John W. 'Jack' Galles Sr., 81

John W. "Jack" Galles Sr., loving husband of Elsie Galles, passed away on July 27, 2009, at his home in Whitefish.

Jack is survived by his wife, Elsie Galles; sons, John of Texas and Randall of Colorado; daughters, Judy, Valerie, Debbie and Shari of Montana, Patrice of Oregon, and Paula of Colorado; also his stepchildren, Nicholas and Craig of Washington, Melanie of Florida, and Robert and Laurie of Montana; plus 33 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Shero; and sister, Grace McCollum.

Jack was born in Wolf Point, Oct. 8, 1927. He enlisted in the Navy in 1945 and was discharged in 1947. Jack married Patricia Maltby in 1949. They had nine children together and moved to the Flathead Valley. He worked many years as a log truck driver and as millwright at Anaconda Aluminum Plant.

In 1971, he met and married Elsie Woodard. Together, they realized his long dream of being a long haul semi-truck driver. They bought a truck and worked for North American Van lines, logging more than a million and a half miles before he retired in 1988.

After retirement he became a snowbird, spending winters in Arizona and summers at his home in Whitefish. He was a member of the VFW and active in the Moose Lodge and the Iguana club. He will be deeply missed by all.

A celebration of life was held July 30.