Chet Wram

Whitefish native Chet Wram passed away on Saturday, March 19, at home. Born June 3, 1947 to Leanore and Oscar Wram, he attended Whitefish schools and graduated in 1966. Upon graduating from Eastern Montana College he returned to Whitefish and began his 35-year career as a railroad engineer. He was looked up to as a leader and greatly valued the people that he worked with and their camaraderie. On July 22, 1983 he married Kathy McGuire and from this union came two of Chet’s proudest accomplishments, their son, Bryan, in 1986 and daughter, JJ, in 1987.

An avid outdoorsman Chet loved fly-fishing, hunting, hiking, huckleberry picking, and basking in the wonders of Montana. He had many grand adventures with family and friends exploring the beauty of the outdoors.

Chet’s hallmark of life was finding the good in the world around him, whether he was site-seeing in Italy with his wife, fly-fishing in Argentina, discovering the ruins of Turkey, or exploring Southeast Asia. 

Chet generously shared his appreciation, joy, and reverence for life with his wife, Kathy, children Bryan and JJ, and his nieces and nephews. His example is leaving a rich legacy in the lives of many.  

“There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone, the light remains.”

Chet enjoyed his time serving on the board for the Stumptown Historical Society and volunteering for Trout Unlimited.

Chet is survived by his wife Kathy Wram; children Bryan Wram of Ridgeland, Mississippi, and daughter JJ (Brock) Robillard of Calgary, Alberta; sisters Connie Wram McFarland of Las Vegas, Nevada and Paula (Steve) Holte of Columbia Falls, Montana; along with sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, numerous nieces and nephews, and his good friends.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Trout Unlimited or North Valley Food Bank. A celebration of life is being planned for a later date.