Morigeau, Jacque Alexander

Jacque Alexander Morigeau passed away Thursday, November 6, 2008 at St. Luke Extended Care Facility in Ronan with his family at his side after a courageous battle with cancer. Jacque was born on November 27, 1943 in Missoula and lived his entire life on the Flathead Indian Reservation except for the time he spent serving his country in Vietnam, both as a combat veteran and a civilian employee.

Jacque was the oldest of six children born to Jack and Genevieve (Charlo) Morigeau. He was the nephew of Tribal Elder Vic Charlo and the great-great-great grandson of Chief Charlo. Jacque took a quiet pride in his Native American heritage, and passed that pride on to his six children, sixteen grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

In the sixties Jacque heard his countries call and answered that call. He enlisted in the US Army in 1962 at the age of 18 and served a total of 8 years, including two combat tours in Vietnam and a third trip as a civilian contractor. Jacque was a crew chief on a medivac helicopter and also served on a helicopter gunship, getting shot down on several occasions and engaging in firefights to survive. Upon his discharge Jacque made his living as a woodsman until becoming involved in the Tribal Law and Order program in several roles beginning in 1973. Jacque served in many positions there from relief dispatcher to lieutenant of patrol, working closely with his good friend, Ken Clairmont. Jacque was later instrumental in the creation of the adult parole and probation department serving as director for ten years until his retirement in March of 2007.

Jacque was a dedicated family man who greatly looked forward to holidays and gatherings with his family and extended family. Jacque enjoyed watching Nascar, and was an avid Griz fan, much to his daughter Lisa's dismay. Jacque was also a LA Dodgers fan, but we overlooked that flaw in him. Jacque also enjoyed spending time watching his grandchildren play sports including basketball, softball and baseball. He lived a good life and will be remembered as having left this world a much better place for his having been a part of it. We will all miss him greatly but take peace in knowing he is in a better place. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to everyone.

Jacque was preceded in passing by his parents and an infant son, Steven.

Jacque married Kathy Reynolds on March 7, 1961 and they later divorced. On July 18, 1981 Jacque married Jean Plouffe Morigeau who survives him at the family home in Ronan. He is also survived by his children: Dane (Malissa) of Arlee, Michelle (Casey) of Ronan, Chuck (Diane) of Elmo, Rod (Margarita) of Houston, TX, Lisa (Lennie) of Ronan, and Chris (Johleen) of Missoula, sixteen grandchildren and six great grand children. He also leaves behind his brothers, Charlie, Vic, and Audie and his sisters Toni, Stella and Denise. Jacque will also be missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jacque was also an animal lover, and any dog that he took in had hit the jackpot, his four-legged pets, Killer, Peppy and Azrael will miss him dearly.

A public viewing for all Jacque's friends and family will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2008 from 1-5pm at Grogan Funeral Home in Polson, who are handling the arrangements. A celebration of Jacque's life will be held on Monday, November 10, 2008 at 10:00am at the Ronan Community Center and Military Honors will be presented. Lunch will follow the services. We invite friends and family to come and share a story or memory of Jacque. It was Jacque's wish to be cremated, and there will be no graveside services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any charity benefiting Parkinson's Disease or to the Cheerful Heart Organization helping others battling cancer.

The guest book may be signed or a condolence sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com