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Frank Edwin Mast

Frank Edwin Mast was born Nov. 3, 1928 in White Sulfur Springs and passed away at North Valley Hospital on Dec. 28, 2018 from complications of old age. Frank moved to the Flathead Valley when he just a baby on the trip to Kalispell. He broke his bottle on the train and the conductor found an old whiskey bottle and his mother fed him with that. The family eventually settled on a farm just west of Creston. In 1952 he married Erma Maurer and to this union were born two children — Darrel Frank and Marilyn Nadine. Frank and Erma eventually divorced. In addition to farming dad held a number of jobs during his lifetime, including working at rock quarries in Gardiner and Northport, Washington. He operated a lunch catering truck in Spokane, Washington for 13 years.

In 1989 Frank moved back to the Flathead Valley where he married the love of his life and the women he always said “saved his life,” a widow named Donna Hamilton. Together Donna and Frank shared 29 years together until Donna passed away in 2016. Together Dad and Donna traveled to many places together including Texas, Arizona, Maryland, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Hawaii. They bowled together at Columbia Lanes and in their 70s they took up golf. Dad also loved gardening.

For many years Dad was known best for his Grandpa’s Mustard, as his old family recipe pleased the palates of many who bought the yellow goodness at the Farmers Markets in Bigfork, Columbia Falls, and Kalispell. He was an excellent carpenter and only five years ago rebuilt his front steps putting in a wheelchair ramp. He loved his dogs through the years including Buttons, Princess, King and Buddy. He was also a huge Seattle Mariners fan and rarely missed watching a game during the summer.

He had a gift for remembering stories and especially jokes and often had the room laughing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Silas and Elma Mast, sisters Martha Boss and Pricilla Buller, stepson Aaron Hamilton and stepdaughter Kathy Miller. He is survived by two brothers Myron Mast of Creston; Larry Mast of Lindale, Texas and sister Naomi Kauffman of Kalispell.

He is also survived his son Darrel Mast (Esther) of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; a daughter Marilyn Green (Barry) of Glendive; stepdaughters Alfreda Piland of Columbia Falls; Susan Daniel of Spokane, Washington; stepsons Rick Miller of Bigfork; and Randy Miller of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and step daughter-in-law, Lori Hamilton of Missoula along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Burial has already taken place but a memorial service is being planned for a time convenient to the family and announcement will be made at that time. Please omit flowers but cards and memories are appreciated. The family wishes to especially thank the staff at North Valley Hospital for their tender care.

Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the family.