Edward Andrew Ilgen, 73

Edward Andrew Ilgen, 73, passed away at home in Lacey, Wash., on Sept. 12, 2009. Ed was born Oct. 22, 1935, in Kalispell, to Andrew and Florence Ilgen.

In 1953 he graduated from Flathead County High School and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Montana in 1957.

After college, Ed served his country as a U.S. Naval aviator, from 1957 to 1963. During this time he married Patricia Gynn on April 11, 1958; the same day he was commissioned and began flight school. The couple has lived from Florida to as far away as Japan.

After leaving military service his occupation was as a human resources executive for Hewlett-Packard, a career from which he retired in 1989.

During his free time, Ed enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, playing bridge, golf and watching most sports, especially University of Montana football.

He was also very active as a community volunteer. He was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity (University of Montana), Elks Club, American Legion, and the Association of Naval Aviation (Port Townsend, Wash).

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