Russell Willard Landt, 68

Russell Willard Landt, 68, passed away Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

Russell was born Feb. 21, 1939, in Detroit Lakes, Minn., to Willard and Bonita (Johnston) Landt. Russell attended school in Detroit Lakes and graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1957. He attended North Dakota University for a short time, then transferred to Moorhead State University in Minnesota, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in history and biology.

Russell married Beatrice LaChance on Sept. 10, 1966, in Columbia Falls. Russell was able to spend his whole working career in the place he enjoyed most, Glacier National Park. His career started in 1958 and finished with his retirement in 2000. He held every job, starting on the trails and concluding as road foreman of the west-side crew.

His great love of the Park was filled with many joys and challenges. Among these was the opportunity to be the pioneer Caterpillar operator for the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Russell loved the outdoors, his grandchildren and football, especially the Tennessee Volunteers.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Bea Landt, of Coram; children, Shawna Landt of Columbia Falls, and Rob Landt and his wife, Sherie, of Hurricane, Utah; seven grandchildren; brother, Dave Landt and his wife, Mary, of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; niece, Kendra Condit and her husband, Dwayne; and nephew, Colter Landt.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.