band. After his discharge from the service, he followed his true passion by enrolling at Montana State University School of Music. He graduated from the University in 1959 with a degree in music.

Shortly after graduation from the University, Lynn followed an interest he had always harbored in the mining field. This took him to Idaho, where he worked for the Bunker Hill and Sunshine Mines. Lynn was working with his friends in the Sunshine Mine when disaster struck, killing many of the crew.

After the disaster in Kellogg, Lynn went into mining for himself, working several of his claims throughout Western Montana.

During the '50s and '60s Lynn played in several dance bands throughout Idaho and the Mission Valley. He never let his love for music die. In his later years Lynn became a true horticulturist. His garden and flower beds were the envy of many a friend and neighbor. The bounty of his gardens were always enjoyed by everyone.

Lynn could always be seen driving to town with his buddy Tip, the Australian Shepherd, in the front seat of his car. Tip was faithful to Lynn, as he was rescued by him from an abusive owner.

Cremation has taken place, with all arrangements being handled by Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home of Ronan. Private services will be held at a later date with burial in the Ronan Cemetery.