Terrence Edward 'Terry' Culbertson Sr., 70

Terrence Edward "Terry" Culbertson Sr., 70, of Fortine, died Monday, Sept. 11, 2006, at his home in Fortine following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Fresno, Calif., to James and Ann Culbertson on Dec. 2, 1935, the youngest of seven children. He enlisted in the United States Army following high school, serving two tours of duty in south Korea where he met his wife of 45 years, Ho Soon.

Following his honorable discharge, he served as a fireman and paramedic for the city of Montebello, Calif.; he was instrumental in passing laws and guidelines that require all fire and law enforcement personnel to be certified in basic first aid and CPR and was among the first American Red Cross CPR and First Aid instructors.

Following his retirement from the fire and emergency services, he came to Fortine, first in 1972, later returning to move his entire family to Fortine. He and his siblings started Whispering Pines Development Company and also served with the Montana National Guard, retiring as a SFC (E7) following 28 years of distinguished service. He also had served as a board member of the Trego-Fortine-Stryker Volunteer Fire Department board.

Preceding him were his daughter, Suzie Culbertson; his parents; sisters, Margaret, Millie and June; and brothers, Jim and Robert.

Survivors include his wife, Ho Soon of Fortine; his children, James Culbertson of Lakeside, John Culbertson of Boulder, Wyo., Margie White of Columbia Falls, and Terrence Culbertson Jr. of Fortine; a brother, A.J. "Mick" Culbertson of Beaverton, Ore.; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Graveside services with military honors will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at Fortine Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Nelson & Vial Funeral Home in Eureka.