Dennis 'Mike' Willcut, 62

Mike Willcut, 62, died April 15, 2008, at his home, with his devoted wife of 42 years at his side. He was born in 1945 in Fargo, N.D., to John and Barbara Willcut. He and his large family moved often in his youth, until they settled in Kalispell. There he met his wife, Rita Karen Fishel.

Mike was proud to have worked hard to provide for his family in the logging and timber industry. He did many different jobs, including sawyer, truck driver, skidder operator or "whatever needed done."

He was always extremely proud of the home that he and his wife built in the North Fork and where they raised their family. Being a family man, Mike was very proud of his children and grandchildren, and rarely missed any of their events.

After his brother and best friend, Roger, passed away, he was somewhat at a loss until he was introduced to Black Powder Rendezvous, and that community of people readily accepted him and he fell right in. He subsequently introduced his children, grandchildren, brother John, and sister Mary to Rendezvous, and they made many memories together.

Because of Mike's long illness, he was faced with many challenges, and always faced them with a smile and good sense of humor. He was quick to laugh with others and quicker to laugh at himself. As his disease progressed, his speech often became difficult, but his friends at Rendezvous took to calling him "Smoothtalker" - a moniker that stuck and always brought a smile to his face.

Preceding Mike in death were his parents, John Willcut and Barbara Cornelius; and his best friend and brother, Roger Willcut.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Willcut, of Columbia Falls; daughter, Stacia and Dean Thompson of Columbia Falls; son, Travis and Vicki Willcut of Kalispell; grandchildren, Samantha McDonald, Tyler Thompson, Scout and Bridger Willcut; brothers, Jim and Twila Willcut, Tim and Dolly Willcut, and John and Debbie Willcut; and sisters, Barbara Crowell, Sharon Burns, Mary and Dan Jensen, and Sandy Willcut. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Mike blessed and inspired all who met and knew him. Honoring Mike's wishes, there will not be a funeral, but an event celebrating his life will be held at a later date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.