Leonard E. Eslick, 86

Leonard E. Eslick, 86, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at his residence in Kalispell. He was born on Oct. 7, 1923, to Carroll and Lillie (Isackson) Eslick, their only child, in a small house on Fifth Avenue West in Kalispell. Leonard received his education in Bigfork/Swan River/Echo Lake Schools. He joined the Army and was stationed at the Headquarters Company of the 21st Infantry 24th Division. He saw duty in Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan. While being discharged, Leonard found out he had malaria and other related conditions. He spent the next 24 months on total bed rest and hospital therapy, and then was discharged from Seattle Hospital. Leonard left the hospital with only two pairs of socks, one shirt, one pair of pants, two pairs of underwear, 25 dollars in cash, and a ticket home to Kalispell. After World War II, work was scarce yet he found work farming, logging and sawmilling with his cousins, The Eslick Boys, from Bigfork. Leonard then got into electrical line work. He was foreman for erection crews that put the power lines into Swan Lake, Hungry Horse Dam, Anaconda Aluminum, Noxon and many other places around Montana, Idaho and Washington. He was a 50-year member of IBEW. Leonard was best friends with Keith Marr, saving his life one time; they were best friends until Keith s passing in October of 2009. Leonard was married for a brief time and from this union a son was born, Brad Eslick. Leonard was divorced when Brad was 4 months old. Leonard was a single parent for his entire life. When cable TV first came to the Flathead he helped build and maintain the system. He worked for the local cable company until his retirement. His co-workers called him Teddy Bear. Leonard was happiest when he was at home with his dog Butch No. 5. He enjoyed the Flathead, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and camping. Leonard considered himself a handyman, yet many of us found his softer side. He had quite a life experience, cheating death on several occasions both during World War II and after. During the last years of his life he relished his daily trips to Fred Meyer s and Smith s to see the girls. Leonard is survived by his son, Brad Eslick, of Kalispell. At Leonard s request, no services are planned. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Leonard s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Leonard s guest book.