Dennis 'Don' Lambie, 68

Dennis "Don" Lambie, 68, passed away on Friday, Jan. 14, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born on May 3, 1936, at Wahpeton, N.D., of the Oglala-Sioux Indian nation, the son of William and Catherine (Konkle) Lambie. He was educated in Kent, Wash., and graduated from Kent High School in 1954.

Shortly after his graduation, he enlisted into the U.S. Navy and was stationed on the submarine USS Grouper. As part of his service, he took part in charting of the Arctic Circle, which was in partnership with another submarine, the USS Nautilus.

Following his discharge from the Navy, he became an over-the-road truck driver for many years.

He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was united in marriage to Gerry Moline and to this union were born three children. They later divorced.

He married Verna Fine in March of 1979 in Kent, Wash. He and Verna later purchased the Vacationer Motel in Kalispell until selling it last year.

He attended the New Covenant Fellowship Church in Kalispell. He was a past member of the Kalispell Moose Lodge.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; and a daughter, Wendy Lambie, in infancy.

He is survived by his wife, Verna, of Kalispell; a son, Rocky Lambie, and his wife, Pam, of Maple Valley, Wash.; a daughter, Michelle Mitti, of Maple Valley-Black Diamond, Wash.; two brothers, Robert Lambie and his wife Cecil of Springfield, Ore., and Ted Lambie and his wife Charlotte of Renton, Wash.; and three grandchildren.

There will be no visitation or services.

The family suggests that any memorials be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, 201 S. Last Chance Gulch, P.O. Box 721, Helena, MT 59624-0721.

Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Mortuary and Crematory.