George L. Card

George L. Card was 76 when cancer killed him. He died at home.

He was born in Lovell, Wyo., to Floyd L. and Faye M. Card. He attended Montana State College in Bozeman, where he earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree in bacteriology. George went on to finish a Ph.D. in microbiology at the University of Nebraska. He did postdoctoral work at Fort Detrick in Maryland. He began his career as a professor at the University of Montana in 1968.

George, beloved husband of Ruth and father of Shoni, Kim, Melissa and Cady, crossed the river of no return Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013. Although during his life, he had many adventures, at heart he was a teacher. Every fall would find him eager to meet yet another group of students. George was dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and encouraged others to be curious, to question and to embrace excellence.

As a member of the First Presbyterian Church, George worshiped his God there, listening, teaching classes and being involved as an elder, a dishwasher and builder of houses in Mexico. He was a good and faithful servant.

George enjoyed riding his horse, Gambler, in the Rattlesnake Wilderness. He fished a little, played poker with his friends and read all sorts of books. He liked working with wood and inventing stuff. George was a Grizzlies fan from way back when they played at Dornblaser Stadium. Glacier National Park was one of his favorite places on Earth – seeing the handiwork of God in creation.

George was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Dorothy Johnson; and his in-laws, Myron and Ruby Huntsman. He is survived by his brother, John Card and his wife Alice; and nieces, Corina and Teresa Card, and Jody Bohannan (and family). George is survived by his wife, Ruth; daughters, Shoni Card (Jeff Wilson), Kim E. Card (Adrian Gormley), Melissa Bianco (Joseph F. Bianco) and Cady Card-Andrew (David Andrew). Also surviving are his beloved grandchildren, all 15 of them, Paul and Luke Wilson, Malcolm and Sidney Card-Gormley, Joey, Davie, Stephanie, Nickolas and Johnny Bianco, and Finley, Fiona, Neva, Lucy, David and Gillian Andrew.

Funeral services are planned for 2 p.m Saturday, Dec. 7, at the First Presbyterian Church, 235 S. Fifth St. W. in Missoula, a reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Memorials may be made in George's name to the First Presbyterian Church.

Read George Card's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.