A new book featuring the stories of the Jesuit priests and workers who served at the historic St. Mary's Mission in Stevensville from its founding in 1841 through the end of its "mission era" in 1891 titled "Men of The Mission: In the Shadow of Old St. Mary's" has been published by Stoneydale Press of Stevensville as part of its ongoing series on Montana historic themes.

Written by Jeanne O'Neill of Stevensville, an author who also works as a volunteer at the Historic St. Mary's Mission, the book fills a gap in Montana history as no previous work has detailed the stories of those who served at the church throughout its mission era other than the famed pair of Jesuit priests, founder Jean Pierre DeSmet and Anthony Ravalli. Their stories and those of others who both served out their lives at St. Mary's or were there for a time only to go on to illustrious careers elsewhere in the West are told in "Men of The Mission."

While chapters about Fathers DeSmet and Ravalli are major components of the new book, so are the stories of such men as Father Joseph Mengarini, who could speak the Salish language as well as the Indians themselves; of Father Joseph Giorda, who was second only to Father DeSmet in establishing missions in the Northwest Rockies and who was once stripped of his belongings by warring Indians and left to die of the frigid Great Plains; of self-taught artist and diarist, Nicolas Point, S.J., who taught religion to the Indian children by painting scenes from the life of Christ and vivid portraits of the chiefs, and whose art has recently been revived and shown in current exhibits; of Father Jerome D'Aste, who helped save the peace in 1877, by his tact and prudent counsel in interpreting between the Indians and the white settlers when the Nez Perce traveled through the Bitterroot; of the incredible Brother William Claessens, the carpenter/builder/gardener/baker who is remembered for building all four St. Mary's chapels as well as missions at Cataldo, St. Ignatius, Hell Gate, Frenchtown and others; and of Brother Specht, master of innovation, who fashioned a sledgehammer out of tin cans, made cassocks out of Indian blankets and recalled having to wear animal skins.

This is author Jeanne O'Neill's sixth book. A volunteer at Historic St. Mary's Mission, she is a member of the famed Discovery Writers of Stevensville, Montana, and co-author of the books "First Roots: The Story of Stevensville, Montana's Oldest Community"; "Lewis & Clark In The Bitterroot", "Lewis & Clark on The Upper Missouri"; "We Called This Stream Travellers' Rest", and "Fort Connah."

"Men of The Mission" contains numerous illustrations and photographs. It was issued in 5-1/2 by 11-inch softcover format, contains 96 pages, and retails for $9.95. A painting of St. Mary's Mission as it appeared in its early years by artist Ella Buckallew of Stevensville graces the book's cover. The book is available at many bookstores, gift shops and other outlets, or direct from Stoneydale Press at 523 Main St., Stevensville MT 59870; phone: 406-777-2729.

Book signings for "Men of The Mission"

Stevensville author Jeanne O'Neill will make several guest signing appearances on Creamery Picnic weekend to both talk about and sign her new book "Men of The Mission" which was just released by Stoneydale Press of Stevensville, including an "Artist of the Month" appearance on Friday, Aug. 3 at the Olde Coffee Mill from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

She will be available at the Olde Coffee Mill to visit about the process of researching and writing her new book, and subsequently will be available at these signing events:

Aug. 3 - Olde Coffee Mill, "Artist of The Month", a First Friday event, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Aug. 4 - Valley Drug from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 5 to 6 p.m. at St. Mary's Parish

Aug. 5 - St. Mary's Parish, 7:30 a.m.

Spotlight on Victor by Louise Langton

Longtime Victor neighbors and friends of Mildred Wolters, 103, were saddened at her passing at Discovery Care in Hamilton on June 30, 2007. This reporter visited at her home in Victor on the day she turned 100. She was so excited over all the phone calls and cards and letters she got that day. We had tea and cake and chatted. She told me about her ranch life south of Darby where she and her late husband had a cattle ranch before they retired and moved to a pretty new home just north of Victor. She lived to hear about my cats and chickens and my garden. She made family scrapbooks for members of her family. She and Harry never had children, but she had good friends that were like her own children.

Ernie and Jen Harvey and Steve Elliott and Lucy Brieger had a most wonderful potluck dinner for a crowd of friends and neighbors at their Lifeline Farm west of Victor on Sunday, June 24. The amazing Sky Moose Band from Hamilton played music for several hours. All four musicians will attend summer classes at the Berkley School of Music in Boston, Mass. this summer, Chip Jasmin reported.

