Kerrie Byrne

Kerrie Byrne, 58, died at her home in Whitefish on Oct. 18, 2010.

She was born May 9, 1952 in Redondo Beach, Calif., and grew up in southern California. Early in life, she developed a deep love for nature and animals, wild and domestic.

Kerrie moved briefly to Lake Tahoe and Idaho’s Stanley Basin before landing in Whitefish in 1974, where she initially worked as a waitress. While preparing to enter the University of Montana School of Journalism, Kerrie learned she had Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She went on to be one of the early survivors of that disease, thanks to advancements in radiation therapy, coupled with her sheer determination.

Stopping the cancer bought her another 34 years of life, which she lived to the fullest. She received a degree in education at Montana State University and spent most of her career teaching fourth- and fifth-graders in Whitefish. She was deeply devoted to her students, as well as family, friends, garden, animals and Montana wilderness. She also enjoyed reading and cooking.

She married Steve Thompson, of Whitefish, on Thanksgiving Day, 1997.

After retiring from education in 2004 due to her disability, Kerrie redoubled her efforts as a community volunteer in Whitefish. Most recently, she was active in the new Hugh Rogers WAG dog park, the downtown farmers market, the city weed committee, Farmhands and numerous groups devoted to protecting wildlife habitat.

She rescued and fostered several dogs over the years. Her happiest memories were enjoying nature with Steve and the “pack” on outdoor adventures across Montana and beyond. She inspired countless friends, family, students and acquaintances with her passion, grace, tenacity and wisdom.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Velma.

She is survived by husband; sister Kris Hollowaty and husband Greg, of California; brother Steve Byrne, of California; nieces Samantha and Olivia Thompson, of Ohio; and her original partner and life-long friend, Steve McCluskey, of Arlee.

Kerrie was buried on private land in a beautiful ceremony as howling wolves serenaded in nearby Glacier National Park. A public celebration of her life will be held at the Whitefish Armory on Sunday, Nov. 14, at 3 p.m., followed by a potluck dinner.

A memorial account has been set up with the Cinnabar Foundation, Montana’s homegrown conservation fund. Donations may be sent to Kerrie Byrne Permanent Fund for Wildlife Conservation, The Cinnabar Foundation, P.O. Box 5282, Whitefish MT 59937.