Vance 'Bear' BearChild Birky, 42

Vance “Bear” BearChild Birky, 42, a logger from Kalispell, passed away near Kaycee, Wyo., on Feb. 9, 2012, from a tragic vehicle accident.

Vance was born on Nov. 10, 1969, in Browning. He grew up and attended schools in Cut Bank and Kalispell.

He married Mindy Swinehart and had two children, Michael and Chessara. They later divorced. He was raised in the Birky family logging business by Ezra, his foster father, and the two shared the same passion for the mountains and a strong work ethic. In 2002 while working, he met Brenda Wolfe. They were married shortly thereafter and were inseparable.

Vance was a jack-of-all-trades and he worked harder than most, putting his heart into everything he did. He was of the Mennonite faith. He loved his dogs, working on trucks and cars, and most of all, loved being outdoors.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Birky; children, Tiffany James, Michael Birky, and Chessara Birky; stepdaughter, Harlee Johnson; grandsons, Evan and Cooper James; siblings, Justin, Adrian, Lucas, John, Loren, Ian, Michael, Ellen and Susan; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his foster parents, Ezra and Marjorie Birky; grandparents, Ken and Mary Stinger; aunts, Annette, Marcel and Jennette; and granddaughter, Shelby Jones.

A memorial service will be held for Vance at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 3, at the Mountain View Mennonite Church.