Sue and Dave McCormack, Indian Prairie Road, had an interesting trip to Ireland with six members of their family clan in early June. Sue said the Irish economy has improved and prices are high and gas was $9 per gallon.

Irene Simonsen and her family attended a family reunion on July 4 at Ismay, Montana at the home of Ralph and Karen Simonsen on their cattle ranch.

Laurie Terry Kerekes, Conroe, Texas is visiting her mother Julie Hamby and all of her family in the Bitter Root and at Townsend for two weeks.

The Victor Garden Club members met in the Victor Park for brunch on Monday, June 9 and spent several hours grooming the park's flower beds.

Flo Rivette, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is spending three weeks with her brother and his wife, Mel and Earlene Gaudin, at their Victor home.

Logging activity in Waddell Creek Area

The Darby Ranger District would like to alert forest users in the Waddell Creek and Como Lake areas that fuel reduction and timber harvest activities will resume in early August on the Waddell Creek portion of the Hayes Creek Fuels Reduction Stewardship Project. Heavy equipment will be working in Section 5, 6 and 7, T3N, R21W along Forest Road 550A through the month of September. Roads may be temporarily blocked by equipment for up to 15 minutes at a time. Area closures and road closures are not planned for the Waddell area at this time.

The public is asked to drive with caution in the area and expect to meet log trucks on forest roads 550 and 550A in the Waddell Creek and Como Lake areas through August, 2007.

For more information contact Pat McKinnon or Gina Reinschmidt at the Darby Ranger District, 821-3913.

Stevensville Elementary School recognized by OPI

Stevensville Elementary School received the Exemplar Elementary School Award from the Montana Behavior Initiative (MBI). Stevensville Elementary principal, Jackie Mavencamp, accepted a plaque on the evening of June 19th on the MSU campus during the awards banquet of the MBI Summer Institute in front of a crowd of approximately 700 educators from around the state of Montana. 4 MBI exemplar school awards were presented for the entire state of Montana (one for each level – Elementary, Middle, High and Early Learning). The awards are given based on implementation of the Montana Behavior Initiative. MBI emphasizes research based proactive practices to prevent problem behaviors in schools and create positive school climates that are associated with improved academic outcomes.

Fire update

A fire along Rock Creek, called the Wyman II Fire, caused the Granite County Sheriff’s Department to evacuate homes along a five to seven mile stretch of Rock Creek Road on Monday, between the Sandstone/Wyman trailhead and Stony Creek, 20 miles west of Philipsburg. The fire had burned 500 acres by Monday night.

The Sawmill Fire, which started on July 16, is burning over 220 acres in the Welcome Creek Wilderness. The Granite County Sheriff’s Department is preparing for a possible evacuation of 50 to 100 homes between Sawmill Creek and Ranch Creek.

The Fisher Point Fire, which started July 28, is currently at 200 acres. On Monday, smokejumpers, two helicopters and several air tankers worked on the fire.

The Mile Marker 124 Fire, managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, is 500-600 acres and prompted the Missoula County Sheriff’s Department to issue a voluntary evacuation order for homes to the west of the blaze. Contact Jamie Kirby at 542-4321 for more details on the Mile Marker 124 Fire.

Bitterroot National Forest firefighters responded to one new start on Sunday. The Patsy Ann fire, located near the Patsy Ann Falls in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness on the West Fork Ranger Station, was reported before 9 a.m. Sunday morning. The start was being assessed as a wildland fire use candidate.

Lookouts reported active burning on several of the existing wildland fire use fires. Current information regarding these fires and any new starts can be found at the Bitterroot National Forest’s Dispatcher’s website, http://63.196.254.151/WildWeb/WCMT-BRC.htm.

HHS cheerleaders champs

Hamilton High School’s 2007-2008 cheer squad returned home from camp as champions. The 4-day intensive camp held July 11-14 at the University of Montana was conducted by the Universal Cheer Association and was attended by over 500 cheerleaders from across the state of Montana and Idaho. The squads competed in a variety of different areas such as dance, cheer and overall leadership ability. Hamilton’s squad won the dance division and finished second in the cheer division. They also had six individual girls named as camp all-stars and will now be eligible to travel to places such as London, England, Houston, Texas, and New York City to perform in various UCA events. Lelsy Rogers, Kayla Bieber, Jessica Bourne, Samantha Wood, Tara Stromberg, and Kelsey Della Silva were judged on a combination of jumps, cheer skills and dance skills. The Hamilton squad also walked away with the honor of being the overall Camp Champions for the 2007 Montana Camp. The cheer squad is coached by Gina Wilson and Amy Sperry.

