Jerry Lee Slaght, 66

Jerry Lee Slaght passed away Monday evening, Aug. 11, 2008, in a Butte area hospital. He was born in Malta on July 21, 1942, to Cleo and Frances (Holmes) Slaght. The family moved to Gardiner when Jerry was very young where he attended schools.

He and Barbara Weeks were married in Gardiner on June 4, 1966.

Jerry worked for the National Park Service in Yellowstone as a heavy-equipment mechanic.

He and Barbara made their home in Kalispell for many years, where they raised their family, before moving to Butte 14 years ago.

A kind and loving father and husband, Jerry was able to tap into his creative side, and when not spending treasured time with his family, was usually making something for them. He had a passion for cooking and preparing large holiday meals. He enjoyed sewing and making personalized gifts for his countless family and friends.

Jerry was also an accomplished outdoor and wildlife photographer. He enjoyed playing golf, but his passion was saving schnauzers. His three buddies, Baley, Mr. Lucky and Chico, were all saved through his efforts.

Besides them, Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, of Butte; his daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Dave Crosswhite, and Kimberly and Joe Kauffman, all of Kalispell; his son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Grace Slaght, of Seattle; and his grandchildren, Tristan and Taylor Crosswhite, Josiah, Amberly and Hannah Kauffman, and Evan Slaght. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters-in-law, Larry and Sharon Slaght, and Delbert and Mary Lois Long; brother-in-law, Sam Weeks; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Sanford and Sara Olson; his very dear friend, Marilyn Now; and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place in Butte. A celebration of Jerry's life will be conducted at 2 p.m. today, Aug. 15, in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home in Butte, with Pastor Gary Treglown officiating.

Memorials in his memory may be made to the Chelsea Bailey Animal Shelter.