All Tributes

Eldwin Dale Heely, 76, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on Saturday, June 25th, 2022, at his home in Columbia Falls, Montana. Known as Dale to his friends and as "Buddy" to his family, Dale was born on November 18, 1945, in Portsmouth, Virginia. Dale graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, class of 63, as the captain of his football team. He entered the United States Naval Academy in 1963 and graduated June 7, 1967. He was commissioned into the United States Marine Corp...

William “Billy” Roger Paulos, Sr., age 83 years, of Columbia Falls, MT passed away June 8, 2022. He was born January 1, 1939 in Laupahoehoe, HI to the late, William Paulos and Hilda Paulos (Kahoalii). Billy was a family man, hard worker and had been described as “Jack of all trades and a master of none.” He had an infectious smile. Some of his hobbies included, shooting guns and hunting. Billy was a truck driver and a heavy duty machine operator in construction. He was also a...

The Columbia Falls community has lost a bright star. Winslow Curt Nichols, age 19, died on June 7th, living the life he loved while climbing Mt. Brown in Glacier National Park. He was a 2021 graduate of Columbia Falls High School and a 2022 graduate of the United States Military Academy Preparatory School at West Point, NY. He was a confirmed member of the Columbia Falls United Methodist Church. In high school, Winslow was a competitive varsity soccer player for the Wildcats, played...

Joseph Edward Smith, 72, died from complications related to ALS at Logan Health Kalispell on June 6, 2022. Joe was born to Richard Louis Smith & Marjorie Louise Smith (Cajune) on January 17, 1950 in Mission, Montana. Joe knew the love of his life, Sue Darling, since 7th grade. They were married a year out of high school and would have celebrated 53 years together on August 20th. Together they had three sons; Ronn Joseph, Ryan Lee, and Cory Richard. Joe coached his boys in their sports as...

Hugh Arlen Hamilton, age 91, of Columbia Falls, MT passed away June 1, 2022. He was born April 10, 1931 in Sheridan, WY to the late Theodore Ray Hamilton and Helen Elaine Hamilton (Collins). Hugh served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 – 1952 during Korea. He spent time in Hawaii on base, which was one of his favorite places to visit after serving. Before going into the Navy he began an apprenticeship as a barber. He was proud of that and carried that with him through his naval career and...

Darrell Wayne Roberton, age 67, of Columbia Falls, MT passed away surrounded by family at home May 31, 2022. He was born in Puerto Rico August 29, 1954, to the late Lawrence and Annabelle Roberton (Lunn). Darrell grew up on a cattle farm and was involved in ranching. Some of his outdoor hobbies included hunting, fishing, and camping. He was also a talented woodworker. He was a Pastor for Missionary Baptist Church where he recently returned home from missionary work in Bolivia. Darrell is...

Benjamin N. Proodian, age 79, of Eureka, MT passed away May 27, 2022 at the MT Veteran’s Home in Columbia Falls. He was born January 27, 1943 in ALX, France to the late Samuel Proodian and Margaret Proodian (Kelendairy). Ben was a member of the United Sates Air Force. He loved eating and dining out. His favorite restaurant was Applebee’s. Ben worked as a computer analyst for Hugh & Packer. He loved fishing for perch and northern. Ben also enjoyed playing pool. He was a...

Delores Ann Sanders, age 87, of Columbia Falls, MT passed away May 21, 2022 at home with her family at her side. She was born September 29, 1934 in Stanley, ND to the late Forrest Ball and Mildred Ball (Aardahl). Delores worked for the Bank of Columbia Falls and Whitefish Credit Union for 30+ years. She loved camping and the outdoors, especially at Bitteroot Lake. Delores enjoyed campfires and was a great cook. She was also known as a wonderful seamstress and made numerous quilts, which her...

Arnold R. Edwards passed away peacefully on Friday, May 20th, 2022 at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, Montana. Arnold was 92 years young, born December 16, 1929 in Ravalli, Missouri. He served his country as a Marine during the Korean War. He received 3 Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star medal and was held as a prisoner of war for 10 ½ months. He married Florence Notley in 1955 and they resided in Hideaway Park, Colorado. They moved to Columbia Falls, Montana in 1958. He worked...