Andrew Joseph Arvish

Andrew Joseph Arvish, 93, of Missoula, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015 at the Village Health Care Center of natural causes. He was born Aug. 4, 1922, in Anaconda to Adam and Mabel Wallace Arvish.

Mr. Arvish graduated from Anaconda High School in 1940. In January of 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and received training as aircraft mechanic, aviation cadet (primary and basic) and armament (school, officer) training. Serving with distinction in England during World War II, he was the recipient of six Bronze Stars, Andy was honorably discharged as a captain from the United States Army Air Corps at the end of the war.

In 1950 he graduated from the University of Montana, majoring in timber management. After graduation he worked 27 years for the U.S. Forest Service in the Lob National Forest, Kaniksu National Forest and the Clearwater National Forest. After retiring early, he volunteered for numerous organizations includIng Orofino Kiwanis Club, Lewis and Clark Trail Committee, Idaho Nongame Advisory Committee, Dworshak Recreation District, Orofino United Methodist Church and Clearwater Valley Hospital

His hobbles included woodworking, backpacking, skiing, fishing, elk hunting and gardening.

On Dec. 22, 1942, he married Vera Vaughn and together they raised four daughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Norbert; and two sisters, Evelyn Baumiller and Elsie Arvish.

Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Vera, Missoula; four daughters, Bonnie (Gary) Famum of Bonner, Andrea (Stephan) Speer of Decatur, Illinois, Connie Amburn of Sparta, North Carolina, and Eileen (Don) Christie of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; two granddaughters, Jennifer (Kevin) Ward of Seattle and Emily (Paul) Heffner of Denver; and three great-grandchildren, Jennifer Hefiner, Zachary Ward and Vera Mae Ward.

The family will be planning a memorial service in the spring.

Memorials can be made to the Orofino Kiwanis Club, PO Box 1317, Orofino, Idaho 83544 with Andy Arvish Kiwanis Park in memo line, or to an organization of your choice.
Read Andrew Arvish's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.