Bryant Sandefer

Bryant Sandefer, 73, passed away Friday, May 8, 2009, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a long illness.

Bryant was born June 19, 1935, in Morton, Texas, to Evelyn and Walter Sandefer.

He grew up in Texas, graduating from high school at age 16. He was working in the oil fields by the age of 17, beginning a life marked by an incredible work ethic. Eventually he made his way to Montana working in the oil fields, at the Anaconda Aluminum Company and finally owning several businesses including the Glacier Gateway Motel.

Bryant was devoted to his family and took great pride in watching his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and thrive. With his first wife, Janet, he leaves three sons and their families. Whether it was standing on the sidelines of a soccer field, sitting in the bleachers at a baseball game, playing cards around the dining room table or just enjoying a meal together, he might not say much but he enjoyed spending time with his family. He could spend hours watching with a quiet smile of amazement.

Horses were a big part of Bryant's life. He served as president of the Rocky Mountain Rider's Saddle Club, organizing many O-Mok-See activities through the years. He was particularly proud to have participated in the Montana Centennial Cattle Drive in 1989, driving 600 cattle from Roundup to Billings. He looked forward to trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness with good friend, Britt Stratton, and other friends and family.

Bryant is survived by his wife, Jean, at the family home; son Lynn (Joan) and grandchildren, Jesse (Alayna) and Holly, step-granddaughters, Anna, Sarah and Emily; son Gary (Pat) and grandchildren Taira (Kenny Massey) and Kelly; son Mike (Laura) and grandchildren Madison, Michael and Macey. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Chase and Cody Sandefer; and Gavin and Kyler Massey. Other survivors are Jean's daughters, Deb (Rich) Lawrence, Pam Pool and Lori Ibey; sisters, Ruby Pugh, Rose Nicoles, Verniece Stevens and Pat McKinney in Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Back Country Horsemen, c/o Keni Hopkins, P.O. Box 1192, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.

A memorial service will be held Friday, May 15 at 3 p.m. at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. A pot luck reception will immediately follow at the Birch Grove Community Center.