Paul K. Mooring

Paul K. Mooring, M.D., 83, died at his home on Swan Lake on Wednesday, June 13, 2007. He was born Sept. 16, 1923, in Houston, and raised in Stuttgart, Ark.

Dr. Mooring served in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps from 1941 to 1946. After World War II, he attended the University of California, Berkeley and completed an undergraduate degree at New York University. A graduate of Columbia Medical School, Dr. Mooring interned at Bellevue Hospital, and did his residency at Babies' Hospital at the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. Board-certified in pediatric cardiology, he moved to Omaha, Neb. in 1962, where he was professor of pediatrics and director of pediatric cardiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center until his retirement in 1986. Dr. Mooring was also an associate editor at MD Magazine for many years.

Dr. Mooring raised cattle on his farm in Fort Calhoun, Neb. before retiring to Montana. An avid reader and gardener, he spent his time clearing land, developing an azalea and rhododendron garden, and observing the wildlife on Swan Lake. He enjoyed life in Bigfork, and served as president of the Bigfork Development Company from 1990 to 1991 and was part of the initial efforts to secure the Swan River Nature Trail.

Dr. Mooring is survived by his wife, LaVon, his daughters, Karen Wennerstrom of Seattle and Tanya Emmerich and son-in-law Tim Emmerich of Fort Calhoun, Neb.; as well as his brother, Dana, of Conway, Ark.

He was much loved by his patients, friends, neighbors and family. He made a difference in the lives of many and will be surely missed. A memorial service is planned for a future date.

The family suggests memorials to the Bigfork Library or Doctors Without Borders.

Randall S. Burns

Randall S. "Randy" Burns died June 19, 2007 surrounded by his family. Randy was born to John Burns and Mildred Burns on June 29, 1953 in Sidney, Montana.

He had three older sisters, Bonnie, Tana, and Linda, and it has been often said he had four mothers. Randy attended schools in Sidney, Mont. and attended college at Montana State University in Bozeman. Randy married Robin C. Vitt August 25, 1973.

Their daughter Regan was born on March 27, 1975. Randy enjoyed being with his family and friends and enjoying the outdoors with them; hunting and fishing. He always had a good story to share about his many adventures with his father, nephews, wife, daughter, and/or his hunting buddy Stuart. He had many plans to teach his grandchildren, great-nephews, and great-nieces how to hunt and fish too. He spent countless hours watching the hunting and fishing network with anyone who could stand it; he would give all of us the play by play as it went.

When Randy was younger he spent many hours working on planes with his dad and cars with his friends and relatives. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of both with everyone. He was also an avid reader, which helped him pass the time when he was not feeling well. He loved reading everyone a bedtime story.

He was always up for a game of cards or board games, which were always played at Christmas with his family, and he was a fierce competitor. Just ask his sister Tana. Randy's greatest joy was being an uncle, father, and husband. He loved watching his daughter and her children grow. He was quick to share their many successes with others.

Randy had many different professions, but especially enjoyed constructing houses. His last project was the home that Robin and he lived in. He made it his goal to teach family members the joy of being in the outdoors.

Randy's health created many obstacles for him but he kept fighting each day. He was an inspiration to all of us who knew him, and his fight for life will live on in his family.

He was preceded in death by his father John Burns, his step-father Rusty Packard, and his mother Millie Packard.

Randy is survived by his wife Robin; daughter Regan Ostroot and husband Jack Lindsey; grandchildren Calen, Cameron, and Alora; sisters Linda (Pete) Carson, Tana Streeter, and Bonnie (Tom) Campbell; nieces Lisa Malby, Heather Bradbury, Heidi Smith; nephews Lance Streeter, Bryan Carson, Tom Campbell, Ryan Campbell; his great-nieces and great-nephews; his cousins; and many life-long friends.

Memorial services for Randy will be held on Monday, July 2, 2007 at 11 a.m. at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork. There will be no visitation.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Randy's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Randy's guest book.