Everett A. Sheffield, 83

Everett Allen Sheffield, 83, was born Feb. 9, 1940, in the small town of Scotland, South Dakota. He began teaching in Del Rapids, South Dakota, with an early degree in Education.  

He earned his EdD in Education, and taught Technical processes in Agriculture and Quality Assurance at Montana State University. He continued teaching at the University of Nebraska in Kearney, Nebraska. 

He retired from professorship of 30 years at California State University in San Bernardino, California. He and his wife, Donna, ultimately returned to Montana and retired in Somers.

His passion was the collection and history of antique tools. He belonged to several professional tool associations and faithfully attended meetings and conventions throughout the country. He met and won every challenge by a puzzled tool owner as to the history and utility of any strangely conceived tool.  

His “retirement” consisted of renovating three historical buildings from the 19th century. He also built and/or renovated multiple homes in Montana, Nebraska, California, and finally in Somers. In Somers, he designed and constructed a show piece home that is greatly admired. All this while, he continued to pursue his fascination with antique tools and equipment.

Besides Donna, Everett leaves behind his brother, Ken Sheffield and Ken’s wife, Donna Jean.  

He deeply loved and was loved by stepdaughters, Cynthia Lynn Hartley and Penny Sevaly Zizza (husband, Louis); and daughters, Annette (husband, Mark Tutton) and Marijo (husband, Ed Root).

He adored, and was adored by grandchildren, David James Kavert (wife, Stacy), Kyle Lawrence Kavert, Andrea Marie Kavert (Jason), Leah Tutton, and Evan James Sevaly. 

He cherished and was cherished by great-grandchildren Audrey Jane Kavert, Riley Janes Charles Kavert, and Mackenzie Addalyn Kavert. He never stopped mourning Zeus, “the best dog in the world,” and his steady companion for many years.

He was the soul of integrity and kindness. He made deep and lasting friendships wherever he lived, taught, or hung with his tool buddies. He listened to his friends and acquaintances and offered no judgements, just caring. He saw the “best” qualities in each person he met.

Everett will be honored at a memorial service to be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 3, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home in Kalispell. A luncheon will be provided at 1:30 p.m. that afternoon at Brannnigan’s Pub in Kalispell. 

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.