Edward Bott

Edward R. Bott, 82, a World War II veteran of the South Pacific and Korea, died Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, at his home in Columbia Falls. He was born April 20, 1926, at Forsyth to John Edward and Frances Bott.

Ed married Beatrice M. Hobbs on Sept. 19, 1948 in Miles City. He was a family man and spent most of his life living out the motto “work hard and play hard.” Those who knew him could always count on a prank or joke. Ed enjoyed family activities, fishing, camping, mechanics and tinkering.

He was always there for any need for family and dear friends and if it was broke, he could fix it.

Ed had been a farmer and machinist in Rosebud and moved to Columbia Falls in 1963 where he worked as a machinist and mechanic for Superior Lumber, Will Warner and retired from Canyon Logging.

He was a lifetime member of the IOOF (Odd Fellows) and VFW as well as a member of the Eagles (Kalispell chapter) and the Moose Lodge in Whitefish.

Surviving him are his wife Beatrice; children, Cathy Bott of Kalispell, Ray Bott of Kalispell, and Donna DiTunno of Orofino, Idaho; grandchildren, Haven Bott, Amanda Bott and Vincent DiTunno; great-grandchildren, Mikayla Thomas, Hailey Thomas and Javien Mata; brother, Willie Bott of Rosebud; and sister Lilly Smith of Missoula, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Services will be Monday, Feb. 16 at 3 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 2048 Conn Road, west of Columbia Falls with the Rev. Carolyn Kerr officiating. Arrangements are by Columbia Mortuary of Columbia Falls.