Earl Pugh, 78
In loving tribute to our husband, father, grandfather and friend, Earl
Pugh, 78, passed away peacefully at midday, Friday, Dec. 10, 2004. He was
with his family as his earthly life ended with courage, dignity and grace.
He is survived by his wife, Leone; two children, Dianne and Terry; and
three wonderful grandchildren, Justin, Mckenzie and Tyler; one sister,
Gladys; and a large extended family of relatives and friends. He will be
missed but never forgotten.
Earl was born in Fort Pierre, S.D., on Feb. 23, 1926, as the youngest of
11 brothers and sisters. Times were tough and he learned very early the
desire to excel as evidenced by his early achievements. He took great effort
and pride in everything he attempted, even as a youngster. Whether it was
winning the Stanley County spelling bee or the attention to his penmanship,
he always performed with the hope his efforts would be noticed and
appreciated.
His childhood demanded early steps to manhood as he rode his horse to
school a distant six miles from home. Even through snow or rain his only
concern was a perfect attendance record and the chance to perform. At 16, he
left home and worked two jobs as he finished his high school in Pierre, S.D.
He was an outstanding student and athlete with a special love for football.
His early sense of responsibility lead him to what he believed was his
duty to serve his country. Starting early with the high school cadet program
he later joined the U.S. Air Force. He was trained as a sperry ball gunner
on the B-24 bomber. His duties were cut short with a training accident that
left him 70 percent disabled. After long months of rehabilitation he was
given an honorable discharge.
He returned to Pierre where he met his partner for life. It was there
he married Leone Petersen, his wife of 57 years. After marriage he enrolled
at South Dakota State University where he became the father of two children
while he earned a bachelor of science degree. After working a number of
jobs, his brother-in-law led him from South Dakota to a "great fishing hole"
which was Montana. It was here that he eventually called home for him and
his family.
Starting his career at Montgomery Wards he later found his special niche
as manager of the B & B Stores working for Jack Brown who would become his
mentor and friend. They worked very hard to make the store not just a place
to shop but as a center for the community. He felt the customer always
deserved the best service as well as a kind smile. He genuinely loved his
employees and he had such a passion in teaching young employees the
responsibility and pride of doing a good job. You could see that passion,
whether it was passing out a piece of candy at the checkout stand, booking
bands at the teen center or donning his favorite Santa suit, his only desire
was to add a little happiness to a every child's face.
Of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, it can be said
that he was the kindest and most compassionate person we have ever known.
Although we will miss him, he has touched and helped the lives of so many
that his presence and memory will remain in our thoughts and hearts forever.
He has served as an example to us all of selfless love of others and what it
truly means to live by the Golden Rule. He loved to be with family and
friends. It was his playful nature in telling a story or pulling a prank
which reminds us of his childlike innocence. He loved to make people laugh
and know he truly cared about them. To him life was as simple as that. One
needs to only close their eyes and think of him to bring a smile to their
face.
Earl fought his medical challenges with determination, dignity and
courage. He never felt sorry for himself or sought sympathy for his
circumstances, and only worried for the well-being of family and friends. He
always felt his glass was half fall and not half empty. We remember his
numerous trips to Mayo Clinic, not because of his illnesses but for his
ability to make the doctors and other patients smile with his uncanny
ability to make the best of every situation. He could not wait to have to
what we have fondly labeled "The Mayo Social Hour."
He was extremely brave in his battle before taking his final rest. He
was a true champion and his last wishes were to let you know he truly cared
about each and every one of you. We dearly love him and our love is
everlasting. Rest in peace.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, at Buffalo Hill
Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at
Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell.
In lieu of flowers, a fund has been established for the Kidsports
football fields which have been named in honor of Earl and Leone Pugh.
Please forward any donations to the Kidsports, P.O. Box 1205, Kalispell, MT
59901, in Earl's name.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.