Obituaries

George Albert Eye

George Albert Eye, age 79, passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2012 of a heart attack.

George was born October 24, 1932 in St. Ignatius, Mont. to Frank and Azilee (Krantz) Eye. He grew up on the Eye ranch at St. Ignatius and graduated from St. Ignatius High School. He was drafted into the Army and served his country and was honorably discharged.

On June 24, 1961 he married Shirley Newton in Polson. He served on the Lake County Farm Home and Farm Service Committees, Methodist Church Board, played mandolin and guitar with the Northwest Accordion Association, played at nursing homes, reunions, and many dance bands. He served on the Mission Range Credit Union Committee for 21 years, loved dancing, hunting, and the outdoors.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother. George is survived by his wife, Shirley; son, Gordon (Tammy) Eye, both of St. Ignatius; daughter, Sherilyn (Darwin) Stoner of Belgrade; three precious grandchildren, Cody, Beau, and Allie Stoner; a great granddaughter, Zaya Rae Stoner; sister, Evelyn Eye (LeRoy) Lake, and their children Jack, Tammy, Loretta, Jim, Marlene, Rhonda, and their families; and a number of other relatives and friends.

Last June George and Shirley celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with “lots” of family and friends. They also celebrated the Krantz family 100th year family reunion and George’s 60th high school class reunion.

George was a rancher his entire life and loved the animals. He was a role model and an inspiration to all who knew him.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at 11:30 at the United Methodist Church at the top of Post Creek Hill. Interment followed at Pleasant View Cemetery in St. Ignatius. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Timothy Lear Johnson

Beloved son, brother, cousin, nephew and friend, Timothy Lear Johnson, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Wednesday June 13, 2012 in Missoula, Montana.

A resident of Missoula, he was 45.

His family and friends knew Tim as a claymation animator, master of the creative thinking word “Po,” extremely generous (presents from Uncle Tim were always the first to be opened under the Xmas tree), comic book  creator, philosopher, artist, Pee Wee Herman’s Playhouse fan, and music lover.

Anyone who met Tim could not help but be touched by his kind, gentle spirit.

Tim was one of the rare people you meet who was truly nice – always, without exception. Tim and his brothers Marc and Damon spent many happy hours together, laughing from childhood through adulthood sharing an unusual sense of humor and joy in being together.