Civic leader Renfrow passes away

He was always quick with a smile and a funny story. He was also a civic leader, volunteering his time and expertise to build the grandstand in Marantette Park and the original arch over Nucleus Avenue.

Leo Renfrow died last week at BeeHive Homes assisted living center in Columbia Falls. He was 93.

Renfrow was born in Iowa and moved to Columbia Falls in 1954 and opened Renfrow Cabinet Works. A gifted craftsman, Renfrow not only built a successful business, he also did many projects for the community. For example, when their wasn’t enough funding for trophy cases at the high school, Renfrow built them.

Over the years, he donated many woodworking projects for Columbia Falls schools, churches and civic organizations. He built the grandstand with longtime friend Leonard Knutson. Renfrow also built many of the homes in the South Nucleus neighborhood — some of the best built homes in the city.

He was also a talented mountain climber and skier, going on excursions with noted climber Hal Kanzler in Glacier National Park as well as other mountain ranges.

Renfrow is survived by his sons Doren and Dave and their extended families.