Gregory Bothun

Gregory Wayne Bothun, 58, passed away at his home in Coram due to medical complications on Oct. 3, 2011.

He was born March 26, 1953, in Kalispell, the son of Clifford and Valdeas Bothun. Greg was a member of one of the last classes to go through Demersville Elementary School, south of Kalispell. His family owned and operated Four Corners Wrecking.

Greg then attended Flathead High School, graduating in 1972, where he was a standout athlete for the Braves and was a member of the 1970 State Class AA championship football team. After high school, he enlisted in the Army and served in West Germany. He was discharged in 1978.

Greg returned to the Flathead Valley and married Dawn Buzzell in 1979. They had three children together, raised them in the Columbia Falls area and later divorced.

Greg worked more than 23 years at Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. and retired due to an injury. He later worked in many fields, including construction, gun-smithing and reflexology. Greg was an inventor and enjoyed creating things for his home and jobs he worked at.

Greg was an avid fisherman, hunter and all-around sportsman, and he shared these skills with his children. He especially cherished his time hunting on Peter's Ridge and in the Swan with family and friends. Mention hunting, fishing, boating or just getting out in the wilderness and Greg was ready to go. He truly was a bit of a mountain man. His pride and joy in recent years was his grandchildren, who he enjoyed playing with tirelessly.

Greg was one of a kind, a fierce and loyal friend to those who knew him. He could light up a room with his chuckle and his wonderful broad smile. He had a lot of friends. Later on in life, he developed a close resemblance to Santa Claus, with his white beard and hair, glasses, robust figure and that contagious laughter. The kids all loved their PaPa.

"We will miss our father, our brother and our friend."

Greg was preceded in death by his mother and father.

He is survived by his son Cody Bothun and fiancé Valerie Philip, of Butte; daughter Valerie Bothun, of Post Falls, Idaho; son Danny Bothun, of Columbia Falls; sister Marcia Fleming, of Kalispell; brother Bruce Bothun and wife Karma Dhaenens, of Spokane, Wash.; grandchildren Cody Bailey, Wyatt Bothun, Jade Bothun, Kylee Bothun, Skyler Phillips, Ivory Philip, Leah Bothun, Hailey Greene and Aubrey Allan-Bothun; niece Amber Fleming; nephews Brad Vickhammer, Todd Vickhammer and Marc DeLong; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A celebration of life memorial will take place at the Assembly of God Church, 738 Third Avenue West, in Columbia Falls, on Friday, Oct. 14, at 3 p.m. A potluck luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

To offer condolences and share memories, visit Greg's Tribute wall at www.jgfuneralhome.com.