William Jarvi

William Hans Jarvi, 61, “Bill” or “Billy” as many called him, passed away at Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center in Whitefish on Sept. 21, 2014, with his sister at his side. Bill courageously fought melanoma for seven years.

Bill was born to Terho “Terry” Jarvi and Marcella Boe on Feb. 27, 1953, in Butte. Bill moved with his family to Whitefish in 1965 and lived in the Flathead Valley for most of his life. He graduated from Whitefish High School in 1971. During his school years, he was a great trumpet player and enjoyed recreational sports like basketball and was a great bowler.

Following high school, Bill joined the Army and served in Germany, as well as several assignments in the states. After the Army, he returned to the Flathead Valley and had a variety of jobs which he enjoyed.

Bill settled in the Hungry Horse area and loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved having his Labrador dogs and was great at training them to be great bird dogs. He always made sure he picked his sister at least a gallon of huckleberries each year.

During the last several years, Bill was part of the Packers Roost Winter Pool league, playing on a very successful team, which he also loved.

He always had a warm smile, a great sense of humor, and a twinkle in his eye, and was a friend to any who needed a friend. He was loved and will be missed by many.

Bill is survived by his brother Ken Jarvi and Terri, of Lone Tree, Colo.; sister Elaine (Jarvi) Poser and Ray, of Stevensville; stepmother Patricia Jarvi, of Whitefish; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many good friends.

A celebration of Bill’s life is being planned by his family for a later time.