Charles Norman 'Chuck' Johns, 58

Charles Norman "Chuck" Johns, 58, of 2800 Third St. N.W., a homebuilder, died at his home Thursday, July 17, 2008, after a courageous battle with a glioblastoma brain tumor.

He was born Aug. 13, 1949, in Great Falls, graduated from C.M. Russell High School and attended the University of Montana. He was a lifelong Grizzly fan.

Under the mentorship of his brother-in-law, Jack Kessner, Chuck became a homebuilder. He soon formed his own company, Charles Johns Construction, and became a highly regarded builder by his peers and homeowners. Quality and trust were very important to Chuck, and were trademarks of his homes. He taught the trade to his two sons, and the business became Charles Johns and Sons Construction.

A true family man, Chuck spent 37 years with Shelley, the love of his life. His four children, Brandon, Regan, Amy and Joshua, were a source of great pride and joy.

They played and worked together, spending much time in the mountains, Chuck's second home. Two of the family's favorite vacation spots were Hawaii, where they snorkeled, scuba-dived and fished, and Canada, where they fished, hunted and camped. Chuck and Shelley often included his sisters and their families in their outings. Everyone always felt safe with Chuck. He was a kind, gentle man who always had time for his family and friends.

Chuck was raised to appreciate and enjoy the Montana outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, hiking, backpacking, big-wheeling and horn hunting. He began hunting for horn sheds long before it became a popular activity. His love of these activities took him to Africa, Alaska, Canada and all across Montana. He knew the Rocky Mountain Front as if it were his backyard. These passions were passed on to him by his father and in turn, passed on to his children.

Chuck was a member of the Home Builders Association, National Rifle Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, Safari Club Federation, the Foundation for North America Wild Sheep and Walleyes Unlimited.

He was preceded in death by his father, Norman Charles Johns; and his mother, Bertha.

Survivors include his wife, Shelley (Barber) Johns, two sons, Brandon Johns and Joshua Johns, all of Great Falls; two daughters, Regan (Mark) Meredith of Helena, and Amy Johns of Great Falls; two grandsons, Trayten Charles Johns and Kellen Charles Meredith; sisters, Verna Kessner, Deloris Johns, Sharon Strunk and Shirley (Jake) Tuck, all of Great Falls; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Barber Rydell, of Great Falls; a brother-in-law, Craig Barber, of Great Falls; and many nieces and nephews. Chuck also leaves behind his faithful dog, Colter.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Valley Community Bible Church. O'Connor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be posted online at www.mem.com.