Daniel Wayne Lynch, 81
Daniel Wayne Lynch, 81, passed away Saturday, March 17, 2007, at his home in Kalispell.
He was born Nov. 13, 1925, in Upton, Wyo., to Jesse Warren and Margaret Bell (Hill) Lynch.
When Dan was 5 years old, his family moved to Trego, where he received his early education. They later moved to Kalispell, where his father worked as a farmer.
On June 10, 1944, at the age of 17, Dan was inducted into the military, serving in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II. He was honorably discharged March 15, 1946, at which time he and his father bought the Yellow Cab company and ran it for a few years and then moved to working on the Hungry Horse Dam project. He then went to school becoming an electrician and began work at the Anaconda Aluminum Plant, remaining there for 35 years. Dan made many lifelong friends from his work and activities before retiring in 1991.
Dan's first love was his family, and then came his love of the outdoors. Dan took many fishing, camping and hunting trips with his family and friends all across Montana and Alaska. After his retirement, Dan continued those passions.
Dan had four brothers and five sisters. Also of special mention is Dan's lifelong friend, Alvin Krantz. Having met Dan when they were 11, Alvin was like another brother, spending many fun times through the years of his life. He was there many times through the days and at the end, not leaving Dan's side, for which his family will be forever grateful.
Dan was a member of the Masons, the Moose Lodge, the Eagles and was involved in the Boy Scout organization for many years.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents; son, Wesley; two brothers, Warren and Neil; and sister, Orrine Rhodes.
He is survived by his wife, Florence "Bess" Lynch, of Kalispell; two daughters, Wanda Hinzman and husband, Ken, of Columbia Falls, and Charlene Lynch of Seattle; daughter-in-law, Dorothy Lynch, of Columbia Falls; five grandchildren, Andrea Hinzman and fianc/, Jeff Merrifield, of Seattle, Clint Hinzman and wife, Kristie, with their three daughters Danielle, Lauren, and Josie, of Columbia Falls, Kyle Hinzman and wife, Lindsay, and children Garrett and Allie of Kalispell, Justin Lynch of Bozeman, and Dawson Lynch of Columbia Falls. One brother, Jess, and wife, Opal, of Hungry Horse; and four sisters, Gerri Mitton, Maude Bauska, Donna LeRew and Rose Hollopeter.
Graveside services for Dan will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, 2007, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery with the Rev. Ron Pierce officiating. There will be a reception afterward at the Moose Lodge, 2158 U.S. 2 E., in Kalispell. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Johnson Mortuary. The family suggests memorial gifts to be given to Home Options/Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Dan's family.