Paul Lansing, 72

Paul Lansing, 72, of Hungry Horse, passed away Aug. 11, 2005, while vacationing in Michigan.

Paul was born in New York state to Arthur and Cora Steven. At age 3, he was adopted by Frank and Hazel Lansing of Lapeer, Mich., where he lived until joining the Navy.

Paul was in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was aboard the USS Newport from 1950 to 1954.

Returning to Lapeer after his time in the service, he married his first wife and they had a daughter, Julie.

Then, in 1958, he married his second wife, Shirley. Together they started their family.

In 1962, Paul came to Montana hunting and fell in love with the Big Sky Country. After his hunting trip, he moved his wife, Shirley, and two children to Montana. While they were living in Montana, two more children were born.

Paul did construction work for many years. He also worked on Libby Dam for a couple of years.

In 1972, he went to work for Burlington Northern Railroad, from which he retired in 1996. After retiring, Paul and Shirley traveled the United States, returning to Montana every summer.

Paul loved hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors, with family and friends.

Paul was a kind and caring person, always there to lend a helping hand. He will be greatly missed by all. Paul left a lasting impression on all those he met.

He was preceded in death by his birth parents; his adopted parents; his brother, Bud; wife, Shirley; and two sons, Dwight and Arron.

Paul is survived by his children and their spouses, Julie and Pete Mowery of Michigan, April and Ray Crawford, and Anncherie and Mark Mellem, all of Montana, and a son, Christopher and Kayleen of Oregon; also a sister, Shirley Davis, of Montana; 16 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and one great-grandson, due in October.

Memorial services will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 6, at the Columbia Mountain Baptist Church, 218 Seventh St. W., in Columbia Falls.