Edwin B Ephrom Jr.

Edwin Beryl Ephrom Jr., 70, of Hamilton, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

Edwin was born Oct. 27, 1943, in Watts, Los Angeles County, California. His parents were Nellie Beryl Breckenridge and Alva Buck Hummingbird. At birth his name was Alva Buck Hummingbird Jr. Because Indians couldn't obtain work during the war, his father changed their family name to Hoyt. That changed Edwin's name to Alva Buck Hoyt Jr. After his father left, his mother married Edwin William Ephrom Sr. Edwin's name was again changed to Edwin Beryl Ephrom Jr.

The family moved to Bishop, Inyo County, California, in 1946 and opened a jewelry store named N. Hoyt Jewelers, first on Academy Street, then in 1949 moved to 143 S. Main St.

Edwin attended public schools in Bishop through the grades and high school. After graduating in June 1961, he enrolled at California Western University in San Diego. He left the university in 1963 and joined the United States Navy on July 29, 1963. After boot camp at the United States Recruit Training Command in San Diego, he received orders to attend the Class A Electronics Training School at Treasure Island, San Francisco.

After completion of the school, he was ordered to FAETUPAC at North Island, San Diego. After about one year, he was ordered to report to COMNAVAIRPAC at the same base. There he worked in personnel taking care of enlisted men's records.

Upon completion of three years service, he was ordered to the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63). He became the acting education officer in charge of training and ordering school for the men aboard the ship.

In October 1966, the ship was sent to Vietnam and performed air strikes on Vietnam while stationed in what was called Yankee Station until June 1967. He was released from active duty July 28, 1967.

Upon returning to Bishop, he went to work for the California Division of Highways. He worked there for eight years.

In July 1975, he went to work for the United States Forest Service, Inyo National Forest. There he worked as a civil engineer until Oct. 30, 1993, when he retired.

He built and designed a home in Hamilton, Ravalli County. He enjoyed hunting, rock hunting and genealogy in his retirement. During this time, he wrote seven books on various parts of his family. He also wrote a book about the Vietnam veterans in Ravalli County complete with their stories and photos. He also enjoyed yard sales, auctions, book sales and antique stores. He collected books on the Civil War, Spanish American War, WWI, WWII and Vietnam.

Edwin met the love of his life while stationed at Treasure Island, San Francisco. Her name was Monica Klimek. They were married at the island on Sept. 26, 1964. This marriage was blessed with two daughters, Sandra Lee and Tamara Lee. He had three grandchildren, Christopher Justin, Chanel Laren and Brooke Lynne Ludel of Reno, Nev.

Military funeral honors will be held in the late summer and will be announced. Garden City Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Vietnam Veterans Association of Hamilton

Read Edwin Ephrom Jr.'s Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.