Hubert Junior 'Frenchy' LaFrance, 76

Hubert Junior "Frenchy" LaFrance, 76, died on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell. He was born in Kalispell on Aug. 13, 1930, the son of Joseph Hubert and Juanita Wilma (Hall) LaFrance.

Frenchy was a member of the Montana National Guard from April 3, 1950 to Dec. 9 1952. He then went on active duty in the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS Salem (CA-139) from Dec. 9, 1952, through Nov. 8, 1956, as a CSG-cook. He then went into the Naval Reserve on Nov. 8, 1956, to Dec. 8, 1960. Frenchy was then employed by Lee Distributing from 1966 to 1992.

He loved fishing, hunting and telling jokes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Georgia LaFrance Akins; and brother, Arthur G. LaFrance.

He is survived by his wife, Anita Harding LaFrance, of Kalispell; six children; son, Christopher La France of Georgia, daughters, Julie Birky and Mary Thompson, both of Montana; stepson, Thomas Harding, of Montana; and stepdaughters, Cheryl Gibson of Florida, and Lela Sineri of Florida, 12 grandchildren; two brothers, Robert LaFrance of Montana, and William LaFrance of Washington; and two sisters, Gay "Tootie" McKean of Montana, and Bonnie Cash of Montana.

A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, at the Kalispell Eagles Lodge. There will be no visitation.

Johnson Mortuary & Crematory is caring for Frenchy's family.