William N. “Bill” Chilton, 84

William N. ‘Bill’ Chilton, 84, passed away Thursday, March 1, 2012, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, with his family by his side. 

Bill was born April 1, 1927, in Rugby, N.D., and grew up in Towner, N.D.  

He attended Towner High School until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1945.

Bill was hired by the Flathead National Forest in 1947 and spent his early years at Shafer Ranger Station. In 1950 he was again called to active duty to serve in the Korean Conflict. He then continued working for the Forest Service for 37 years, retiring in 1985. But Bill never retired. He continued to work for Flathead County and the DNRC until a few months of his passing. 

On Jan. 2, 1953, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, BIll married Barbara Crout. 

Bill kept himself busy as a Red Cross first aid instructor to many forest service employees and local loggers. He was leader of Boy Scout Troop No. 33; had served as chairman of the Flathead Government Employees Credit Union; and was a committee member of the Flathead Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. 

Bill enjoyed wood carving and was a member of the High Country Carvers. He and Barbara enjoyed traveling to Australia and New Zealand, and wintering in Arizona. Bill was an avid reader and story teller of the "good old days."

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Anne Chilton; and an infant son, John. 

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara of Kalispell; son, Jim Chilton; and daughter, Carol Ann Chilton of Kalispell; sister-in-law, JoAnne and husband, Larry Suelzle, of Lacy, Wash.; sister-in-law, Betty Jo Pflaster of Aurora, Colo.; and nieces and nephews in California, Washington and Minnesota. He also leaves behind special pets, Ice and Bing. 

A Memorial Mass will be said at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 8, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church. 

The family suggests memorial contributions be made in Bill’s name to Wings, 310 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901; the Veterans Pantry; or the charity of your choice. Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.