Jack Fields, 72

Jack Fields, 72, a longtime resident of Columbia Falls, "entered into rest" on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born Feb. 26, 1934, in Ironton, Ohio, the son of Dorsey and Felix Fields. He grew up in Ironton, one of seven brothers.

He met and married Mary Keene in Havre on Jan. 30, 1954. Jack and Mary were blessed with six children and made their home in Columbia Falls.

Jack served 10 years in the U.S. Air Force. During that time, he and Mary had all six children, and upon his discharge, came to Columbia Falls. He worked at the Columbia Falls Aluminum plant for 25 years.

He was a dedicated father, grandfather and friend. "Papa" loved to have company and tell his many stories to all. Papa always had a line to make you laugh and to make you feel comfortable in his home.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary; a son, Rick; and four brothers.

Jack is survived by his children, Jeff and Sandy Fields of Ironton, Ohio, and Jack and Jana Fields, Tim and Penny Connolly, Terry and Rhonda Fields, and Tom and Vickie Ridings, all of Columbia Falls; two brothers, Ralph and Jimmy Fields, of Ohio; grandchildren, Amanda, Genny, Kelly and Jimmy Fields in Ohio, JD and Jylisa Fields, Travis, Terra, Tavia Fields, Josh Fields, Desauri, Kris, Miranda, Tommy Connolly, Beau Blades, Zane and Khoy Ridings; seven great-grandchildren; and his good friend, Leonard Secord.

Graveside memorial services will be at 11 a.m. today, Feb. 13, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls. A celebration of Jack's life will be afterward at 555 C Street in Columbia Falls.

Austin Funeral Home is caring for the family.

This paid obituary is being run again at the request of the family.