Florin Timothy 'Tim' Kahnberg, 84

Florin Timothy "Tim" Kahnberg, passed away in Kalispell on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007, after a battle with cancer. He was born in Sacramento, Calif., on Aug. 30, 1923, to Alvar and Achsah Kahnberg. One of six children, he grew up in Oakland and Alamo, Calif.

Taking family vacations to Santa Cruz, Calif., he learned to love the ocean and fishing.

He graduated from San Ramon High School at the age of 16. He was active in theater and band throughout his high school years.

On his 18th birthday he began working for Pacific Bell Telephone Company in San Francisco.

On Oct. 20, 1942, he enlisted in the Army Infantry. During World War II he spent time in France and Germany.

He returned home three years later and married June Coe and had his first daughter, Kathleen, in 1947. After his return home, he continued working at the telephone company. He worked his way up from an office boy to a senior engineer during his 39-year career.

During this time he also played his clarinet and saxophone in a German band with friends and co-workers.

In 1964, he married Barbara Reed and had his second daughter, Susie, in 1965.

After he retired from the telephone company he moved to Montana, in 1979, and lived here for the remainder of his life. For 25 of his 28 years in Montana he had the wonderful opportunity to return to the theater. Working with his close friend, Don Thomson, he was active in the summer theater productions as well as the Bigfork Community Players. His favorite role was the rabbi in "Fiddler on the Roof."

Tim's active membership in the Masonic Lodge began in California in the early 1940s and continued when he came to Montana. It was always an important and meaningful part of his life.

His many talents and hobbies included golfing, fishing, theater and band.

He was also an accomplished carpenter, building many homes throughout his lifetime.

Tim is survived by his two daughters, Kathy Korb Breshears and husband Jay of Cove, Ore., and Susie Walsh and husband Terry of Kalispell. He has five grandchildren, Jeff, Jamie, Kendra, Kyer and Kacey; and two great-grandchildren, Chris and Bobby. He is also survived by his younger brother, Nils Kahnberg; his baby sister, Betty Yamashita; four nieces and three nephews.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, at the Bigfork Masonic Lodge.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Bigfork Summer Playhouse Scholarship Fund.