Bert Taylor Suckow, 74

Bert Taylor Suckow, 74, of Missoula, passed away Saturday, March 4, 2006, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

Bert was born Feb. 15, 1932, in Havre to Ezra and Emma Suckow. He spent his first eight years on the family homestead north of Rudyard.

In 1940, he moved with his parents and brother, Ted Suckow, to Ronan. He attended Ronan public schools and worked on the family farm until 1949, at which time the Suckow family moved to Kalispell. Bert graduated from Flathead County High School in 1950.

While visiting his parents in Mesa, Ariz., during the winter of 1952, he met his future bride-to-be, Maryann Elizabeth Sires. The couple were married June 7, 1952, in the bride's hometown of Union Gap, Wash.

In 1955, Bert bought a new Mack logging truck and embarked on a career lasting 39 years. Along the way, he and Maryann raised four children, took them camping, fishing and boating, and generally nurtured and loved them. Their home was a gathering place for a great many children and they gave freely of their time and resources.

Bert retired in 1994 and spent his remaining years enjoying his family and friends, the beauty of western Montana and the warm sunshine of Arizona in the winter. His family, especially his grandchildren, was a source of great pride and satisfaction.

Bert's friendly grin and easygoing nature made him easy to know and like. He retained his sense of humor to the end of his life, and his teasing and hearty laughter will be sorely missed.

Bert is survived by his wife of 53 years, Maryann; four children, Rick Suckow and Ellen of Bozeman, Reed Suckow and Linda of Las Vegas, Leann Gooley and Dennis of Missoula, and Susan Suter and Curtis of Helena. There are six grandchildren, Matthew and Michael Gooley of Missoula, Marcy Sternhagen and Taylor Suckow of Bozeman, and Jill Eisnor and Tara Potter of Las Vegas. There are five great-grandchildren residing in Las Vegas as well.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. today, March 7, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, with Chaplain Dan Dixson officiating. Pallbearers will be Matthew Gooley, Michael Gooley, Curtis Suter, Dennis Gooley, Reed Suckow and Rick Suckow.

The family would invite you to send any memorials to the Montana Special Olympics in care of SOMT, P.O. Box 3507, Great Falls, MT 59403; or http:/www.somt.org/ or to any organization for cancer research and cures.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Speckart and staff at the Montana Cancer Center and St. Patrick Hospital, and to the staff of Partners Hospice, and to the staff of Home Instead Agency