Kenneth LaPalm

Born in Butte, America on Feb. 12, 1931, Ken loved the Montana's wild lands but turned to return to his Lord's Home on Nov. 4, 2013, in Missoula, beneath the shadows of mountain grandeur and peace. Now, pain and Alzheimer's heavy curtain are lifted. His son, Kenny Joe contributes to the essence of a man dearly loved.

My 'ol Dad … so much to say about Dad. He was humble, had a global interest, found the smallest of miracles in daily living, and expected a high level of excellence to be chosen — in all things great or small. He has left this rock to say howdy to his family in Heaven. He will be at ease, when God greets him, but will likely even turn there and look below — to see if his wife doing well.

His daughter, my sister, Laura Herrly, is probably ready for one of his strong, warm hugs but then will break out her famous Mexican 7-layer dip. The welcoming line will include parents, Art and Alice; brother, Russell; and sister, Barbie Tarrow and his Ogle in-laws that loved Ken as their very own. At the end of that line will be his son-in law, Larry Marx; elk bugle in hand, needing Dad to ride the other horse discovering Heaven's peaks and valleys. He has his great-grandson, Emerson Henry Bender, Laurie's baby boy, to hold when he gets to Heaven. We are all a bit jealous on that account.

Dad is leavin' a pretty sizable crew down here. His wife, Joanne, is his soul mate and best friend, sharing nearly 64 years together. High school sweethearts — true, unconditional love. Then there is Addrien Marx, my wonderful sister. Drien has always found great joy in messing up Dad's fuzzy white hair, calling him "her Einstein". Then me, Dad's tag-along boy, that was taught how to appreciate nature, always looking for the simple, obvious beauty of God's blessings. A rock, or a flower, or gazing up at a tall tree, smelling the breeze coming over the ridge, inhaling the hints of pine and sage or relishing cold, clear water … now, that was his favorite. Addrien's hubby, Jim McLean, kind, humble, wise and so very much loved by Dad, and by all of us. Dad was so proud to call Jim "family" as am I. My wife, Lisa Marrow, her soft heart easing Dad's pain, as well as his son's.

Dad's beloved sister, Rita Stetzner, was always in his thoughts. She was an important part of his life.

Grandkids! There are a few. Kenneth James Herrly, KJ, is sis Laurie's son and was Dad's later life shadow and buddy. KJ's mom and grandpa – the best there is, sit on KJ's broad shoulders now!

Addrien's: The oldest ... Tom Leonard, always prepared to do anything for Dad, and Mom, too. His wife, Clair, a wonderful rainbow and warming sunshine, filling the room with happy. Laurie Joe Bender, the first granddaughter, proud of her achievements and strength — that little firecracker that made him laugh so hard. Erin Johnshoy, on the other hand, was the little softy that he enjoyed holding so much that brought him endless chuckles and joy with her quick wit. Trenton was the next. Dad loved playing quietly on the floor with him, studying and stacking little wood blocks in the beams of sun streaking through the window, and then building memories together through the years. Kyle, a grandson that Dad loved and enjoyed watching grow, with Kyle's wife Shana, adding to the feeling of family.

Dad needed family and we supplied. My daughter Ashleigh was a late comer — but Dad opened his heart in welcome — along with her daughter and husband. My four boys … Cody, Clint, Cole and Clay. Their growing- up years were a source of Dad's amusement with the stories of lively antics and explorations! A source of pride to Dad and Mom, his eyes lit up when they visited as adults and the love continued to flow.

Great-grandkids: Tom and Clair — Tommy, Brighid, Larry. Erin's — Madison and Monika. Trenton's son, Benjamin. Finn is Kyle and Shana's boy. Leighla is Ashleigh and Jed's with one in the oven. These great-grandkids were a constant joy in my Dad's big heart.

So much to mention. Dad's poignant adoration for the tall hills and wild Montana was an inspiration for his art, two novels, and countless short stories and written memories. Highly detailed elk horn carvings, oil-based paintings, pen and ink sketches. All a show of the blessings that he gave thanks for daily.

Now, my Dad, go clear some trail for us, getting Larry to help ya out. "Go rest high on high mountain. Dad your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a shoutin', Love for the Father and the Son."

You'll see us comin' up that trail.

A memorial reception will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Best Western Plus, 2900 Harrison Ave.

Memorials may be sent to Shodair Children's Hospital, 2755 Colonial Drive Helena, MT. 59601

Read Kenneth LaPalm's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.