A tribute to Ostrom
Yes, this is where George Ostrom’s column belongs, but this is not George’s column. Twenty years ago, Kalispell was the scene of one of the biggest public birthday parties ever held in the valley. It was quite a party. Even a banner over Main Street. The occasion – the 70th birthday for George. He will reach another milestone next week: 90 years old on July 24.
A wise old sage once said, “What this world needs is more taffy and less epitaphy.” In keeping with the spirit of this advice, we salute George Ostrom while he is alive and well and when we can look him in the eye and he can look right back at us.
Besides, George is so ornery that he probably won’t be heading for the happy hunting grounds for another 90 years, and most of us will be dead and gone by then. We want to get in our say while we’re still able and George can still hear what we have to say about him.
The Flathead Valley is blessed with many good and outstanding people. But is there a person who is more well known and who has done more to publicize and promote the beauties and charm of our area?
Is there anyone who has taken and published more photos of Glacier Park? Even Hileman can’t compare. Who has more slides stored in the basement, closet, storage room, garage or wherever he can find space than George? Iris doesn’t even have room for the production of her sewing circle.
Is there anyone who has hiked more miles in Glacier Park? George Bird Grinnell couldn’t wear his boots.
Can anyone else catch fish that double in size the second they are out of the water and in the boat? A grizzly bear he saw at Moose City is now described as being larger than the Giefer Bear. And that was the biggest and most ferocious bear ever to inhabit the North Fork.
Who else knows more about the history of Northwest Montana and can spin yarns that make it so interesting and alive? Such famous authors, historians and reporters as James Willard Schultz and Frank Linderman aren’t in George’s league.
Who has given more lectures and listened to and educated and entertained more Flathead Valley students about the history and wonders of Northwest Montana than George? He deserves a medal from the Superintendent of Schools as the Educator of the Century — that’s this century as well as last century.
Who has been master of ceremony for more banquets for conventions held in the Flathead? Ed McMahon can’t compete with George.
How many columns has George written for the Hungry Horse News? Probably nobody really knows. But some people subscribe to the Hungry Horse News just to be able to read George. And his literary and publishing entrepreneurship took the Kalispell News from the pits to the heights of journalism. Could anybody be more deserving of a Pulitzer Prize? Mel Ruder would approve.
Is there a person who has received more plaques, awards or certificates of appreciation? Do you know anyone else who has been “knighted” by the Society of Woodpeckers?
Who else could be so lucky to have a wife as understanding, tolerant, patient and charming as Iris?
Yes, George is a treasure of not just the family home on Woodland Avenue but also Kalispell, the Flathead Valley, Montana — maybe even the world.
Happy birthday, George, and may you have many more.
(If readers and admirers of G. George would like to honor him with note or a card, or even an offer of a Bud Light, send it to him at 1516 Woodland Avenue, Kalispell MT 59901.)
Ostrom has written a new children’s book. He will be signing copies at the Hilton Garden Inn from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Kalispell July 24.
Jim Hollensteiner, a longtime friend and associate of George Ostrom, submitted this column.