Wayne Melvin Wangerin, 55

Wayne Melvin Wangerin, 55, passed away at his home Oct. 26, 2008, surrounded by his family, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Melvin.

He is survived by his wife, Jayne (Megahan) Wangerin, whom he married Aug. 23, 1975, in Ronan; son, Chad and his wife, Diana; daughter, Courtney and Brooks Daniell; extended sons and daughters, Dustin Jones, Tara Marsengill, Cassie Tripp and Steve Arnold; mother, Agnes Wangerin, of Ronan; sisters, Sandy and her husband, Bob Murray, of Ronan, and Marcia Wangerin of Missoula; and brother, Rich, and his wife, Waneta Wangerin, of Bigfork.

Wayne was born Nov. 14, 1952, Agnes and Melvin's first son, in Missoula. He graduated from Ronan High School in 1972 and from Denver School of Gunsmithing in 1980.

He worked at Plum Creek for a few years, then left Montana with his new bride and went to southern California and then to Denver. He then returned to Kalispell with his wife and new son in 1980.

After daughter, Courtney, was born, he and Jayne moved their family to Bigfork. Wayne worked at Plum Creek's Columbia Falls plywood plant for 27 years.

Wayne was an avid golfer, and his idea of the perfect day was to get in at least 18 holes with his golfing buddies. He was also an outdoorsman who enjoyed both big game and bird hunting, specifically duck and goose. He also enjoyed fishing. He generously shared these activities with family and friends.

Wayne always opened his heart and his home to anyone. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He'd give anybody a second chance, or third, or even 100 chances, as long as they kept trying. Family, love and honesty were the guidelines for his life. Wayne always gave people the benefit of the doubt without judging them one way or another. He enjoyed playing practical jokes on family and friends, but his co-workers, especially, were on the receiving end of his special brand of humor!

He impacted so many people in different ways. He truly was one person that made a difference without even trying. He would always change what he had planned if someone needed his help and always did it with a smile. He will be missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of Wayne's life will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, at Swan River Hall.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family. Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave condolences.