Bryant Sandefer, 73
Bryant Sandefer, 73, passed away Friday, May 8, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a long illness. Bryant was born June 19, 1935, in Morton, Texas, to Evelyn and Walter Sandefer.
Bryant grew up in Texas, graduating from high school at 16. He was working in the oil fields by the age of 17, beginning a life marked by an incredible work ethic. Eventually he made his way to Montana working in the oil fields, at the Anaconda Aluminum Company, and finally owning several businesses, including the Glacier Gateway Motel.
He was devoted to his family and took great pride in watching his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and thrive. With his first wife, Janet, he leaves three sons and their families. Whether it was standing on the sidelines of a soccer field, sitting in the bleachers at a baseball game, playing cards around the dining room table or just enjoying a meal together, he might not say much but he enjoyed spending time with his family. He could spend hours watching with a quiet smile of amazement.
Horses were a big part of Bryant's life. He served as president of the Rocky Mountain Riders Saddle Club, organizing many O-Mok-See activities through the years. He was particularly proud to have participated in the Montana Centennial Cattle Drive in 1989, driving 600 cattle from Roundup to Billings. He looked forward to trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness with good friend, Britt Stratton, and other friends and family.
Bryant is survived by his wife, Jean, at the family home; son, Lynn, and Joan, and grandchildren, Jesse and Alayna, and Holly; stepgranddaughters, Anna, Sarah and Emily; son, Gary, and Pat, and grandchildren, Taira and Kenny Massey, and Kelly; and son, Mike, and Laura, and grandchildren, Madison, Michael and Macey. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Chase and Cody Sandefer, and Gavin and Kyler Massey. Also remembering Bryant will be Jean's daughters, Deb and Rich Lawrence, Pam Pool, and Lori Ibey. Sisters, Ruby Pugh, Rose Nicoles, Verniece Stevens and Pat McKinney also survive him, in Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Backcountry Horseman, c/o Keni Hobkins, P.O. Box 1192, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, May 15, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. A potluck reception will immediately follow at the Birch Grove Community Center.