Lorren Duane Claridge, 77

Lorren Duane Claridge, 77, passed away Sunday, Feb. 27, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born on July 24, 1927, in the home of his paternal grandparents on Bald Rock Road northwest of Kalispell. It was in this home that on June 4, 1950, he married Phyllis Clark and later celebrated 50 years of marriage.

He attended Bald Rock School and Flathead High School and served in the Army at the end of World War II.

Lorren retired after 30 years as a resident engineer with the Montana Highway Department in 1977. Lorren loved fishing, boating, outdoor barbecues, working with wood and most of all, spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He told many a tall fish tale and made wood projects for family and friends. He was "Mr. Fix-It Man" and repaired and remodeled many homes for himself and others. In recent years as health prevented him from actively participating in outdoor activities, he enjoyed frequent communication with his family and keeping up on the world news, via the Internet.

Lorren was preceded in death by his father, Lance B. Claridge in 1984; and his mother, Lula M. Claridge in 2004.

He is survived by a family who loves him very much. They include his wife, Phyllis, at the family home; son, Don and wife Naomi Claridge, and son, Jerry, and wife Melody Claridge, both of Spokane; daughter, Debi, and husband, John Willcut, of Kalispell; and son, Greg, and wife, Paula Claridge, of Kalispell. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kimberly and husband Chris Helseth, Tanner Claridge, Angie and husband Danny Dedera, Jerry and wife Kara Claridge, Tiffany and husband Barry Warren, Justin and wife Deann Willcut, Johnny and wife Brynn Willcut, and Stryder, Spencer and Sierra Claridge; also, great-grandchildren, Josiah and LillyAnna Dedera, Jessica Willcut, Kylen Claridge and Haley Walker. He also leaves behind his beloved faithful puppy pal, Tafi.

Lorren is also survived by four sisters, Betty Miller and husband Ken, Evelyn Heuscher and husband Stan, Marilyn Cartwright and husband Bob, and Verla Guerrero and husband Tom; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in Kalispell at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 4, at the Epworth Methodist Church, 329 Second Ave. East, with Pastor David Merkle officiating. A luncheon will follow at the church.

The family suggests that memorials can be given to Epworth Methodist Church or a charity of choice.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.