Edward 'Ed' Bull, 85

Edward “Ed” Bull, 85, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2015 in Kalispell after a lengthy illness with COPD and congestive heart failure.

Ed was born November 17, 1929 in Somers, Montana to Bert Keith and Lillian (Lee) Bull.

Ed spent his early years in Somers and at the age of 17 met a young cashier at the local theaters named Martha Morrow. The courtship began on December 21, 1946, they were married in Polson.

Ed was a hard worker, starting his work career at Roy Daley’s garage and service station in Somers. From there, he worked as a sawyer for Vern Tennant around the Flathead Mines area. He also worked as a setter on the carriage for the Lost Creek Lumber Company.

As Ed and Martha’s family increased with the addition of daughters Kathy in 1948 and Karen in 1951, Ed went to work for the Garey Motor Company in Kalispell for 15 years where his mechanical skills, ability, and love of this work flourished.

In 1964, Ed was offered a position with the Flathead County Road Department. He spent 27 years there retiring in 1991.

In 1974, Ed joined the Flathead Search and Rescue where he became the official “captain” of SR 00, otherwise known as “The Duck.” He spent approximately 10 years as a member.

Family was very important to Ed and Martha and the weekends were filled with outings of camping, fishing, wood-getting and huckleberry picking. They could often be found following their girls to track meets all over the state. As their grandchildren came along you could find them at football games, school plays, concerts and 4-H programs.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; his four sisters, Amy Rydeen, Beatrice Bays, Caroline Porteous, Charlotte Lester; and son-in-law Rick Fister.

Ed is survived by his wife Martha of 68 years; daughters Kathy (Robert) Nockleby of Lakeside, Karen (Clinton) DeLong of Kalispell; grandchildren Lisa Nockleby of San Francisco, Jason (Shannon) Nockleby of Springfield, Oregon, Nick (Nicole) Fister of Kalispell, and Jerrod Fister of Butte; great-grandchildren Tyler (Mariah) Fister, Christina Fister and McKenzie Nockleby; and one great-great grandson, Kail Fister, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank Dr. Peter Heyboer and nurse Jessie, nurse Jane and Prestige Assisted Living Team, Home Options Hospice and the second floor nursing staff at the Health Center of Kalispell, also to the Rev. Steve Hermes, Jim Cross, and everyone for their prayers and support.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 30 at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31 at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers gifts can be made to Flathead Search and Rescue in Ed’s name P.O. Box 358, Kalispell, MT 59903.

To send a note of condolence to the family please visit www.buffalohillfh.com.

 Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.