George Sonny Michael Kahn Jr., 76

George Sonny Michael Kahn Jr., 76, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010, of a massive stroke with his family by his side. Born Feb. 16, 1933, in Hinsdale, he was raised near Bigfork for a short time, then moved to Kalispell. Sonny attended grade schools and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1952. He attended many schools for the fire department many years ago, including arson training. In 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served four years on the USS Hancock aircraft carrier. He flew patrol over the Bikini Islands during the hydrogen bomb test there in the mid-1950s. His home base was on the Island of Kwajalein. Sonny and his crew mates flew through the horrendous mushroom clouds to collect radiation air samples for scientific study. His job description made him an aviation machinist ADR2. Sonny s schooling included An P Natechracen in Norman, Okla., and Ad A Natechracen, Class A School in Memphis, Tenn. While on the carrier, he was also trained in fire and rescue. He also trained for the NTC and AD2, Aviation Supply. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Sharpshooter. He was honorably discharged. Sonny married Carla Toycen in Kalispell on Feb. 9, 1958. They were married for 52 years. Sonny worked in the woods for Royal Logging and Plum Creek for 30 years. He was a member of the Swan Lake Volunteer Fire Department where he acted as chief for 45 years. He was the Citizen of the Year in 1984. He served on the Bigfork High School board of trustees in the 1970s. Sonny kept the community s private roads plowed during the winter on his Ford tractor, sometimes until 1 or 2 a.m. He also provided wood for the clubhouse. Sonny was a one-shot hunter. He loved to hunt and fish and was successful. Even though he tried for 49 years to get a moose permit, he never got one. Sonny was preceded in death by his parents; his stepdad; two nieces; his grandparents; sister, Carol Schlegal; and brother, Bob McMillan. He is survived by his wife, Carla Rae Toycen Kahn, of Swan Lake; daughter, Kelly, and husband, Doug Grant, of Coeur d Alene, Idaho; grandchildren, Logan and Lorna Grant, of Coeur d Alene; sisters, Betty Farris of Kalispell, and Dorothy McMillan of Tacoma, Wash.; and his extended family of firemen. He is also survived by his great friends from his Navy days, Don Steele of Missoula, and Jim Jensen of Bigfork; and by nine nephews; three nieces; many great-nieces and -nephews; sister-in-law, Barbara Amestoy; brothers-in-law, Red Farris and Bill Schlegal; and special cousin, Dave Evenson, and family. Funeral services were held Feb. 4 in Kalispell. A celebration of Sonny s life will be held at a later date. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Swan Lake Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 5134, Swan Lake, MT 59911. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family. Friends are encouraged to visit the Web site at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences.