Francis 'Fran' LaMar Guest Sr., 85

Francis "Fran" LaMar Guest Sr., 85, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2008, surrounded by loving family at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell, under the care of Hospice.

aHe was born May 24, 1922, in Twin Falls, Idaho, the youngest of four children born to Edward Mailon and Ada (Cook) Guest.

When he was 12 years old, he went to work at a grocery store to help support his family. From that point on, he always maintained gainful employment. In high school he was on the track team, running the mile; and played the French horn both in the high school band and in the community band. He continued to play the French horn throughout his life, not only for his personal enjoyment but for the enjoyment of those around him.

A gifted singer, he sang in various choirs throughout his life; in high school, at church, and in the Glee Men's Choir (later to be known as Valleyaires). He was the vocalist at many weddings, funerals and special church events.

After graduating from high school in Twin Falls, Idaho, Fran moved to Tacoma, Wash., where he went to work in the shipyards before joining in the Merchant Marines. He served on several oil tanker ships, one being the USS Wiley, as an oiler and junior engineer during World War II, and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Coast Guard in 1945.

He married Venus Gloria Qualls on July 19, 1944, in the Alberta Temple in Cardston, Alberta.

Living in the Flathead Valley since 1945, Fran had worked at Gambles, then at Hall Motors as office manager and accountant; and next at a lumber company called Superior Buildings, first as an accountant and later becoming a co-owner, retiring after 31 years of service, in 1983.

Fran was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions, including branch president, counselor in a Bishopric, in the Young Men's program and serving many years in the Stake High Counsel.

Fran served as the physical facilities representative for many years and over saw the remodel and construction of all the chapels in the area. In 1997, Fran and Venus were called to serve a mission in Rochester, N.Y., where they served in the mission office for one year.

Everyone who knew Fran loved him and was strengthened by his great testimony in "our Savior, Jesus Christ." He served in the community in many areas, including as a PTA president, on the school board for District 5 for 10 years, and on the Montana State school board. Fran also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Fran was preceded in death by his parents; one brother; and two sisters.

He is now survived by his wife, Venus Guest, of Kalispell; and five children, LaMar Guest and wife Bobbi of West Jordan, Utah, Muriel Reed and husband Oren of Kalispell, Marlene Francis of Troutdale, Ore., Mark Guest and wife Grace of Kalispell, and Kevin Guest and wife Lori of Riverton, Utah; 15 grandchildren, Andrea, Rebekah, Erin, Emily, Ethan, Justin, Jeremy, Heather, Lindsey, Audrey, Daniel, Nathan, Holli, Ryan and Stephanie; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Fran Guest will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel in Bigfork, with Bishop Jon Marshall conducting. Burial will follow in the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. only, in the Johnson-Gloschat Chapel.

The family suggests memorials be given to Hospice, Home Options, 175 Commons Loop Ste. 300, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Fran's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Fran's guest book.