Dr. John Milton Milt Small, 86

Dr. John Milton Milt Small, 86, a retired Kalispell dentist and patriarch of the Small family, passed away on April 15, 2010, in Tucson, Ariz., due to complications from pneumonia. Milt was born in Kalispell on Oct. 16, 1923, the son of Arthur H. and Therma McGlaughlin Small. He grew up on the family farm, pre-empted by his grandfather in 1884, and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1941. Milt served his country in the U.S. Navy as a pharmacist s mate third class. Milt married Janet Charles of Ohio in 1946. They raised their three children on the family farm. Milt raised certified russet seed potatoes on one of the first seed potato farms in Montana. Milt earned an undergraduate degree from Montana State University and in 1965 received a Doctor of Dental Surgery from Washington University School of Dental Medicine-St. Louis, specializing in reconstructive and implant dentistry. Dr. Small practiced dentistry in Great Falls for over 10 years. Later returning to his beloved Flathead Valley, he practiced at his Evergreen Dental Center until his retirement. In 1968 Milt married Jane Roach of Missouri and raised three stepchildren. In 1977 Milt married Elenor Ellie Bench of Missouri. Milt loved life and the grandeur of Montana s natural wonders from fly fishing on the North Fork to hunting, boating, drives through Glacier National Park and flying his plane above it all. He lived to play and listen to music, playing his trombone in many a parade or band. Milt was proud to be a native of the Flathead, his heritage and his children and grandchildren " always teaching them about the wonders of life. Milt was known for his ability to grow almost anything, from potatoes to lemons and grapefruit. He selflessly gave his time and talent to help others and was honored to sponsor many children to Shiner s Hospitals. He was a member of the following service and Masonic organizations: Kalispell Lodge No. 42, Scottish Rite, York Rite, Algeria Shrine, Adah Chapter of O.E.S, Elks, Jesters and S.A.E fraternity. Professionally, he was president of the Western District A.A. of Implant Dentistry in 1989. Milt was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harold; and sister, Virginia Small Yaeger. He is survived by his wife Elenor Ellie of Tucson; three children, Lynette Thomas and Bob of Kalispell, Sharon Graham and Larry, and Dr. David Small; four stepchildren, Michael Bench and Renee, Nicki Lamey and Matt, Teresa Kaminski and Dean, and Dale Roach and Gunda; 12 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Milt s smile, laughter and friendship touched many lives, and often he was heard to say, Are-ch you glad you met me? We all agree it has been an honor to know such a great man, husband, father, uncle and grandfather. Yes Daddy, we truly are glad to have met you! A memorial service will be held this summer. The family suggested that memorials be sent to Shrine Crippled Children s Hospital in Spokane.