Clinton Rhyll Burnett

Clinton Rhyll Burnett passed away Thursday, May 17, 2012 at his home in Arlee with his family.

Clint was born Sept. 8, 1932, of goodly parents in a remote homestead cabin built by his father near Bannack, Mont. His childhood and youth were spent there and in Sheridan, Mont. with his beloved brothers and sisters, a hardworking father and a devoted mother. The bonds of their love and loyalty to each other continued throughout all their lives, culminating every year since in the Burnett-Oler Family Reunion with the descendants of his parents. The lessons of true friendship, devotion and hard-work that Clint learned from his family carried with him throughout the years.

He met the love of his life, Bonnie McCollum, on a blind date. He often recounted that story; the taffeta dress she wore, the Blue Anchor diner where they ate and that she was the prettiest girl he ever saw; they were married almost 60 years and raised five children.

Clint developed deep and lasting friendships with people throughout his life and had the unique gift of making people feel welcomed, loved and like family.

He cherished his friends and family, and loved to be surrounded by them, doing all he could to make sure they were having a great time. He was deeply patriotic and lived a life full of integrity and honor. He loved his friends and family as much as they loved him. It was once said of him that he was a grand man. “Not a good man - a grand man.”

He was preceded in death by parents George and Margaret Burnett, brothers Leroy Oler and Dayle Burnett, and sister Phyllis Yocum, son Scott Burnett and grandson Christopher Burnett. Survivors include his wife Bonnie, brothers Darwin Burnett and Keith Burnett, sister Dorothy Walund, daughters Monica Burnett and Renee Howlett, sons Clay Burnett and Darren Burnett, seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at the St. Ignatius LDS Church Saturday, May 26 at 11 a.m. followed by burial at the Pleasant View Cemetery. Viewing will be at the Foster Mortuary on Friday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dale Tash Memorial Fund Bannack State Park, 4200 Bannack Road, Dillon, MT 59725 (http://www.bannack.org/dale_tash_fund.htm). Donations are matched dollar for dollar by the State of Montana. Full obituary may be read at http://www.fosterfhandcrematory.com