Carlton Tidrick

Surrounded by family, Carlton "Cal" O. Tidrick peacefully passed away at his home in Tucson, Ariz., on July 7, 2011.

Cal was born March 9, 1922, the only son of Carlton G. and Alice Ogdon Tidrick. He spent his formative years between Los Angeles, Calif., and Belton, now West Glacier, graduating from Flathead High School in Kalispell in 1940.

He joined the Montana Army National Guard, 163rd Infantry Regiment, in September 1940 and spent the next five years in active service during World War II. Cal served in the Pacific Theater in New Guinea and the Philippines. For his valor and service, he received the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. He was discharged as a Second Lieutenant in 1945, but would later serve in the U.S. Army Reserve.

After the war, Cal embarked on a 39-year career with Seattle First National Bank, where he served in numerous bank branches around the state of Washington. He retired as vice president and bank manager of the Colville branch in 1984, which gave him more time for golf, bowling and grandchildren. Cal and Betty moved to Tucson in 2002.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty, his children Patrick of Woodland, Calif., James (Vivian) of Nelson, Pa., Rebecca Cook (Kevin Beringer) of Tucson, and grandchildren Katherine Tidrick of Woodland, Calif., Marissa Tidrick of Davis, Calif., and Carlton and Joshua Cook of Tucson.

A memorial service to celebrate Cal's life was held in Tucson on July 12, 2011. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Gospel Rescue Mission of Tucson.