Larry C. Bump, 67
Larry C. Bump “went home” on Dec. 29, 2010. He passed away from complications of asbestosis, which he had been fighting for the past 10 years.
Larry was born in Eureka on Feb. 12, 1943, to Charles and Helen Bump. He was the oldest of three children. Sister Joan S. Inman of Spokane and brother Leonard G. Bump are deceased.
Larry was raised around Trego. In 1949 the family moved to Kila, west of Kalispell, where he went to grade school. He then graduated from Flathead High School in 1962.
On May 20, 1966, Larry married Sharron Geis of Kalispell. They had three children, Michael, Kimberly and Shell. Their marriage ended in 1977. Late in that same year, Larry entered an alcohol treatment center. He then got involved in AA as well, and lived a sober life after that.
In 1981 he met Kathryn “Kitty” Dragonfly-Ivers and they married on April 27, 1985. He then acquired four stepchildren, Frances Ivers, Rhonda Miller, Brenda Owens and Malcolm Ivers.
His first job was for Guys Auto Repair, then Superior Building of Columbia Falls, and Bell Manufacturing. In 1967 Larry went to work at Anaconda Aluminum Plant in Columbia Falls and worked there until retirement. He also received an honorable discharge from the Montana Army National Guard.
Larry got asbestosis from being exposed to asbestos for over 40 years working as a laborer iron worker and pipefitter. He was very proud when he received his First Class Boiler license at work.
Larry liked to fish and hunt, and especially liked his long drives with the love of his life, Kitty. He also loved playing Santa Claus for better than 20 years for his grandchildren, for children around the community, for the church, and for seniors at nursing homes.
Larry has 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He had a great life from start to finish. He enjoyed 32 years of sobriety. Larry met a God of his own understanding, for himself.
He wrote, “Don’t cry for me. I had a hell’va good life. I’ve enjoyed everybody I’ve met through my life. Love you all and I look forward to meeting everyone again.”
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6, at Saint Richard’s Catholic Church in Columbia Falls. A luncheon downstairs will follow the service.
Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is assisting the family.