Harry LaFriniere

Harry A. LaFriniere, 88, of Florence , passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at
home of natural causes.
He was born March 14, 1928, in Missoula to Harry L. and Mabel (Seitz) LaFriniere, a third generation Montanan. He attended Missoula grade schools and MCHS where he participated in track, running the mile and received medals in the Helena JC relays.
On March 15, 1946 he married his high school sweetheart Jean Fox in Butte, MT. They were the proud parents of Janice born in 1947 and Hal born in 1950. He went to work at Missoula White Pine and Sash in 1946 and went to work full time for the Montana Army National Guard in 1954 as a technician. He joined the National Guard in 1949 and during his career was in the 19th Special Forces Group where he completed 98 parachute jumps and earned his Master Parachutes wings. He retired from the National Guard after 38 years as a Command Sergeant Major.
Harry & Jean lived in Missoula until 1966 when they moved to “the Ranch” near Florence where he could realize his dream of raising farm animals and gardening. While in Missoula he played softball for the White Pine team and was active in the Boy Scouts on both neighborhood and district committees. After moving to Florence he was active in Ducks Unlimited, Ravalli Fish & Wildlife Assoc., where he received the Fred Carver and Nick Kramis awards and was Chairman of the Missoula/Ravalli County Support for Guard & Reserve. He was the Missoula County member of the Board of Directors for the Missoula Electric Co-op for 26 years. He was a member of Knights of Columbus and American Legion.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He was a friend to many, always had a smile on his face and was always there to help when it was needed. An avid fisherman and hunter and loved to get hands dirty in the garden. The cabin at Seeley Lake was a favorite place and many happy family get to gathers were spent there.
He was predeceased by his parents Harry & Mabel and his son Hal in 1980. His survivors include his wife Jean (Jeanabelle), his daughter Jan Wherley (Rich), grandchildren Brian, Derek, Cara, Buffee and Boe. Greatgrandchildren Ben, Amy, Zoey and Fiona. His sister Betty Cook and nieces: Sheila, Laura, Machelle, Loretta, Pam and their families.
Visitation/Vigil will be Sunday, March 12th, 6:00 p.m. at Garden City Funeral Home.
Funeral Mass 10:30a.m. at Spirit of Christ Mission, 5475 Farm Lane, Lolo on Monday, March 13th with Fr. Ed Hislop officiating. Burial after the service at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Missoula and reception following the burial at Blessed Trinity Catholic Community, 1475 Eaton St., Missoula.
Pallbearers: Ray Reed, Roy Rodregiuz, Kirk Sybrant, Jerry Jones, Philip Sheridan. Condolences for the family may be sent to www.gardencityfh.com