Noel D. Aronson, 71

Our loving father and grandfather, Noel D. Aronson, peacefully passed away Nov. 29, 2005, in his home after a battle with cancer and MS. Private family services will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, in Kalispell.

Our father was born in Kalispell on March 17, 1934, to A.T. 'Ted' and Nell Aronson. After graduating from Flathead County High School, Noel attended and graduated from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash. Our dad was then drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies and was later released to a career-ending injury.

Noel then was hired as a teacher and baseball coach in The Dalles, Ore., in 1957, where he built a very successful baseball program. In 1972, Noel and his family moved to Ontario, Ore., where he became the baseball coach for Treasure Valley Community College. In 1976, he led the Chukars to their first National JUCO World Series appearance.

Noel finished his teaching and coaching careers in Sweet Home, Ore., from 1978 to 1986. Noel was then stricken with multiple sclerosis, forcing an early retirement with the disability in 1987, where he moved back to Kalispell and Lakeside. Noel spent the remaining years of his life in his cabin on Flathead Lake, where he enjoyed the peace and beauty of this magnificent part of Northwest Montana.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Susanne; his parents; and his grandson, Ian Park.

Survivors include his brother, Sid Aronson, and his wife, Kitty; his children, Ed and Jody Aronson, Pam and Greg Park, Kathleen and Ted May, Jennifer and Francis Forquer, and Amy and Chris Miller; grandchildren, Ryan and Tess Aronson, Shawna Park, Aaron and Trista Forquer, Annie and Katie May, and Samantha Miller; and one great-granddaughter, Kya.

'We want to thank Hospice and Home Options for their wonderful services and support. And a special thank-you to Lisa Warner, Wendy Warner, Cindy Sampson, Ruby Holiday, and Jody Calhoun for their many years of personal care and love for our father. Thank you again, from the whole family.'