Archie Van Johnston, 85

Archie Van Johnston passed away peacefully at the Montana Veterans Home on Sept. 20, 2015.

Archie was born on Nov. 23, 1929, in Columbia Falls, to Jack and Sadie Johnston.

The youngest of eight siblings, Archie was preceeded in death by his parents; his siblings, Jasper, Allen, Dempsey, Howard, Clifford and Gertie Weaver; and by his wife, Marguerite.

He is survived by his brother Clair and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be missed by staff and residents of the Montana Veterans Home.

Archie had fond memories of his childhood, especially working at his father’s private saw mill. Archie was in the eighth grade when he quit school and went to help his father. He worked at his father’s mill and other saw mills until he turned 18.

In 1952 Archie enlisted in the United States Army. He worked in pole-in construction for a communications unit until he was honorably discharged in 1954.

Upon returning to the Flathead Valley, he worked at various saw mills. Eventually, he was hired by Plum Creek where he pulled the green chain and graded lumber for 23 years until retirement. After retirement he logged for private logging companies until joint pain forced him to quit.

Archie married the love of his life, Marguerite Deglow, in 1976. They had grown up near each other and started dating after he returned from the Army. They had good times at the Lake Blaine roller rink. And they loved to travel together. Marguerite passed away in December 2007 and Archie remained in his Kalispell residence for several more years until he moved to Brendan House. In December 2011, Archie arrived at the Montana Veterans Home.

In his younger years Archie raced cars. He always enjoyed walking.

A graveside service was held Sept. 24 with full military honors at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Lois Lyford officiated.

Columbia Mortuary cared for Archie’s family.