Charles 'Chuck' Arthur Breslin, 74

Charles “Chuck” Arthur Breslin, 74, of Missoula and Bigfork, passed away Dec. 16, 2016, at his home in Missoula after a strong and courageous battle with prostate cancer. He endured three battles with cancer in the last 15 years and he fought each one with valiant courage and a strong heart.

He was born Oct. 6, 1942, to Margaret and Charles F. Breslin in Flushing, New York. He lost his father at age 3 and grew up with his mother and sister Helen in Baldwin, New York.

After graduating from high school, he went to Paul Smith’s College of Arts and Sciences, graduating with an associate degree in forestry. He came to Montana to continue his education in forestry at the University of Montana (then Montana State University). He fell totally in love with Montana and it became his home.

He enlisted in the Army at the recruiting station in Butte and served two years.

He had met Loretta Lynde at UM and they were married in December 1968. They later divorced.

His mother married his Scout Master and father of two close friends. His sister married another close friend and Chuck would often say, “I once had friends now they are all relatives.”

Upon returning to Missoula he attended the Missoula College to pursue another passion — flying. Using the GI Bill and lots of work, he became a great pilot and flight instructor. As with all the things he loved, he put his heart and soul in this endeavor and had the equivalent of a master’s degree in aviation. He flew for Johnson Flying Service, Taylor Chevy, John and Mary Ellen Stieglier, Montana Power, Evergreen, and Minute Man Aviation. He loved flying and flight instruction. He remembered every student he helped get a pilot’s license.

Staying in Montana was imperative and he took a position with Big Sky Airlines and flew for them from 1980 to 2002 when he retired. He was a member of the Quiet Birdmen. During his wanderings in Montana, his love of water and the outdoors, he found his third love — sailing. Oh, how he loved to sail, take friends sailing and work with the other sailors at the Flathead Lake Yacht Club.

In 1995 he was introduced to Mary Kay Allen by mutual friends and they began a romance that lasted almost 22 years. They married in July 19, 1997.

Chuck’s life revolved around fun and friendship. If you were lucky enough to be Chuck’s friend, he had your back and your heart forever. He was gifted with a fabulous mind and memory and oh, could he tell stories. But pilots and sailors always have lots of stories.

Chuck and Mary Kay lived in Billings, Bigfork and the Missoula area. It was often hard to know where they were, but the door was always open and Montana was home. In 2005 they traveled with a group of smokejumpers and friends to Vietnam — what an adventure. For his wife’s 60th birthday he took her to Ireland, a dream fulfilled.

Shortly after that trip he was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. A new journey and battle began. He fought with a great attitude and determination. Most of all he continued to live his life.

He loved Grizzly games, sailing, visiting with friends, the great outdoors, family, Mary Kay, his children and grandchildren. He also loved volunteering at the Museum of Mountain Flying where he could regale visitors with stories about each exhibition.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Breslin; stepfather, Fred Smith; mother, Margaret Smith; stepbrother, Mark Smith; and his dear friend, Vince Frezzo.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Kay; son and daughter-in-law, David and Starr Allen, grandkids, Clara and Gabe; his daughter and son-in-law, Jackie and Dan Guiberson, grandkids Dillon and Isabell; his sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Al Selgas, niece Maureen, and nephews Mike and Marty Selgas; stepbrother and wife, Rick and Doris Smith, and their children; brothers-in-law and wives, Bill and Peggy Kloker and their children, and Marty and Maureen Kloker and their children; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

There are so many friends who meant so much to him and were like family to him. We wanted to list you all here, but this is Chuck’s obituary and he is saying, “How much per character?” Know that we know you, love you and will cherish you all forever as he did. No words can convey our gratitude for the love and support you all gave Mary Kay and Chuck.

Special thanks to Dr. Michael Snyder. Montana Cancer Center staff, Dr. Michael Hutchins and Dr. Karl Westenfelder for your compassionate care.

Big thanks to Partners Hospice.

A wake will be held at 4 p.m. on Dec. 27 at the Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula, and a funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 28 at Christ the King Catholic Parish, Missoula.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Museum of Mountain Flying, Partners In Home Care Hospice or a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences can be left for the family at www.gardencityfh.com.

Take care, “Adios.”