Sherwin Bevan

Sherwin Arthur Bevan, 63, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 16, 2005, as a result of injuries sustained from an auto accident.

He was born in Missoula on Aug. 18, 1942, to Fred and Alvira (Morris) Bevan. He mainly grew up in Whitefish, on his uncle's ranch, but he also lived in Washington and Oregon when he was young. On his Uncle Dave and Aunt Helen Morris' ranch, he helped with the farming and the mechanical responsibilities. He spent most of his summers bucking hay. When he was old enough, he joined the Hot Shot crew and fought fires.

He began his military career in the National Guard, and from there he went into the Army. While serving in the Army, Sherwin was stationed all over the United States, Germany, Korea and Vietnam. He always felt very fortunate that he was able to see most of Europe.

When he was stationed in Germany, he met and married his first wife, Mary. Together they had two sons, Robert and Lester. He later divorced and married his second wife, Carol.

During his time in the Army he served two tours in Vietnam as a crew chief/door gunner on Huey helicopters. He was proud to serve his country. He retired as a staff sergeant after 22 years of service.

Sherwin lived in California with Carol until they were divorced. He came back to Whitefish in 1982. At this time, he joined the Sheriff's Posse. He really enjoyed his work with the Posse. He continued working with them for 22 years. He was proud to be an American and would serve his country any way he could. If possible, he would have gone to Iraq to support the troops there.

Sherwin met his wife Cathy in October 1992. They were married on April 17, 1993. They lived in Ferndale until the time of his passing. They were members of the First Baptist Church in Whitefish, and he was a past member of the Whitefish Saddle Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather Ernie Smith; grandparents Arthur and Edna Morris; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and his niece, Debbie Hedman.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy Bevan, of Ferndale; sons Robert, of Kalispell, and Lester, of Seeley Lake; stepsons James Brown, of Detroit, Mich., and Michael Brown and wife Carissa, of Ferndale; granddaughters Kallie, Samantha and Tabetha Bevan, of Marion, and Jennifer and Caitlin Brown, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; grandson Calib Haitman, of Lancaster, Ohio; sisters Ruth Wynn and husband Thomas, of Chehalis, Wash., and Joanna Dalton, of Spokane; uncle Dave and aunt Helen Morris, of Whitefish; uncle Art and aunt Jean, of Bigfork; cousins Marie Hedman, of Kalispell, and Robert Morris and wife Patty; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was loved by all and will be missed. Memorial services were held Dec. 20, 2005, at the First Baptist Church in Whitefish, with Pastor Kent Morrison officiating. Full military honors followed.

The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the VFW Post 2262, 111 South Main St., Kalispell MT 59901, or to the Flathead County Sheriff's Posse, 920 South Main St., Kalispell MT, or to the charity of the donor's choice.