Everett Lee Heath

Lee Heath, age 80, passed away Monday, January 7, 2013 at his home on Camas Prairie. Lee was born May 11, 1932 to Marvin and Naomi (Gollehon) Heath at Seven Mile Ford, VA. Lee was born at home 2 months premature along with a twin, he only weighed 2lbs. His brother Thomas Ray was stillborn. Dad was the oldest of 7 kids.
He left home at 15 to work for his Uncle Bob in Brady, MT. for the summer.
In 1949, he returned home to Chilhowie, VA and joined the Marine Corps. He fought in the Korean War and served time aboard the USS Missouri. In 1953 he was discharged. He was a lifetime member of the Lone Prairie Springs VFW Post 5159.
In 1954, he came to Western Montana and went to work at various ranches, the 1st one was with Bill and Faye Haynes. He worked for Swede and Augusta Anderson for a few years. He also worked as an outfitter for Herman Lucky and packed in the Bob Marshall. In 1957, he married Vicky Holt. In 1958, they started their family, Casey, then Jennie, and then Julie. He owned and operated a service station in Polson where the 1st Interstate Bank is now. He worked for Shorty Kessler on a ranch in Ovando, MT. He showed registered Hereford cattle for Edmondston Land and Cattle Co.
In 1965, the family moved to Reardan, WA and Dad started working construction. He worked on Boundary Dam in Metaline Falls, WA, Grand Coulee Dam in Grand Coulee, WA and Dworshak Dam in Orofino, ID. He helped build various grain elevators and even tore one down in Reardan. He completely remodeled the family house in Reardan, adding a full basement and garage. In 1976, we sold the house in Reardan and moved to Thompson Falls, MT to start ranching full-time. In 1979, they bought their place on Camas Prairie. In 2005, they sold their cattle and retired.
He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Thomas Ray; parents, Marvin and Naomi; granddaughter, Shana and great- grandson, Kaden. He is survived by his wife, Vicky; son, Casey (Carol); daughters, Jennie (Glenn), Julie (Evan); grandchildren, Thomas, Brandi, Robert, Pamela, April (Sam), Kelli (Justin), Shawna; great grandchildren, Clayton, Mick, Nickolas, Zoey, Mackenzie and Brooke; brothers, James, Porter (Hazel), Darrell, David (Brenda) and sisters, Patsy and Peggy (Felix).
Services will be Monday, January 14, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Lonepine Hall, Lonepine, MT. Military graveside services at the Murray Memorial Cemetery, potluck to follow at the Lonepine Hall.
Memorials can be made to the Lone Prairie Springs VFW Post 5159, Box 66, Hot Springs, MT 59845. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Read Everett Heath's Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.