Keith Charles Burgess, 81

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dearly loved husband, dad, and grandpa. Keith Charles Burgess passed away at his beloved ranch Saturday, May 10th, 2014 at the age of 81.

Keith was born September 20th, 1932 in Minnewauken, North Dakota to Ruby and Isaac Burgess. He was joined by Brothers LeRoy and Leland and Sisters Janice and Sharon. He attended and graduated from the Eldon School.

At a very young age Keith developed a very strong work ethic that continued until his passing. When Keith was about 12 years old one of the farmers had a 22 rifle that he really wanted. So being short of cash, he made a deal with the farmer to shock grain for him. He shocked 27 acres of grain (by hand) and made enough money to buy the gun, which hangs on the family room wall to this day.

After a few years of doing farm work the Country Boy from North Dakota decided it was time to serve his country. In February 1953 Keith enlisted in the United States Army. His trainin began with the First Armored Division Combat Command B at Fort Hood, Texas. From there he was shipped to Korea where he continued to serve. He was assigned to bridge specialist and H/S Co 13th engineer brigade. He drove army tanks and was privileged to be asked to drive the Sargent's around. He was awarded the Korean Service metal, the United Nations Service metal and the National Defense Service metal. On February 10th, 1955 he was honorably discharged and served 8 years in the Army Reserve. He then returned to North Dakota, where he worked for a while. He decided to come to Montana to visit his aunt and uncle who were pastoring in Libby. He fell in love with Montana and decided to try his hand at being a logger. He worked for many local loggers such as the Holden Brothers, Fred King and Jim Hurst Sr. He Spent much of his time in the woods building roads and as a cat skinner. He eventually went to work for Jim Hurst and Dan Boslaugh at Ksanka Lumber Co. While there he held many jobs such as a chip truck driver, Mill Wright, and Shop Foreman. After 30 years he retired from the Plum Creek Lumber Co. as a Boiler Engineer.

In 1969 Keith married Lenore Simons Garbe. They started their new life together on the "Meadow Creek Ranch" in Fortine where they raised their 6 children. It was a happy time, kind of like the "Brady Bunch". The kids lived a typical ranch lifestyle with lots of horseback riding, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, sledding and snowmobiling. Dad still tried to instill good work ethics in his children. There were bales to buck and never an end to the rock picking.

Keith loved to be outside. He spent many hours hunting and fishing the hills and streams of this area. But Keith was most happy out on his John Deere tractor or his D6 Cat working up the ground. His work was never done. He was always adding more irrigation ditches, digging up a stump or two and he'd usually noticed a little fencing that need to be fixed.

Recently he was diagnosed with COPD. His health was fading fast and on May 10 his final work on earth was done.

Keith was a John Wayne sorta guy; he seemed to be a little rough around the edges. But in reality he had a heart as big as the outdoors and was a big softy that would cry at the drop of a hat. Keith was a born again Christian and was baptized with his son Dawain several years ago. He was a very private person and didn't talk a lot about his faith. But his actions spoke for him. It is comfort in knowing this.

Keith is preceded in Death by his parents Ruby and Ike Burgess, Brother LeRoy Burgess, Sister Janice Olson and In-laws Roy and Leona Simons, Ted and Louise Burk, Son- in - law Mike Lindquist, Grandson Jeremy Lindquist, Great granddaughters Peiper and Payslee Bernethy, Special Uncle Sheridan Jr. Burgess, and Cousin Lee Lund. Keith is survived by wife of 45 yrs. Lenore, sister Sharon Grossman of North Dakota, brother Leland Burgess of Washington, Son Dawain and Gail Burgess, Daughters Linda Lindquist and Kristine Mitchell, SheeLa and James Beeman, Teresa and Frank Kakuk, Tarolyn and Kurt West, Trudy and Kirk Doble. Grand children Ben and Sandy Lindquist, Miranda and Mike Warren, Joe and Tammy Burgess, Ashley and Alan Hahn, Kellie and Zack Bernethy, Shaleen and LeRoy Eash, Krista and Gerald Eash, Corey and Tenise Kakuk, KayLa and Ricky Brown, Keith and Kirsten Brown, Dawson and Daysha Brown, Kayci West and finance" Eric Maher and Kyle West, Alysha and Gerald Lopez, Bryon Logue, Brad and Brenden Doble, 15 great grandchildren and 1 on the way, 1 great grea grandchild, 3 foster kids, Kristine Mitchell, Felisha West and Jason Lee.

Keith's request was to be cremated and his remains to be scattered at the head gate where he spent much time throughout the 45 years on the ranch. Hon, Dad, Grandpa we miss you terribly. Our love for you will never end, we will remember you always.

Military Services will be held Friday at 3 p.m. at the Fortine Cemetery, fellowship and potluck dinner will be held at the Fortine Community Church

Keith is preceded in Death by his parents Ruby and Ike Burgess, Brother LeRoy Burgess, Sister Janice Olson and In-laws Roy and Leona Simons, Ted and Louise Burk, Son- in - law Mike Lindquist, Grandson Jeremy Lindquist, Great granddaughters Peiper and Payslee Bernethy, Special Uncle Sheridan Jr. Burgess, and Cousin Lee Lund. Keith is survived by wife of 45 yrs. Lenore, sister Sharon Grossman of North Dakota, brother Leland Burgess of Washington, Son Dawain and Gail Burgess, Daughters Linda Lindquist and Kristine Mitchell, SheeLa and James Beeman, Teresa and Frank Kakuk, Tarolyn and Kurt West, Trudy and Kirk Doble. Grand children Ben and Sandy Lindquist, Miranda and Mike Warren, Joe and Tammy Burgess, Ashley and Alan Hahn, Kellie and Zack Bernethy, Shaleen and LeRoy Eash, Krista and Gerald Eash, Corey and Tenise Kakuk, KayLa and Ricky Brown, Keith and Kirsten Brown, Dawson and Daysha Brown, Kayci West and finance' Eric Maher and Kyle West, Alysha and Gerald Lopez, Bryon Logue, Brad and Brenden Doble, 15 great grandchildren and 1 on the way, 1 great grea grandchild, 3 foster kids, Kristine Mitchell, Felisha West and Jason Lee.

Keith's request was to be cremated and his remains to be scattered at the head gate where he spent much time throughout the 45 years on the ranch. Hon, Dad, Grandpa we miss you terribly. Our love for you will never end, we will remember you always.

Military Services will be held Friday at 3 p.m. at the Fortine Cemetery, fellowship and potluck dinner will be held at the Fortine Community Church