Fishing restrictions tightened

Rising water temperatures have prompted Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) officials to place fishing restrictions on more western Montana rivers and streams beginning Thursday, Aug. 2 to protect important wild trout fisheries. Waters that will close to fishing 24 hours a day to protect bull trout include portions of Rattlesnake Creek, Rock Creek and Fish Creek. Portions of the Clark Fork and Little Blackfoot Rivers will close to fishing from 2 p.m. until midnight.

Beginning Aug. 2, the main stem of Rattlesnake Creek, from the mouth of Beeskove Creek to its confluence with the Clark Fork River in Missoula, will be closed to fishing 24 hours a day. Fishing will also close 24 hours a day on Fish Creek, west of Missoula, from Forks Campground to its confluence with the Clark Fork River.

Rock Creek from the Skalkaho Highway Bridge to Windlass Bridge will also close to fishing 24 hours a day beginning Aug. 2. Anglers are reminded that fire activity in the area also prompted the Forest Service to close Rock Creek Road July 30, restricting access to all reaches for the creek. Anglers should check with the Forest Service for updates on the road closure.

The Clark Fork River, already closed to angling from the mouth of Rock Creek to the confluence with the Flathead since July 13, will also be placed under additional fishing restrictions on Aug. 2. These new restrictions will close fishing from 2 p.m. until midnight from Galen Road Crossing, just north of Warm Springs, to the mouth of Rock Creek near Clinton.

Beginning Aug. 2, the Little Blackfoot River will be closed to fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight from the Highway 12 Bridge near Elliston to the confluence with the Clark Fork River near Garrison.

Other area rivers that remain closed to fishing from 2 p.m. until midnight include the Bitterroot River from Tucker Crossing to the confluence with the Clark Fork and the entire Blackfoot River. Important bull trout spawning and rearing areas in the Blackfoot drainage that are closed to fishing 24 hours a day include Morrell, Gold, Belmont, Cottonwood, Copper, and Monture Creeks; the North Fork of the Blackfoot River; and Landers Fork.

Restrictions will remain in effect until water temperatures have dropped and the likelihood of meeting criteria for angling restrictions again has diminished, typically in late August or early September for these sections of river and streams. For more on specific closure policy and the latest information on drought and fire restrictions and closures in Montana, visit FWP's website at fwp.mt.gov, click on "Drought and Fire."

Temporary road closure

Forest visitors are advised that Forest Road 432 in the Martin Creek-Moose Creek area on the Sula Ranger District will be closed for up to fourteen days between August 6 and August 20 while a bridge over Moose Creek, near the Martin Creek Campground is installed.

Obituaries

Frank Monroe Brechbill
1921-2007

Frank Monroe Brechbill, 85, was called to heaven on July 18, 2007 after battling cancer for several years.

Frank was born November 13, 1921 at the family ranch east of Stevensville. Frank was the seventh of 10 children born to Elton V. and Octavia (Brown) Brechbill.

Frank's stories of growing up on the ranch with his three brothers and six sisters were shared with many people over the years. His gift of humor greatly embellished these stories. At the urging of his family, Frank recorded an oral history of his early years on the ranch. Later the oral history was transcribed into manuscript form.

In 1942, Frank joined the Army Air Corps. Like many young men of that time, his military service marked the first time he had left the region he was born and raised in. He served in Italy and North Africa. Frank was honorably discharged in 1945 and returned to the Stevensville area.

While Frank was serving overseas, his family made some changes. His father had passed away while Frank was in the service. The family continued to work the ranch but his mother purchased a house in Stevensville so Frank's younger siblings could attend school. During a visit to his mother, Frank noticed the girl next door. Less than two years later, on October 26, 1946, he married that girl, Myrtle E. "Mickey" Chittim, at the Methodist Church in Stevensville.

