Sheridan V. Knutson, 63

Sheridan V. Knutson, 63, died Dec. 1, 2009, at his home in Columbia Falls of a very short illness. Sheridan was born on Nov. 21, 1946, in Oakland, Calif., to Vern and Verna Knutson. He graduated from Flathead High School and served for six years in the Guards. In his later years he attended the University of Montana where he played in the Jazz band and was a big fan of the Grizzlies. Sheridan was a lover of jazz music and brass instruments. He recently discovered his interest in gardening, growing strawberries, peppers and potatoes. He loved being in the great outdoors, watching the sunset, picking huckleberries, and camping with his grandchildren. From day one of being a grandpa, he is known to his grandkids as Papa Duck because of his Donald Duck voice. We will all miss eating Whoppers, drinking rootbeer floats and especially Christmas time with Papa. He will be missed every single day. He is survived by his sister, Fay McMannamy, and Steve Sheppard, of Kalispell; his daughter, Kim Role, and Mark Role, of Columbia Falls; daughter, Dustyne Salminen, and Shane Salminen, of Eureka, and Teri Hill and Gene Hill of Whitefish; and his grandchildren, Kortney, Garrett, James and Avery Role, Tanner and Colter Salminen, and Rusty, Jesse and Cody Hill. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Verna. His funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, with a military graveside service to follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be at 4 p.m. at the VFW in Kalispell.