Edward D. 'Kirby' Hicklin, 92

Edward D. "Kirby" Hicklin, passed away Monday afternoon, Oct. 15, 2007, with his loving wife, son and daughter at his side. He had just celebrated his 92nd birthday on Sept. 18. Kirby was born in Cardwell on the Johnston Ranch Homestead. He was raised by his Grandma Johnston and his Uncle Archer Johnston. Kirby graduated, at the age of 16, from Cardwell High School in 1933.

On July 9, 1938, Kirby married Esther Dena Phillips in Kalispell. They had been introduced two years earlier by Esther Dena's sister, Gladys, and brother-in-law Thurman. Kirby and Esther Dena had just celebrated 69 years of this loving relationship.

Kirby retired from Kaiser Cement Plant in Montana City after 18 years of dedication, at the age of 64, as a big equipment truck driver. They moved to Polson where Kirby flourished in being part of the cherry harvests with his daughter Jeanie and son-in-law, Francis "Toot" who passed away in 2006. Kirby helped with construction of the new First Baptist Church on Highway 35 and he carried the cross up the ladder with great pride.

Kirby loved the Lord, adored his wife, his family and friends, and his surroundings. He truly appreciated all that he had and, to talk with him, you knew he took nothing for granted. Whether he stopped to show the grandkids the horse in the field or chat with the "fella" in front of him in the grocery line, he loved what life gave him and didn't hesitate to "thank you kindly."

Kirby was a generous and kind person and his passing will leave a feeling of emptiness in the hearts of his family and friends. "Although we miss him, he will continue to remind us of the beautiful place he is in now where he will be reunited with his brother Raymond," who died at age 7 of spinal meningitis.

Kirby was preceded in death by his father, Edward B. Hicklin; his mother, Lydia A. Hocking; uncle, Archer Johnston; grandmother, Lilly F. Johnston; and son-in-law, Francis "Toot" Williams.

He is survived by his wife, Esther Dena; daughter, Jeanie Williams, of Polson; granddaughter, Kim Stallknecht, and her husband, Kurt; great-granddaughters, Ariel and Alanis Stallknecht of Bigfork; grandson, William W. "Bill" Williams, and his wife, Melody; and great-grandsons, Daniel and Benjamin Pierce-Williams of Lavon, Texas. Also surviving him is his son, Milton Hicklin, of St. Helens, Ore.; granddaughter, Tammy McLean; great-granddaughter, Brooke McLean and great-grandson Beau McLean, of Renton, Wash., Therese Phillips and her husband, Greg; great-grandsons, Zayn of Bothell, Wash., and AJ Shive of Canby, Ore., Troy Hicklin and his wife, Julie; great-granddaughters, Mikah and Marnie Clancy; great-grandson, Jayce Hicklin of Longview, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at Grogan Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Rudy Ringhoff officiating. Interment will follow the services at Lakeview Cemetery. A reception will be after the services at the First Baptist Church.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.