Carlyle 'Chic' Webb, 92
Carlyle ‘Chic’ Webb, 92
Carlyle “Chic” Webb, a longtime resident of Polson, “passed from this life on to unknown destinations” on May 8, 2014.
His wife, Pat “Doris” passed in 2011.
He is survived by a daughter, Khelly Susan Webb, of Long Beach, Calif.; also a son, Craig L. Webb and wife, Camille, of Hartsel, Colo.
Born in Payson, Utah, young Chic migrated with his family to Montana, where his father installed the electrical grid along the Hi-Line.
Following his interest in aviation, he joined the Army Air Corps and subsequently served as a first lieutenant, flying a Martin B-26 Marauder to Europe via Brazil and Africa. Returning home with a chest-full of medals earned through completion of 65 missions and D-Day flights, Chic and his wife, Pat “Doris” opened Polson Greenhouse and started their family. Following in the footsteps of his mother, this horticultural endeavor evolved into “Flowers Carlyle,” the original FTD floral shop in Polson where it remained for 50 years. His floral designs were featured at conventions throughout the country.
Many of the townsfolk were also familiar with the sound of his 450-horsepower Grumman Ag-Cat, which he used for his crop-dusting business. Chic enjoyed making this favorite apparatus take off like a helicopter and land on a dime.
Chic possessed a multitude of interests around the state of Montana. These studies, hobbies and volunteer activities played a critical role in launching many friendships lasting throughout his lifetime. He was a faithful fisherman, often occupying the same spot on the city dock, the location of his favorite memory when he befriended a brown mink who stopped by for “today’s catch.” Many of the blue spruce conifers now standing tall around Lake County were propagated in Chic’s basement.
He was also quite taken with many aspects of photography, nature, wildlife and the many ways which these subjects had the ability to come together. A listing of his many, ever-changing interests would include marksman, hunter, CoCoRaHS meteorologist, entomologist, fly-maker and storyteller. In his later years, he was a devoted caregiver, creating culinary delights for Pat. His sense of humor was unique. He was dedicated to his longtime memberships in ELKS and the VFW. Carlyle “Chic” Webb was the last surviving charter member of BPO Elks No. 1695.
Following Pat’s passing, Chic spent time forming special friendships at the Polson Senior Center and the Flathead Indian Tribal Center. Participation in the senior exercise program created an appetite for the “222” at Pop’s and some serious “carbo-loading” at 4Bs. These last friendships provided a source of companionship that Chic was ever so grateful for.
A celebration of life will be held in the near future.