Michael Robert Willcut
Michael Robert Willcut, or "Mikey Bob," as his mother called him, was called up to heaven to join his Grandpa Tom Taylor and Grandpa Roger Willcut, on Saturday, June 14, 2008, when the car accident occurred. He was returning from what he loved best, spending time with good friends in the outdoors of Montana.
Mike was born February 28, 1986 in Whitefish. He attended his first five years of school in Columbia Falls. In 1997, he and his family moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He spent one year at Canfield Jr. High School before he and his family moved to within a few miles of the Silverwood Theme Park. During his years at Garwood Elementary, the Rathdrum Jr. High School and Rathdrum High School, he palyed baseball and soccer.
He worked one summer at Silverwood. He loved doing anything out of doors, especially hunting and snowboarding. Soon after his 18th birthday, he moved back to Columbia Falls, where he lived with his grandparents, Bill and Maryann Rhine. He sampled several different occupations within the construction industry, where he met several of his best friends.
"Squeek," as he became known to his friends, met his best friend and future fiance, Kayla Bullock. Together, they bought a camper trailer to live in that became party central for their large circle of friends. They jokingly referred to their beloved pet dog, Chica, as their "kid."
Mike left behind his parents, Roger and Elizabeth Willcut and his brothers, Colby, Caleb, and Kenyon; his grandparents, Bill and Maryann Rhine and Sandra Willcut; aunts and uncles, John and Suzette Taylor, Tom and Kristi Taylor, Scott and Kim Stratton, and Derek and Cindy Willcut, along with numerous cousins.
A memorial service will be held at Marantette Park on the south end of Nucleus Avenue in Columbia Falls, on Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Mike's memory to help cover Kayla's medical expenses would be appreciated. Please send any donation or card to the following address: Kayla Bullock, in care of Liz Willcut, 1160 4th Avenue WN, Columbia Falls, Montana 59912. Phone number 897-2449.
Berna Irene Newman
Berna Irene Newman, of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully at the Montana Veteran's Home on Monday, June 16, 2008, where she spent the last three years of her life.
Berna was the daughter of Leslie Grant and Agnes Irene (Ludolph) Adams and was born on November 22, 1919 in Remer, Minn. She was the oldest of 15 children born of that union.
Berna is survived by seven of her nine children; sons Bill (Beverly) Hawkinson of Apache Junction, Ariz., Edward (Sharon) Hawkinson of Whitefish, Brian Newman of Portland, Ore., Daughters, Vivian (Bill) Vanleishout of Eureka, Sandy (Bill) Roose of Eureka, Norma (Maurice) Leib of Columbia Falls, Vicki Parker of Kalispell, and stepdaughter, Tammy Selves of Pocatello, Idaho. Also surviving are her sisters, Lorraine Zerbe, Alverna Lehman, Eloise Jesertiz, Constance Rauch, Bonnie Waldahl, Judith Johnson, Myrna Paine, brother Marvin Adams and many nieces and nephews.
At the time of her passing, Berna had 24 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Newman in 2000, her son, Garry Hawkinson in 1963, and a daughter, Karen Siefke in June 2003; also two granddaughters, Gittanna and Taylor, her parents and several brothers and sisters.
Berna was a hard working lady, working at many different jobs thru out her life. She worked until breaking her hip a few years ago, as she couldn't be idle. She had a great love for her family, teaching them all the value of hard work. They were the most important part of her life. She had a great many interests as she loved to travel, especially to Minnesota, to visit her brothers and sisters. She had a great love for animals, especially cats and dogs. Rodeos, crocheting and working in her garden with her posies, baking bread and rolls for her children and grandchildren, as she was an awesome cook, kept her busy.
A service will be held Friday, June 20, 2008, at 2 p.m. at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Arrangements are with the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.
George F. Smith
On the 27th of May 2008. The old Timers of Plum Creek Saw Mill of Columbia Falls lost a good friend and brother.
We all miss and love you George and we will always remember you with a smile.
P.S. Good Huntings
Casey Michael Neil Kent
Casey Michael Neil Kent, 35, passed peacefully from this world on June 14, 2008, from injuries sustained from a skateboarding accident in Columbia Falls.
Casey was born September 24, 1972 in Garden Grove, Calif., to his parents Gary and Teresa Kent and sister, Crystal Allbritten. Casey was the beloved husband of Sara and proud father of 2-year-old Stella and a child on the way.
Casey was raised in Thompson Falls where he graduated from Thompson Falls High School. He was a graduate of Roberto Venn School of Luthery and co-founded Kent Lutherie with his father in 2002.
Casey's love and gift of music and his humble and loving heart, touched the lives of many. He will be missed but his legacy will live through music, laughter and kind and loving acts to one another.
The Kent Family would like to invite Casey's friends and family to a life celebration on Saturday, June 21, 2008, at O'Duachain Country Inn, 675 Ferndale Drive, Bigfork, Montana from noon to 4 p.m. Please bring your instruments, thoughts, and memories of Casey, and picnic baskets and lawn chairs. We ask that there be no alcohol, out of respect for Casey. Children are welcome. More information is on www.caseykent.com.
Arrangements are with the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.