Dale Lynn Huntsman, 73

Dale Lynn Huntsman passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at the age of 73.

He was born to Lionel and Iola Huntsman and raised on a small farm in Ashton, Idaho, along with four siblings, Mary, John, Verle and Donna. He moved to Montana in 1975, managing a Bonanza 88 store. There he met and married the love of his life, Jean.

Together they built a beautiful life, family and home. Dale also managed Yellow Front, was a buyer for the Army-Navy store and finally managed the garden center at Hooper’s Nursery, from which he retired in 2008. He loved gardening, retail and talking with people, which made his work at Hooper’s most satisfying.

After retirement he enjoyed spending time restoring his ‘43 Ford tractor and maintaining their 15-acre property. He had a large asparagus patch, garden, and a beautiful orchard that produced many gallons of apple cider during the annual Huntsman Family and Friends Cider Press. He loved shooting pool with his eldest son Richard, and together they won many tournaments. His other interests included reading, canning and food preservation, and beating almost everyone at cribbage.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Verle and Mary.

Dale is survived by his wife, Jean, and four children, Richard Huntsman, Cindy Basnett and spouse Jeff, Jennifer Tipton and spouse Daniel, and Ryan Huntsman. He was a loving grandpa to his six grandchildren, Arrika LaSalle, Heather Huntsman, Zackary and Kaedon Basnett, and Ryder and Sierra Tipton.

Dale was an intelligent man of great integrity, had a dry wit, and was very charming. He made friends everywhere he went and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of Dale’s life will be held at the family home from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13.

To send a note of condolence to the family, please visit www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.