Donald Roy VanBolcum, 78

Donald Roy VanBolcum, 78, "left this world" in June 2009. Donald "Don" was born on Nov. 13, 1930, in Choteau, the son of Joseph and Winifred (Brolsma) VanBolcum.

He was raised on a farm near Fairfield and after graduating from high school, helped his father with the farming and also went to work for the Anaconda Smelter in Great Falls. He moved to Lonepine in 1967 and ranched there, raising shorthorn cattle and hay. He was a very avid horseman, and was seen checking on his cattle often with his favorite little mare "Robin."

He married Donna Redfield-Peterson in 1972.

He worked as a maintenance man at the Hot Springs Nursing Home for a few years and then in 1974, they moved to the Flathead Valley. He worked at the Kalispell Livestock Auction south of Kalispell, and then at Cenex until an accident forced him to quit.

He and Donna divorced in 1985. He stayed in Kalispell and became a very active member of the Eagles for 32 years, going through all the offices, being president five times, was in the Hall of Fame in 1984-85, was inducted into the State Cane Club, and was state president in 1998-99.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Robert "Buster," John "Jack," Lawrence and Harry; and a sister, Winifred.

He is survived by a special nephew, Joe VanBolcum, of Fairfield; sister-in-law, Violet "Vi," also of Fairfield; and a stepdaughter, Diane Stoner and her family, of Whitefish; also surviving are his special Eagles brothers and sisters.

Memorial services for Don will be at noon, Saturday, July 11, at the Eagles in Kalispell.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Eagles of Kalispell, 37 First St. W., Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Don's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Don's guest book.