Franklin C. Crain, 91

Franklin C. Crain, 91, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2008 at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

He was born December 7, 1916 in Camden, New Jersey to Charles and Florence Crain.

On April 25, 1942, he married Mildred Wolvin in Burlington, New Jersey. They had four children.

He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings and an infant daughter.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred at the family home in Bigfork; sons, Jeffery and his daughters, Raina, Millie Rose and son Dalton of Helena; Tim and his wife, Peggy and daughter Stefanie of Dallas; and Eric "Buck" and his wife, JoAnn of Choteau.

His long military career began in the New Jersey National Guard. He was activated into the Army Air Corps (later becoming the U.S. Air Force) and became a fighter pilot. He loved flying and disliked being behind a desk and not in the air. He retired as a Colonel from Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls. Following his retirement, he and Mildred moved to Bigfork.

He spent many hours on the shores of Flathead Lake and Flathead River gathering driftwood that he made into small decorative objects.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the Bigfork QRU or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Honoring his request, there will be no services.

Arrangements are with the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.

Wayne Melvin Wangerin, 55

Wayne Melvin Wangerin passed away at his home October 26, 2008, surrounded by his family after a valiant battle with cancer.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Melvin.

He is survived by his wife, Jayne (Megahan) Wangerin, married August 23, 1975 in Ronan, MT; Son Chad and his wife Diana, Daughter Courtney and Brooks Daniel; Extended sons and daughters: Dustin Jones, Tara Marsengill, Cassie Tripp, Steve Arnold. Mother Agnes Wangerin of Ronan, Sisters, Sandy and her husband Bob Murray, of Ronan, and Marcia Wangerin of Missoula, Brother Rich and his wife Waneta Wangerin of Bigfork.

Wayne was born November 14, 1952, Agnes and Melvin's first son, in Missoula. Graduated from Ronan High School in 1972 and from Denver School of Gunsmithing in 1980. He worked at Plum Creek for a few years, then left Montana with his new bride and went to Southern California and then Denver. He then returned to Kalispell with his wife and new son in 1980. After daughter, Courtney was born; he and Jayne moved their family to Bigfork.

Wayne worked at Plum Creek's Columbia Falls Plywood Plant for 27 years.

Wayne was an avid golfer and his idea of the perfect day was to get in at least 18 holes with his golfing buddies. He was also and outdoorsman who enjoyed both big game and bird hunting, specifically duck and goose. He also enjoyed fishing. He generously shared these activities with family and friends. Wayne always opened his heart and his home to anyone. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He'd give anybody a second chance, or third or even 100 chances as long as they kept trying. Family, Love and Honesty were the guidelines for his life. Wayne always gave people the benefit of the doubt without judging them one way or another. He enjoyed playing practical jokes on family and friends, but his co-workers, especially, were on the receiving end of his special brand of humor! He impacted so many people in different ways. He truly was one person that made a difference without even trying. He would always change what he had planned if someone needed his help and always did it with a smile. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Celebration of Wayne's life will be held Monday, November 3 at Swan River Hall at 4 p.m.