George A. Christopher
ARLEE - Our precious Dad and Grandpa, George A. Christopher, passed away peacefully on Sept. 6, 2015, in his home surrounded by his family. George was born Feb. 22, 1944, in Missoula. He was one of seven children born to Lauren and Lillian Christopher.
George was raised in Arlee and graduated from Arlee High School in 1962. He participated in several high school activities including track and football. He worked in logging, was a skilled carpenter who built houses and bridges across Montana, including the Scott Street Overpass in Missoula, and was a talented farmer. He was also an agent for Farmer’s Mutual Insurance for many years until his death.
In 1969, he married the love of his life, Jeanne Wall. Shortly after their wedding, George built their home in Arlee where they raised their family. Despite separation, George and Jeanne maintained a close friendship as they loved and supported their son James and as their family grew to include nine beautiful grandchildren. Family holidays, frequent phone calls, and taking trips together to visit family were priorities to them. As George approached his final days, he asked for Jeanne to be by his side.
George loved his family and his community. He was hard working, generous, and we all enjoyed his witty sense of humor and caring presence. He greatly appreciated the outdoors and was happiest when he was taking care of animals and cutting firewood. He loved hunting, fishing, and camping. His son Joseph referred to him as a great hunter, possibly even an “expert” hunter. He worked long hours in his garden, recently referring to it as his “pride and joy.” He lovingly shared his vegetables with neighbors and friends. As an avid sports fan, George was a regular at Arlee sporting events and loved watching his grandsons play basketball and football. His son James remembered that he was always the first one up in the morning, excited to read the newspaper. He would amaze his grandsons by reciting endless amounts of useful world news, history facts, and sports trivia. He was fiercely proud of his family and loved celebrating their accomplishments.
George’s parents, Lauren and Lillian, precede him in death. He is survived by his daughter Melissa and grandsons Alex and Avery; his son Joseph and daughter-in-law Korrie and grandchildren Lauren, Ethan, Joseph “Bruin”, Mason, Maia, Emma, and Jagermeister Daniel; and his youngest son James. He is also survived by his sisters Faye (Chuck), Alison, and Donna (Gary); his brothers Roy, Roger (Elizabeth), Rick (LouAnne); numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, special friends Bill Dellinger and Bob Fyant, and his girlfriend Rebecca Wiley.
A memorial has been held. George will be laid to rest in a private burial at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
