Susan L. Newgard, 57

Susan L. Newgard, age 57, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Sun. Feb. 10. She was born June 24, 1950 to Kenneth and Pearl (Stearns) Huso. She was raised in Kalispell and a graduate of Flathead High School, in 1968. Much of her childhood was spent at the family farm with grandparents, Buck and Clara Weaver.

Suz and her horses competed in Omaksees (games on horseback) bringing home numerous ribbons and trophies. Susan, also an avid golfer, was a member of the high school golf team. Susan married her high school sweetheart Ron, celebrating their 40th anniversary Jan.2 2008. Always wanting to be social, she enjoyed participating in the Republican Women's bridge marathon each winter.

Susan enjoyed traveling, taking several cruises with family and friends, of which she was always proud of her jewelry "deals" and many trips to Palm Desert, California in the winter months. She excelled in her entertaining skills, always leaving her friends with a smile! She worked for many years as a bartender at many establishments throughout the valley, lastly at the Bigfork Inn. All her patrons thought she was the best! Susan always had at least one St. Bernard by her side.

Susan is survived at the family home by husband Ron, son Bradley and her mother Pearl Huso, all of Bigfork, and mother-in-law, Mildred Newgard of Kalispell. She also leaves behind several aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends!

Memorial services for Susan will be held on Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 3:00 P.M. at Johnson Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Wayne Pris officiating. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers the family would welcome remembrances to the Bigfork Quick Response Unit, 810 Grand Ave. Bigfork, MT 59911.

Johnson Mortuary & Crematory is caring for Susan's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer a condolence and to sign Susan's guest book.

David L. Biggar, 83

David L. Biggar, 83, of Belgrade, formerly of the Bigfork and Polson area, passed away February 3, 2008, at the Billings Deaconess Hospital. He was born January 28, 1925, in Littleton, CO, to David N. and Ella (Borgen) Biggar. His mother passed away when he was very young. His father later remarried and he was raised by his step-mother Millie Olson Biggar.

Dave was raised and attended school in Littleton. At the age of 17 he enlisted into the US Navy to serve his country during World War II. He was assigned to the USS Pinkney, an evacuation transport, in the South Pacific. The Pinkney provided aid during the Battle of the Salomons Islands, Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Iwo Jima. In April of 1945, while off Okinawa, the Pinkney was attacked by a Kamikaze plane. Following repairs the Pinkney spent the last part of 1945 and the first months of 1946 supporting the occupation of Japan and returning veterans to the United States.

Following the war Dave returned to Colorado. He met and married Alta Moore on September 9, 1947, in Littleton. They made their home in Littleton where Dave worked as a lineman for Colorado Central Power. In 1961 Dave and Alta and their children left Colorado and moved north to the Flathead Valley. Dave started to work for Pacific Power and Light and soon after arriving in Montana, he and Alta purchased their home in Woods Bay that included a cherry orchard. He was a lineman for Pacific Power and Light and also became a cherry farmer.

Dave retired from Pacific Power in 1983. He and Alta moved to Polson in 1989. In Polson Dave enjoyed wood working and taking care of the wild birds that flocked to his bird feeders while Alta enjoyed gardening and quilting. Alta passed away on November 2, 2001. Dave remained in Polson until he moved to Belgrade, MT, in 2005. This past December he moved into Highgate Senior Living, where he made many friends in a very short time.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Alta. Survivors include his four children, Debbie Clark and husband Marc of Reno, NV, David Biggar and wife Debbie of Kalispell, Rebecca Layton of Bozeman, and Robert Biggar; grandchildren Timothy, Adam, Kayla, Emily, Bonnie, Bryce, Bryan, Seth, Tyler, and Katelin; great grandchildren Quentin, Aidan, Gabriel and Seth; and two sisters Mary Ann Friend and husband Don of Missouri and Joy Verhoeff and husband Justin of Colorado.

A celebration of Dave's life will be held on Saturday, February 16th, at 4:00 pm in the Community Room at the Central School Museum, 124 2nd Ave East, in Kalispell.

Memorials may be made in Dave's name to the National Audubon Society, Department W. 700 Broadway, New York, NY 10003.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.dahlcares.com (the beautiful website created by Dave's daughter Rebecca).