After renting a small house in East Missoula for several years, Frank and Mickey were able to purchase a home in West Riverside, closer to Frank's job at the Bonner Mill. Although the Brechbills enjoyed spending time with nieces and nephews, they looked forward to a family of their own. On May 11, 1954 Frank and Mickey's immediate family doubled with the birth of their twins, Theodore V. "Ted" and Rose Mary.

Frank's greatest joy in life was spending time with the family. He made sure the family was kept busy camping, hunting, hiking and spending time at the family ranch with other relatives. Frank was also very involved with the Boy Scouts and could always be counted on to drive a carload of young people to scouting activities or chaperone an event when needed. He and Mickey were visible at all the events the twins participated in, from grade school right through high school and beyond.

After a lifetime of work in the lumber industry, Frank retired at 65. By this time, Frank and Mickey had returned to the Bitterroot, making their home in the Florence area. For the next several years, however, the Brechbills wintered in Arizona. They also spent time camping with the Good Sams, participating in church activities and visiting their grown children, who had managed to grow up, get educated, get married and move from state to state on a fairly regular basis.

Frank was diagnosed with cancer in February, 2005. Over the years he maintained his sense of humor and positive attitude, regardless of how draining the cancer treatment was. His courageous battle ended on July 18, and he will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elton V. and Octavia Brechbill; his brothers, Ted, Charles and Henry Brechbill; his sisters Rosie Lewis, Mattie Randle, Ione McCormick and Grace Christensen; his nephews Floyd Lewis, Francis Lewis, Gary Turner and Floyd Christensen; his nieces Dorothy Ann Turner and Shirley Randle. His best friend and hunting buddy, Wally Beier also preceded him in death as did his childhood friend, Bob Stanley.

Frank leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Mickey; his son Ted (Sharla) Brechbill, his daughter Rose (Ray) Cheff; his grandson Chad Cheff and his granddaughters, Casey Brechbill, Shawna Brechbill and Bethany Cheff. He is also survived by the light of his later years, his great grandson Lance Cheff, and the most recent addition to his immediate family, his great granddaughter Moran Rose Cheff-Nichol. Frank also leaves behind his beloved sisters: Ellen Turner and Dorothy (Bud) Maples and his sister-in-law Marion Brechbill. In addition many wonderful and caring cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews survive Frank. His boyhood friend and fellow mischief-maker, Bob McKee, also survives Frank.

A memorial service was held Monday, July 23, at the Florence Baptist Church with Pastor Tim Johnson officiating. American Legion Post 94 presented military honors. A reception followed.

The family requests that donations be made to Aspen Hospice or the Florence Baptist Church.

The Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville is in charge of arrangements.

Carden Frederick Warner, II
1924-2007

Carden Frederick Warner, II, 82, of Victor, passed away at his home on Friday, July 20, 2007.

He was born on December 13, 1924 in Narberth, PA to Frederick Gross and Linda (Jacoby) Warner.

During WWII, Carden served with the 154th Combat Engineers throughout the South Pacific including Peleilu, New Caledonia, the Philippines and Japan.

In 1950 he graduated from Florida Southern College where he ran track and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

On January 9, 1954 he married his college sweetheart, Yvonne Harmon in Dunedin, FL. Carden built houses in Pennsylvania and California before moving to Montana in 1962. Carden and Yvonne have made their home in the Bitterroot Valley since 1978.

He enjoyed traveling, the great outdoors, and spending time with his family and friends on his Victor ranch. He will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul who always had a joke to share.

He was preceded in death by his son Christopher.

Carden is survived by his wife of 53 years, Yvonne; children: Linda (James) Green and their sons Justin and Jeremy, of Missoula; Darlene (Dennis) Richards and children Melissa, Amanda, Joshua, Matthew, Joshia, Andrew, Christopher, Adam and Abbie, all in Lolo; Carden (Jill) Warner and their son Carden, all of Anacortes, WA; daughter-in-law Linda Warner and her children Morgan and Jacoby, all of Bozeman. Also surviving is his brother, Lincoln (Collins) Warner of Bryn Mawr, PA, numerous nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog, Nedrac "Puppy."

Funeral services were held at the Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville on Tuesday, July 24. Burial took place at the Victor Cemetery with VFW Post #1507 providing military honors. A reception followed at the Warner home.

James J. 'Jim' Gandara
1912-2007

James J. "Jim" Gandara, 95, of Corvallis, died at Marcus Daly Palliative Care Center in Hamilton on Tuesday, July 17, 2007.

