Lance Cole Beecher

Lance Cole Beecher, 66, of Whitefish, passed away Sunday, Aug. 29, 2004, at his home of natural causes.

Lance was born, Aug. 19, 1938, in Great Falls to William and Alta Beecher. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane, Wash. in 1956.

He married Sally Cannon in 1959 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He entered the Air National Guard in 1960 and served through 1964 in Arizona and Washington as an aircraft mechanic. Lance and Sally had two daughters, Polly Sue and Heidi. They moved to Whitefish from Spokane in 1975.

In 1989 he married Judy (Elam) Holien and continued to help her raise Andrea (Dedee) and Amy.

He was preceded in death by his sister Lynn Muelken, his parents, William and Alta Beecher, and his daughter Polly Sue. He is survived by his dear wife Judy, daughters Heidi and husband Ryan Fox of Coeur d'Alene; Andrea (Dedee) and husband Doug DeNoon of Buffalo, Kan., Amy and husband Ron Donsbach of Roundup, Mont.; grandchildren Andrea Donahue of Billings, Ethan Cole Fox; Amanda Clay, Paige, Andrew and Caleb Holien; Colton and Dustin Donsbach; nephews: Lance, Brant, and Bruce Muelken of Wash.; his two faithful companions, "Shadow" and "Newt," as well as many good friends.

Lance was known for his floor covering skills and carpentry abilities, but foremost he was known as an incredible friend and a generous person. If you never received a paycheck or gift from him you may have received a useful piece of advice that could take you through the rest of your life. Lance lived for his children and grandchildren. He always said "I've got you, I've got my children and my grandkids, what more do I need?"

At his request there will be no services held, however, there will be a celebration of his life on Saturday, Sept. 4 at the V.F.W. in Whitefish at 2 p.m.

Any donations can be made to the Humane Society.