Terry Wayne Crouch, 66

Terry Wayne Crouch passed away Aug.16, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, after a short illness.

Terry was born on Jan. 20, 1943, in Thermopolis, Wyo., to Myrtle and Wayne Flick. When he was 2 years old they divorced. Two years later his mother married Floyd Crouch and he adopted Terry. Terry was raised in Casper, Wyo., and graduated from Natrona County High SchooI.

After graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served for 12 years as an MP, doing tours in Vietnam, Germany and various state-side locations.

While in the service he met, and then married, Paula Carlberg, on April 6, 1964, in Virginia Beach, Va. They enjoyed more than 45 wonderful years together. One of the happiest days of his life was the birth of his son, Richard, on Jan. 12, 1968, in Munich, Germany. He was always so proud of his son and loved to spend time with him.

After his discharge from the Army he served in the law enforcement field for the rest of his life. He was an Alaska State trooper, stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. He was also the director of security for the Marriott Hotel in Portland, and also provided security for Mattel Toys in Beaverton, Ore.

Terry and Paula moved to the Flathead Valley in 1998, and enjoyed the beautiful country and the great people. His last job was as security for Samaritan House, from which he retired in 2007.

He loved the outdoors and loved to go hiking in Glacier Park and the surrounding areas. But above all, what he enjoyed most was the time that he spent with his family and friends.

Terry was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. You could always depend on him; his word was his bond. He will be deeply missed "but he is once again whole and we will see him again in Heaven."

He was a proud patriot and a devoted member of the NRA. He deeply loved his country and flew the flag each day proudly.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle Adamson; and his father, Wayne Flick.

He is survived by his wife, Paula, of Columbia Falls; his son, Richard, daughter-in-law, Gina, and his grandson, Jaden, of Gresham, Ore; and numerous friends here and throughout the United States.

At Terry's request no service will be held; cremation has taken place.

His ashes will be scattered at a later date.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.