Albert Miron, 86

Albert A. Miron, 86, passed away Friday, Nov. 3, 2006, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell after a brief illness. He was born Aug. 19, 1920, in Columbus, Mont., the son of Roch and Cora (Petosa) Miron.

Al attended school in Columbus until the Great Depression forced his father to relocate to Billings for employment. Al continued his education in Billings, where he attended the Fratt School and graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1938. He also attended two years at Billings Polytechnic College (now Rocky Mountain College). At that time, Al was slated to attend seminary to become a priest. His father became ill about that time, and Al made the decision to return home and support his family and forego the seminary.

In 1940, Al was working for the company that was granted the contract for the building of a new bridge to be built across the Two Medicine River near East Glacier. After that job was completed, Al returned to Billings but vowed to return to the Kalispell area someday. He worked in Los Angeles in a paint factory for about a year, and in 1942 he was drafted into the U. S. Army and reported for duty in Fort McArthur, Calif. Al was eventually promoted with a fourth sergeant's stripe to a Technician 3rd Class and was granted an honorable discharge in 1945. Shortly thereafter he was hired by the Veterans Affairs Division in Helena.

He married Hazel Landers on Nov. 30, 1946. They moved from Helena to Bozeman in 1947 and then settled in Kalispell in 1950 to raise their family in the valley Al had grown to love as a young man. Al and Hazel had three sons and two daughters; David, Ann Marie, Mary, Paul and Mark.

After Hazel's death, Al met and married Bessie Vinsant in Kalispell in 1979.

He became a member of the American Legion Flathead Post No. 7, where he served three years as post commander and two years as Legion District Commander of District No. 4. He eventually became a department executive committeeman, which included districts 4, 5 and 6. He was post commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2252 and also VFW District No. 1 Commander.

He was active in the Knights of Columbus and eventually became a Fourth Degree Knight. He had a life membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Kalispell. Al was an accomplished public speaker and served as an emcee for various veterans affairs functions and civic events throughout his life. After 39 years of combined service with the federal and state Veterans Affairs Division, Al retired Aug. 19, 1983.

Al also served on the Kalispell City Council for eight years and as a commissioner in Glacier National Park for five years.

Al loved the Catholic Church and was active throughout the years. He served as president for the Home and School Association at St. Matthew's School and was instrumental in the development of the school-lunch program, which he ran for 17 years. He served as altar boy in his youth and in later years enjoyed the role of lector and eucharistic minister whenever called upon. In Mesa, Ariz., where he and Bess spent 20 winters, he enjoyed the role of commentator, lector and eucharistic minister. He received many compliments from the elderly parishioners as his voice was easily heard.

He loved the Flathead Valley and was an avid golfer during his younger years. Al also coached Peewee Minor and Major League baseball teams for 10 years when his kids were young. He also coached women's slow-pitch softball for three years.

Al will be fondly remembered for many things, including his years of service to veterans in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln and Sanders counties. He greeted every person he met with a smile and his unique sense of humor. Al was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who will also be remembered for his zest for life and his infectious laugh.

Al was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel, in March 1977 and an infant daughter, Ann Marie, in 1952.

He is survived by his wife, Bess, of Kalispell; daughter, Mary Abbott, and husband, Bruce, of Billings; son Paul Miron and his wife Jamie of Billings; son David Miron of Great Falls; son Mark Miron and wife, Lauri, of Billings; step-children Linda Morgan and husband, Roger, of Mesa, Ariz.; Larry Vinsant of Bellevue, Neb.; Lorri Riffle and her husband, Doug, of Thompson Falls; Vanessa Fitchett and husband, Clint, of Camas Prairie; Rene Vinsant of Polson; 47 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one brother, Francis Miron, and his wife, Marge, of North Hollywood, Calif.; four sisters-in-law and five brothers-in-law, along with their respective spouses.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, with Father Vic Langhans officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at Johnson Mortuary. A rosary will be at 7 p.m. at Johnson Mortuary. Burial will follow services at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Northwest Health Foundation (for cancer), 310 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901, or to St. Matthew's School, 602 S. Main, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Albert's family.