He was born at Presidio, Texas to Jose and Rosalia Reyes Gandara.

He graduated from Stevensville High School in 1934 where he lettered in track and basketball. He was offered an art scholarship to the University of Montana. Even though he did not attend the University, he was an avid Grizzly fan. In his later years his "Griz" cap was an essential part of his wardrobe.

As a sugar beet grower, then as a dairy farmer, he often said, "A farmer's work is never done." Jim farmed the Paul Lear property for 16 years and did sugar beet farming on the Bitterroot Stock Farm until 1963, at which time he bought the Les Wood property and did dairy farming. He was known for abundant tomato and chili pepper crops.

In the 1960s in recognition of his farming expertise, the State Department chose Jim to travel to the Soviet Union to participate in an exchange program in which he was to teach Russian farmers how to grow sugar beets. The plan was canceled when U.S. pilot Gary Powers was captured and imprisoned after his U2 plane was shot down over Russia.

Jim also knew how to have fun. He had a mischievous sense of humor with friends and family being the targets of his antics. He loved to fish, play poker, visit with his countless friends and relatives, read, grow large and prolific gardens. He wrote eloquent letters and was artistic.

Jim was devoted to his wife Donna, children, family and friends. Donna was the love of his life. He always had to have her close by his side. They were married in 1935 when they eloped to Wallace, Idaho. They were to celebrate their 72nd anniversary on August 19. Their love story was featured in the Missoulian and Ravalli Republic when they celebrated their 70th anniversary. By example they both imparted a strong sense of responsibility to family, friends and community and their six children. Throughout his life, Jim was always ready to help family and friends in need.

Jim attended both St. Mary's Parish and St. Francis Parish. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Eulalio, Alfred, Sylvester, John, Delfina, Pilar and Sophia.

He is survived by his wife Donna of Corvallis; son James D. (Corinna) Gandara in Corvallis; daughters Gail (Don) Scott, Las Vegas, NV, Dolores Gandara Taylor, Corvallis, Gloria Gandara, Suwanee, Georgia, Virginia (Mike) Baldwin, Whitefish, and Rosanne (Dale) Janes, Florence; 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Herlinda (Ebardo) Madrid of Norwalk, CA and Bertha (David) Buchanan of Riverside, CA and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 24 with Father John Darragh officiating. Burial followed at St. Mary's Cemetery. A reception was held at the Family Center.

Paul Timothy Nordahl
1963-2007

Paul Timothy Nordahl, 44, of Victor, died unexpectedly on Thursday, July 12, 2007 at the Big Creek Campground southwest of Victor.

He was born on March 31, 1963 in Missoula, the third son of Robert and Shirley Nordahl.

The family moved to Stevensville in 1970. Paul graduated from Stevensville High School in 1981 where he excelled in football and wrestling. He attended the U of M in Missoula.

He married Melissa DeVoid on July 22, 2004.

Paul worked in the woods most of his adult life as a sawyer and grader operator for various logging companies including the family business, Bodell Logging. He also spent several years working on fishing boats out of Dutch Harbor, Alaska. His dream was to someday return to Alaska with his family.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman and he loved the outdoors. He was good at drawing, enjoyed playing the guitar and composing songs. He also enjoyed woodworking and landscaping. Paul was very talented and could do most anything he set his mind to. He had a big heart and would give the shirt off his back to a friend in need.

His wife Melissa and daughter Keila Marie, both of Victor, survive Paul. Also surviving are his parents Robert and Shirley Nordahl of Florence, brothers JayMe (Kathy) Nordahl of Stevensville and Todd (Karen) Nordahl of Wichita Falls, Texas; nieces Cassie and Chelya Nordahl of Florence; nephews Patrick (Allison) Nordahl, Olin, and Zachary Nordahl of Wichita Falls, TX numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorial services were held on Friday, July 20, at his parents' home. Cremation has taken place under the direction of the Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville. Condolences may be sent to PO Box 896, Victor MT 59875 or to 5969 Wild Bird Lane, Florence MT 59875.

Page One •	Valley News •	Op/Ed •	Sports •	Calendar •	Classifieds •	Links •	About Us •	Back Issues •	Email Us •	Home
©2006 Bitterroot Star This site was Done By Dooney