John G. Edwards, 71

John Edwards, 71, died of a heart attack on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006, while working at his security job at the Christian Center in Kalispell.

John was born in Mount Vernon, N.Y., on March 15, 1935, to Ruth and Frederick Edwards. John was the youngest of five children. He spoke fondly of his mother, who raised the family through hard work and resourcefulness.

He grew up in Youngstown, N.Y., where he received his education and played high school basketball and football.

While in New York, John worked at a steel mill, a piano factory and completed an apprenticeship in cabinetry.

John and his mother moved to California. While in California, John worked in several large cabinet shops and honed his skills in carpentry and cabinetry.

When John was a young boy, he talked about wanting to, 'move west and live free.'

After his mother passed away, he fulfilled that dream by moving to Kalispell and purchasing a cabinet shop.

On June 15, 1980, John married Donna Hall. They lived in Montana, Washington and Arizona. When they divorced, John returned to the Flathead and spent the remainder of his life here.

John loved the outdoors. In his younger days, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed many Montana road trips on his Honda motorcycle. John enjoyed visiting with anyone who was willing and would strike up conversations with everyone he encountered, especially those having coffee at Tidyman's.

John played a trumpet in the Amvets Marching Band while in New York and had an appreciation for many kinds of music, but he favored the big band sound. He enjoyed playing hymns and old-time music on the piano.

In 1993, John suffered a serious stroke. However, he made a miraculous recovery and was able to go back to work. He continued to work in carpentry and cabinetry. He also worked at Somers School, and at the time of his death, he was working part-time as a security man at the Christian Center.

John had a strong Christian faith and spoke openly about moving on to a better place.

John was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Faith and Ruth; and brother, Gordon.

He is survived by his sister, June and husband Victor; several nephews and nieces; and many Montana friends and acquaintances.

A memorial service will be held at the Christian Center, 255 Summit Ridge Drive, Kalispell, at 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 23, 2006.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.