Charles Arthur "Chuck" Breslin

Charles Arthur Breslin, “Chuck”, 74 of Missoula and Big Fork Montana passed away December 16, 2016 at his home in Missoula after a strong and courageous battle with prostate cancer. He endured 3 battles with cancer in the last 15 years and he fought each one with valiant courage and a strong heart.

He was born October 6 1942 to Margaret and Charles F Breslin in Flushing NY. He lost his father at age three and grew up with his mother and sister Helen in Baldwin New York. After graduating from high school, he went to Paul Smiths College of Arts and Sciences graduating with and A.D. in Forestry. He came to Montana to continue his education in forestry at U of M (then MSU). He fell totally in love with Montana and it became his home. He enlisted in the Army at the recruiting station in Butte serving 2 years. He had met Loretta Lynde at U of M and they were married in December 1968. They later divorced. His Mom had also married, his scout master and father of two close friends, later his sister would marry another close friend and Chuck would often say “I once had friends now they are all relatives”
Upon returning to Missoula he attended the Missoula Vo-tech to pursue another passion…flying. Using the GI Bill and lots of work he became a great pilot and flight instructor. As with all the things he loved he put his heart and soul in this endeavor and had the equivalent of a Masters Degree in Aviation. He flew for Johnson Flying Service, Taylor Chevy, John and Mary Ellen Stieglier, Montana Power, Evergreen, and Minute Man Aviation. He loved flying and flight instruction. He remembered every student he helped get a pilot license. Staying in Montana was imperative and he took a position with Big Sky Airlines and flew for them from 1980-2002 when he retired. He was a member of the Quiet Birdmen. During his wanderings in Montana, his love of water and the outdoors he found his third love… Sailing. Oh, how he loved to sail, take friends sailing and work with the other sailors at the Flathead Lake Yacht Club.
In 1995 he was introduced to Mary Kay Allen by mutual friends and they began a romance that lasted almost 22 years. They married in July 19, 1997
Chucks life revolved around fun and friendship. If you were lucky enough to be Chuck’s friend, he had your back and your heart forever. He was gifted with a fabulous mind and memory and oh could he tell stories. But pilots and sailors always have lots of stories. Chuck and Mary Kay lived in Billings, Bigfork and the Missoula area. It was often hard to know where they were, but the door was always open and Montana was home. In 2005 they travelled with a group of smokejumpers and friends to Vietnam, what an adventure. For his wife’s 60th birthday he took her to Ireland a dream fulfilled. Shortly after that trip he was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. A new journey and battle began. He fought with a great attitude and determination. Most of all he continued to live his life. He loved Grizzly games, sailing, visiting with friends, the great outdoors, family, Mary Kay his children and grandchildren. He also loved volunteering at the Museum of Mountain Flying where he could regale visitors with stories about each exhibition.
He was preceded in death by his father Charles Breslin step-father Fred Smith, mother Margaret Smith, step- brother Mark Smith and his dear friend Vince Frezzo.
He is survived by his wife Mary Kay, son and daughter in law David and Starr Allen grandkids Clara and Gabe, his daughter and son in law Jackie and Dan Guiberson; grandkids Dillon and Isabell. His sister and brother in law Helen and Al Selgas niece Maureen and nephews Mike and Marty Selgas; step brother and wife, Rick and Doris Smith and their children; brothers in law and wives, Bill and Peggy Kloker and their children and Marty and Maureen Kloker and their children. Numerous cousins’ nieces and nephews.
There are so many friends who meant so much to him and were like family to him, we wanted to list you all here, but this is Chuck’s obituary and he is saying “how much per character?” Know that we know you, love you and will cherish you all forever as he did. No words can convey our gratitude for the love and support you all gave Mary Kay and Chuck.
Special thanks to Dr Michael Snyder. Montana Cancer Center staff, Dr Michael Hutchins and Dr Karl Westenfelder for your compassionate care.
Big thanks to Partners Hospice.
A Wake will be held at the Garden City Funeral Home at 4 pm on December 27 and a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Christ the King Catholic Parish at 10:30 on, December 28.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Museum of Mountain Flying, Partners Hospice or a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences can be left for the family at www.gardencityfh.com.
Take care,” ADIOS.”