Myron J. 'Skip' Withey, 73

Myron J. “Skip” Withey, 73, passed away on Dec. 30, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, with his wife and stepson by his side. Skip was born March 7, 1937, to Myron A. Withey and Florence J. Newberry, the eldest of five sons. Skip had fought a long and difficult battle with COPD.

Skip and Beverly “Crick” LaCelle were married Oct. 22, 1971, in Kalispell.  They each brought two children to this union.

Skip retired from the United States Air Force after serving 21 years as a B-52 tail gunner and achieving the rank of master sergeant. He never truly retired. He was very patriotic and stayed in contact with his Air Force “Tail Gunner” fraternity for the rest of his life. Skip and his wife Beverly attended many military reunions. Skip was proud to display his military association, from decals on cars and golf carts to baseball caps and the flag flying prominently in his front yard. Myron was often frustrated and upset with the local and national politicians and freely expressed his opposition to the same. Yet, his support for the military could never be questioned.

After the Air Force, Skip worked many years for General Motors Pontiac Division in Michigan until returning home to Kalispell for good. Even as his health was failing in the last few years, Skip found the time to keep an eye on his family, friends and beloved military brothers. Skip and Beverly enjoyed several trips to Hawaii after his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Mike; and in-laws, Earl and Olive Crick.

Skip was survived by his beloved wife Beverly, who has since passed away on May 14th of this year.

He is now survived by his daughter, Kathy Withey, of Spokane; son and daughter in-law, Ken and Patty Withey, of Spokane; stepdaughter, Judy, and her husband, Vance Matz, of Michigan, stepson, Michael LaCelle, of Kalispell; seven grandchildren, Christina Withey of Seattle, Jason, Michael, Steven and Thomas Withey, all of Spokane, Adam Matz of Michigan, and Connor LaCelle of Kalispell; three great- grandchildren, Alexis, Miria and Tiziana; and three of his four younger brothers, Dale Withey, Robert Withey and Ron Withey. He is also survived by Beverly’s family, Clifford and Vicki Crick of Whitefish, Dick and Lorraine Stotts of Kalispell, Melvin “Gus” and CarolLou Gustafson of Somers, and Tom and Marlene Brunaugh of Columbia Falls; and many nieces and nephews.

“Rest in peace Skip. You are loved by many, you will be missed by many more whose lives you touched.”

A graveside memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery, Kalispell. A reception will follow at Skip and Beverly’s home.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Skip’s name to your favorite charity, the veteran’s food bank or the American Lung Association.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Skip’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Skip’s tribute wall.

An obituary for Skip’s wife Beverly also appears in today’s Inter Lake.