Kenneth David Jensen, age 61,
passed away at his Bigfork home on March 15,2007.
Kenneth was born on June 15, 1945 in Polson, Montana, the son of Harlan and Marilyn (Herman) Jensen. Kenneth was a Vietnam Combat Veteran and life long rancher. He was preceded in death by his parents Harlan O. Jensen and Marilyn Upham, a brother Allen Jensen. He is survived by a son Kenny Jay of Washington; daughters Billi Jensen and Jodi Jensen, both of Helena; Jami Jensen-Aguilar of Fresno, CA; Bobbi Jensen of Whitefish, MT; brother Tim Jensen of Kalispell and sister Elaine Hecker of Schaumberg, IL; grandchildren Ryan, Levi, Whlie, and Alex. Graveside Memorial Services will be held on Friday March 23,2007 at 3 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Helena. Flowers may be sent to Ft. Harrison.
Gary Giannini, 65,
a long time resident of Sand Coulee and a current resident of Big Fork, Montana and Kino, Mexico, passed away March, 10, 2007 at the Mayo Hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona. Cause of death was acute kidney liver complications.
A graduate of Centerville High School in 1959, Gary continued his passion for football, playing lineman for the Bob Cats at Montana State University, while earning his Bachelor Degree in Business.
In 1965 Gary married his childhood sweetheart Shirley Ford of Sand Coulee. During their twenty-two years of marriage they became proud parents of three children; Greg, 41, Beth 39 and Sabra, 36. During these years, Gary and family resided in Sand Coulee. It was in 1987, after years of battling cancer, Gary lost his wife Shirley.
Gary continued living in Sand Coulee and sustained his consulting business in sales working for various distributors.
In 1990 Gary met and married Ann Armont of Billings, Montana. It was then that Gary and Ann took on part time residency in Big Fork, Montana - where they enjoyed their lake side home on Swan Lake - and for the past eight years they have spent their winters with friends in Kino Bay, Mexico.
Gary was an avid fisherman and hunter - enjoying the outdoors, whether it be riding horseback in the mountains hunting or in his jet sled on the waters of Swan Lake or the Sea of Cortez. Gary and Ann took pleasure in riding freely on his Harley Davidson - making many trips cross country. Gary also immersed himself in working on old cars and attending hot rod shows.
Gary carried with him a style all of his own, he embraced life to the fullest - he surrounded himself with wonderful people - those who became his life long friends - friends that extended geographically beyond Montana.
Survivors include his wife Ann of Big Fork, Montana / Kino, Mexico and a son, Greg Giannini of St. Charles, Illinois, a daughter, Beth Giannini of Great Falls, Montana, a daughter Sabra Cage of Helena, Montana; sister Kerma Giannini of Pleasant Hill, California. Five grandchildren: Brandy, Tayler, Tony Giannini of St Charles, Illinois, Bailey and Brylee Cage of Helena. Step son Dallas Koepfil, of Kalispell and an additional five grandchildren and two great grandchildren
Gary was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Ann Giannini; parents Adone and Ruby Giannini.
Additional survivors include a daughter-in-law, Stacy Giannini of St Charles, Ill. and son-in-law Troy Cage of Helena, Mt; brother-in-law Ron Pepos and sister-in-laws, Joyce Pepos and Mary Lou Moriarty of Portland Oregon and seven nieces and nephews.
Gary was born in Great Falls Montana June22, 1941, the son of Adone (Red) and Ruby Giannini. Red and Ruby were long time residents of Sand Coulee - they were active in the development of the community. Gary attended grade school and high school in Centerville, vigorously participated in school activities and was active in the community until retirement.
The family has requested that memorial donations be sent to the Centerville High School Booster Club - 639 Stockett Road -Sand Coulee, MT 59472 - Phone 406-736-5123 or a charity of your choice.
After numerous days in Critical care, Ann at his side each and every hour, the family has decided to celebrate his life at a more suitable time. The date of the Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.
Charles C. Parks
1916-2007
Charlie Parks departed this life on March 11, 2007 in Anchorage, Alaska, while on his last great adventure. He was a previous, longtime resident of the Bigfork area. He was a decorated bombardier in WW11 and had quite and interesting life. He taught school at Batavia, Swan Lake, Bigfork, and previously at Hardin in the early years and was retried from teaching. He then fulfilled a longtime dream of having a Chinese restaurant at his house, reservation only. He entertained many local people, the descendents’ of the King of Maui, and the movie crew and actor’s when they were filming Kris Kristofferson’s movie, “Heavens Gates” here. Charlie was well known all over the area for his cooking and cheerful help to many people. He is survived by his daughter, Judy, grandchildren, Jeff, Karen and Reyanna, and two great-grandsons, Colton and Jakob. He will be buried in the Veteran’s cemetery in Columbia Falls in the Montana he loved. He will always marched to a different drummer and he will be missed.