A. Harold Small Jr., 80
A. Harold Small Jr., 80, passed away at his home on Saturday, June 3, 2006, in Kalispell.
He was born in Kalispell on Oct. 8, 1925, the son of Arthur Harold Small Sr., and Therma McGlaughlin.
Harold attended his elementary years through the eighth grade at Lake Blaine and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1943. He attended Montana State University and belonged to SAE Fraternity.
Harold married Glenna Bear on June 10, 1951, at the First Presbyterian Church of Kalispell.
Harold lived on and operated the family farm pre-empted by his grandfather in 1884. He continued to raise certified russet seed potatoes started by his father. These were the first certified seed potatoes in the state of Montana.
He enjoyed ice fishing and his coffee bunch; was extremely proud of his children and his heritage. He loved to help people and sponsored several children for admission to the Shriner's Children Hospital.
He was a licensed pilot.
Harold was a life member of the First Presbyterian Church of Kalispell, serving on the Board of Deacons and Session. He was a 50-year member of each of the following organizations, Kalispell Lodge No. 42 AF & AM and was past master, Scottish Rite 32nd Degree, Algeria Shrine and Adah Chapter OES and was past patron. He was also a Past Grand Master AF & AM of Montana, 1973, past Dad advisor and member of AD MacDonald Chapter of DeMolay. He served on the Masonic Home Board and served as chairman of the Masonic Service Association of North America. Harold was a charter member of Creston Volunteer Fire Department where he served on the board of trustees. He was a member and chairman of Montana Potato Improvement Association.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Virginia Small Yaeger.
He is survived by his wife, Glenna Small, of Kalispell; four children, Dr. Connie Small and husband, Mark Alsup, Dr. Robert Small and wife, Dr. Cynthia Roberts, Dr. Calvin Small, and Howard Small and wife, Susan; grandchildren, Abigail and Henry Small, Stuart, Natalie and Spencer Alsup, Lucas, Charlie and Stephanie Small and Mathew Weaver; one brother, Dr. J. Milton Small, and wife, Ellie; and several nieces and nephews.
He considered Melissa Smith and Paul Quigley as his grandchildren.
Memorial services for A. Harold Small Jr. will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, June 8, at the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Glenn Burfeind officiating. Graveside services will be held prior to the memorial service at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery 1 p.m. Thursday, June 8, with Masonic services.
Visitation will be held at Johnson Mortuary from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, June 7.
The family has suggested that memorials be sent to: First Presbyterian Church of Kalispell, 540 South Main Street, Kalispell, MT 59901; Hospice Home Options, 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901; Masonic Home of Montana, 2010 Masonic Home Road, Helena, MT 59601; or the Creston Volunteer Fire Department, 4498 Montana 35, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Harold's family.