Herbert Kameon

Herbert Kameon passed away peacefully on Sept. 23, 2007, after a well-fought battle with cancer at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center Hospice.

Born in the Bronx, N.Y., to Betty and William Kameon on Sept. 23, 1924, Herb went to Witt Clinton High School and attended the University of Texas in Austin at age 17. Herb enlisted as an officer in the United States Air Force when he was 18 and became a navigator of B-17s, successfully completing 35 missions.

After his honorable discharge, Herb attended the University of California-Berkeley. He studied architecture, and at the age of 21, began working in his chosen profession with several of the most renowned modern architects in California. He then started his own practice in Los Angeles.

Herb was as serious about his personal interests as his professional ones. He held six world records in deep-sea fishing, traveling the world to fish in places like Nova Scotia, Alaska, Australia and Mexico. He also took up the cause of marine conservation, in the early years of this kind of work, inspired by his love of the ocean and marine life.

Herb loved art and was constantly striving to find ways to express himself creatively. He began studying sculpture with Lillo LoCurto, and sculpting became his creative passion and the focus of his later years. His love of this art form, combined with his love of travel, took him to Italy to study further.

In 1989, Herb and his beloved wife Suzanne moved to Whitefish, where he continued his architectural practice, designing beautiful homes throughout the area. He became an accomplished fly fisher and avid golfer over the years, and his love for Suzanne, his numerous friends and the life he made in Whitefish knew no bounds.

Herb was known for his deep commitment to the community of Whitefish, and in particular for his great support of North Valley Hospital. He will be remembered by all for his wisdom, intellectual curiosity and depth of knowledge, his wonderful stories about his life and experiences, and his twinkling smile.

Survivors include his wife Suzanne; brother Lawrence; daughter Judy and her husband Erik; daughter Kitty and son Paul; stepdaughter Bonnie and her husband Mike; stepdaughter Wendy and her husband Brian; and grandchildren Ian, Stetson and Dylan and his wife Laci.

No services will be held. A celebration of Herb's life will take place on Oct. 12, 2007, at 5 p.m. at the Grouse Mountain Lodge for all of those who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kalispell Regional Medical Center Hospice.