“I moved to Whitefish in 1965 to be a ski instructor and fell in love with the entire Flathead Valley. For several years, I enjoyed teaching people to ski, and in the summers, I worked for the Forest Service, packing supplies into the Bob Marshall Wilderness by mule trains. Eventually I decided I needed a full-time career, so I started a business building specialty homes. Soon after, I met the love of my life, Shirley, and we married in 1981.
Shirley and I purchased land and developed a mobile home court south of Whitefish, which we managed for many years. We also purchased land on the Whitefish River and built our home there. We enjoyed many hobbies together, including gardening, traveling, and showing mules in driving contests around the country. As our business grew, we found great joy in giving back to the community that had received us so warmly.
Shirley and I were passionate about helping charities that assist children. I served on the North Valley Food Bank Board of Directors for 16 years and also dedicated many hours to cutting and wrapping wild meat and delivering groceries to those who needed help.
Cancer took Shirley’s life in 2019. After her passing, I decided to establish a Legacy Fund with Whitefish Community Foundation to ensure a perpetual source of funding for the charities that were near and dear to our hearts. It is comforting to know that our gift will continue to have a positive impact on children’s lives long after we both are gone.”
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