Arthur Paul La Brie
Arthur Paul La Brie, 92, of Whitefish, passed away Sept. 17, 2004, at North Valley Hospital as a result of complications due to congestive heart failure.
Art was born Dec. 16, 1911, to Hector P. La Brie and Addie Mayhew La Brie at Malta, Mont. Art and his six brothers and sisters were raised on the family farm at South Wagner.
Art graduated from Malta High School and then attended Northern Montana College in Havre. It was there that he met his future wife, Evelyn Proost from Geraldine. After receiving their teaching credentials, Art and Evelyn married on Dec. 31, 1934. Art and Evelyn then each went to their separate schools to teach. Art taught at the Turtle School in South Wagner. Evelyn taught in Geraldine until the spring, then moved to Malta. Art then went to work in the Malta Drug Store and served on the Malta
Volunteer Fire Department.
In 1939 Art and Evelyn moved to Whitefish and started Art & Ernie's Cafe with his sister, Arlene and brother-in-law. The Cafe was located at the site of the current Whitefish City Hall. After several years, they opened and operated Art's Cafe on Central Ave. until 1949 when health problems forced him off his feet and into other endeavors. Art worked for Reed's Jewelry for many years. He then sold mutual funds for both IDS and Pioneer. Art finished his formal work years at The New Toggery in Whitefish.
Art was very civic minded. He served 28 years on the Whitefish Volunteer Fire Department, serving as chief for 14 of those years. He served as president of the Montana Fire Chiefs Association and as president of the Montana Volunteer Fire Association. He served 8 years on the Whitefish City Council and 8 years as Mayor of Whitefish. He served many years on the Whitefish Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, the Flathead County Fair Board, and was one of the charter members of the board of directors for Mountain Bank (formerly known as 1st State Bank).
Art was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 71 years. He was also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose. Art was one of the founders of the Whitefish Winter Carnival Penguins and was the second Winter Carnival King Ullr. Art also was a dedicated volunteer at the Whitefish Food Bank until poor health restricted some of his physical activity.
Art and Evelyn were the very proud parents of two sons, Bill and Leonard. Evelyn passed away in 1983 after 49 years of partnership in work and play.
Art married Louise Wellington in 1984 and they enjoyed their travel and their families together. Coffee was always on at the La Brie household. There were always friends both old and new visiting. Art had a gift of nurturing friends from all walks of life. He had the God given gift of bringing people together who would then become friends of one another.
Art was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Evelyn, his brothers Elmer and Clarence and his sister Mabel.
He is survived by his wife Louise; his sons Bill and Alice La Brie of Whitefish, and Len and Patty La Brie of Scottsdale, Ariz.; granddaughter Michelle and Gary Van Kilsdonk of Gilbert, Ariz.; grandson, Brian and Michelle La Brie of Santa Clarita, Calif.; and great grandsons Cameron Joseph and Jacob Joseph La Brie of Santa Clarita, Calif.; great granddaughter Shaina Van Kilsdonk of Arizona; Kevin and Rene Wellington of Wasilla, Alaska; Jane and Steve Hoyt of Escondido, Calif.; Curt Wellington of Eugene, Ore.; Mona and John Hayes of Rapid City, S.D.; Ryan Wellington of Tucson, Ariz.; Cory Wellington of Portland, Ore.; Allie Wellington of Eugene, Ore; Jordan Hayes of Rapid City, S.D.; Shelby Wellington of Wasilla, Alaska; and many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.
A memorial Mass was celebrated Wednesday, Sept. 22 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Whitefish. The Reverend Jack Hunthausen officiated. Burial followed in the Whitefish Cemetery.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Whitefish Knights of Columbus Council 7630, P.0. Box 4535, Whitefish, MT 59937