Jeffrey Ryan Teeple

Jeffrey Ryan Teeple aka “Jeffy,” 31, passed away Monday, May 21, 2012 from pneumonia and a staff infection in his blood at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Born in Missoula on Feb. 22, 1981, Jeff attended Frenchtown schools until 1997 and later got his G.E.D. in Boise, Idaho. After working a short time at our store, Montana Bolt Co., he went back to school at the Art Institute in Seattle and worked as a chef in Seattle for many years. He married Denise Stead in 2006.

Jeff was such a caring, fun-loving guy who made an impression on everyone he met. He dreamed of becoming a writer and his passion was music. He spent most of his free time writing and playing music with anyone who would listen.

Jeff would always get great pleasure in surprising us with all the different hairstyles he could conjure up. From long hair to military style, to a mohawk and a range of different colors, including Ford Explorer blue. It was no surprise he was voted “best hair” in the fourth grade.

Jeff possessed a clever sense of humor and had a real compassion for all his animals, especially his four cats. He nursed his cat “Veda” (14) for so many years never knowing that it would outlive him.

We will always love you, Jeffy, and will miss you for the rest of our days.

Jeff was preceded in death by his Uncle Craig Teeple (26) and a best friend Ryan Poe.

He leaves behind his wife Denise; loving parents Jeff and Karen Teeple of St. Ignatius; sisters Mikaela and Jordan Teeple; nephews Tristen and Kenny Teeple and the newest additions to the family, Orion King and Kaelyn Canfield whom he has never met. He also leaves behind his grandparents, Ken and Jeanie Teeple and Mac and Marijo McCabe; his uncles Kevin, Chris and Keith McCabe; aunts Jodi Christophe, Cheryl Stromberg, Kathy Westlake and Colleen Barlow. He has many cousins but one very special one to remember, Rebel Teeple Larson of Arlee.

Our most beloved grandson, you gave us years of pleasure and you are still part of your grandma and grandpa.