John Christ Ost, 58

John passed from this life, Friday, June 26, 2009, at his home in Denver. He was born in Whitefish on May 25, 1951, to Eugene and Ruth Ost.

John was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Debbie Ost, and her son, Christopher Managhan.

John is survived in Denver by his wife, Cindy, and daughter, Arianne and friend, Pete.

Locally he is survived by sister, Carolyn Ost Wehr; brother, Bob, and wife, Brenda Ost; and brother, Mike, and wife, Kelly Ost. John is also survived by nieces, Teri Hill, Kim Role, Dustyne Salminen, Amber Ost, and Devyn, Torey and Christina Ost; and nephews, Jacob and Dusty Ost; "Uncle Freddy" Ost and Aunt Tillie Green; as well as many, many more relatives and longtime friends from the "Good Ole Days' growing up in Whitefish.

John was born and raised in Whitefish. He completed all grades in the Whitefish school system. After high school, John joined the Montana National Guard, worked a short time for the Great Northern-BN railroads, then journeyed to Denver. In Denver, he was hired by the OroWheat Bakery as a mechanical engineer, and recently retired after 32 years of service. He loved working at the bakery and leaves behind many friends.

John and Cindy welcomed numerous foreign exchange students into their home over the years. Some interests John and Cindy participated in were live concerts, Western and Southwestern Indian art collecting and galleries, attending Renaissance gatherings, collecting hundreds of Hot Wheels from the 1950s through the 2000s, and the notorious Beany Babies!

Above all his hobbies, John loved riding his motorcycle most. Last May he loaded it in the back of his truck, drove to Montana and went on a great ride with brothers Bob and Mike.

Cancer threatened John's life at the early age of 19, but he survived that battle and was blessed with 38 cancer-free years. Last May, 2008, the cancer demon rose again, and John began fighting battle after battle.

"A more courageous warrior I have never known."

But John grew tired and lost the final battle and "has joined his family and friends in Heaven, blessed with the love of our Lord."

A service for John is scheduled today, July 1, in Denver.

A memorial service for John will be held locally with the date and time announced in the near future.

John's family asks that donations in John's name be made to the local Wings organization in Kalispell, in lieu of flowers, food, etc.