Dennis Langton

Many hearts were broken with the passing of Dennis Langton on April 21, 2006.

Dennis was born Oct. 23, 1917, in Pembina County, N.D., the son of George and Caroline Langton.

He attended school in North Dakota and was later involved in farming and logging prior to entering the service in 1942. He served with the 13th Army Air Force in the Pacific and received many special awards with much of his time being spent as a gunner and radar technician.

In 1947, he married the love of his life, Birdie Tenney, and after having three children moved to Flathead County. He worked building the Hungry Horse Dam, followed by 23 years at the Anaconda Aluminum Co., in Columbia Falls, where he served as the local president of the Aluminum Workers International Union.

The Langton residence was a safe, loving home for nearly 50 foster children, and the favorite meeting place for family and friends. Dennis loved gardening, camping, convertibles and music, especially singing and playing his guitar, fiddle and harmonica.

He was a life member and past commander of the VFW, life member of the DAV, member of the American Legion, Moose Lodge, and a long time friend of Bill W. Dennis recently published his first book, The Day of the Bootlegger.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Birdie; his eldest son, Larry; his parents; one sister; and two brothers.

Survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, Ted and Mertle Langton, of Columbia Falls; sister and brother-in-law Debbie Langton and Scott Gallaher, of Deer Park, Wash.; seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Other survivors include Cecelia Langton, Libby, numerous nieces, nephews and loads of friends.

Viewing will take place at Austin Funeral Home on Thursday, April 27 (today), from 1-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 28 at Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish, with Austin Funeral Home officiating.

Following burial at Glacier Memorial Gardens, friends and family will gather at the Moose Lodge in Whitefish. Donations may be made to Whitefish VFW Post No. 276.