Another Classmate Gone

Arthur Gene Art Williams, 64

  On Oct. 3, 2010, Art passed from this world to the other side, leaving his friends and family. He was born on Dec. 16, 1945, in Salt Lake City to Clyde Oliver Williams and Mary Elizabeth (Buck) Williams. Early in 1946 he moved to Creston, where his dad had lived and worked for several years prior to his entering the U.S. Army in 1935, where he served his country proudly until his discharge in 1945. Arthur liked the country life and was joined by his sister Mary Kathleen in 1947. 


They remained in Creston until his parents built a home in Kalispell around 1949-50. He attended Cornelius Hedges School until 1955 when his dad built a home on the northeast side of town. He attended Edgerton School from the fourth through sixth grades, and junior high school at the old Central School and Linderman. In 1964, he graduated from Flathead County High School and went to work with the Forest Service. When winter came he worked for Lee Rothweiler at Lee s Glass Shop, and later for Jackson Machine Shop. 

Art enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and on Jan. 30, 1966, he shipped out for boot camp in San Diego, followed by Damage Control Class A school at Treasure Island, San Francisco, and Petroleum Handlers School in San Pedro, Calif. He was assigned to a fleet gasoline oiler (USS Patapsco AOG-1) stationed in Honolulu and serving the troops up and down the Vietnam coast. 

Upon his discharge he remained in Honolulu. Art worked several jobs, his favorite " taxi and limousine driver " as well as being an auto parts wholesale distribution warehouse man. He enjoyed the Islands, and the music of Hawaii became a big part of his life. He also loved the foods available and experiencing the various ethnic lifestyles. 

In 1985, Art returned to Kalispell to care for his mom. He worked at Buffalo Hills Golf Course for several years, Semitool for a while, then an independent contractor for transfer of rental vehicles. He worked at Evergreen School District as a custodian for several years, and retired a few years after his mom passed on. He was most recently employed by the Kalispell Eagles as custodian until his health began to fail. 

In 1992 Art joined the Moose Lodge and served the lodge through the offices, attaining governor in 2000. His greatest honor was going to Chicago in 2000 to represent Kalispell as lodge governor at the 112th annual International Convention. Meeting with others and sharing ideas for the betterment of the lodge, as well as the camaraderie of his fellow members was a great thrill. In September of 2003, Art proudly and humbly accepted and was conferred the Fellowship Degree. 

With his passing, he leaves numerous friends he has made over the years; his sister, Kathy McKerrow, and her family, in Floweree; and his loving companion for the past few years, Kawika, his cat. A special thank you to Dr. Welch and the staff at Kalispell Regional Medical Center for the care and compassion Art received. 

Art requests any memorials be made to the Kalispell Moose Lodge No. 1922, P.O. Box 5286, Kalispell, MT 59903; or to the charity of your choice. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Contact the Kalispell Moose Lodge for additional information

"Memento mori"
(Me)