Linn William McCarley, 61

Linn William McCarley, 61, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Linn was born Feb. 15, 1952, in Salem, Ore, to Clifford Leon “Corky” McCarley and Judith Faye (Sanford) McCarley. The second of five boys, he was first on the scene that day, about 20 minutes ahead of his fraternal twin Leonard.

Linn’s family moved to Polson in 1955. He attended Polson High School. In addition to his academic achievements, he was Pirate No. 86, offensive end when, on Nov. 8, 1969, the Butte Maroons finally ended Polson’s 13 game winning streak in the State Class A Championship football game. Linn transferred to Ronan High School during his senior year, played football there as a Chief and graduated in 1970.

Linn was an expert carpenter and took great pride and care in his work. He built many houses around the Flathead and in Alaska. Linn relocated to North Pole, Alaska, in 1998 where he found work with University RediMix, mostly driving concrete mixer trucks. He was known on the radio as “Eighty-six.” Linn was an avid outdoorsman and loved shooting and fishing, and enjoyed riding his Harley.

Linn was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Jack.

He is survived by his sons, Leonard of Bozeman, and Arnie of Clinton; and brothers, Leon of North Pole, Alaska, Leonard of Polson, and Clifford of Gilbert, Ariz.; as well as his cousins, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends.

Linn was a lot like the houses he built — level, plumb and square. He was a wonderful father, brother and friend, and will be sorely missed by all who loved him.

There will be a private ceremony held with family. It was Linn’s wish to have his ashes scattered among his parents’ ashes in the Swan Range of the Rocky Mountains in Montana.