William 'Bill' Lawrence Breen, 88

William “Bill” Lawrence Breen, 88, died at his home on Nov. 4, 2014, from natural causes.

He was born in Roxbury, Mass., to working-class parents just prior to the Great Depression. His parents separated, leaving his mother to raise him and his brother, Dick, during the difficult Depression years. He graduated from Boston English High School and joined the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II.

He served in the Atlantic War Zone and the invasion of Italy. He later joined the U.S. Army, serving in the Pacific War Zone during the Philippine and Okinawa invasions and the occupation of Japan.

After his military service, he attended the University of Washington on the GI Bill, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. He worked for the Boeing Company in manufacturing engineering and human resources for 35 years.

After retiring, he moved to Kalispell in 1991 and built a home on beautiful, forested land in the West Valley area.

His wife of many years died in 1999.

He is survived by his loving companion, Margie Gignac; children, Jennifer, Colin, Patrick and Shannon; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bill has been a strong supporter of working-class causes and the underprivileged in our society. He had a good sense of humor and played his guitar and harmonica until everyone left the room. He also liked to dance, but not always in step. He and his companion Margie traveled around Montana to visit the small towns. He managed to find the local microbreweries or waterholes and hoisted a few with the locals. So to all who knew him, have a cold one and enjoy life.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at his request.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Bill’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Bill’s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.