George Allen Christopher

Our precious Dad and Grandpa, George A. Christopher, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2015 in his home surrounded by his family. George was born February 22, 1944 in Missoula, Montana. He was one of seven children born to Lauren and Lillian Christopher.

George was raised in Arlee and graduated from Arlee High School in 1962. He participated in several high school activities including track and football. He worked in logging, was a skilled carpenter who built houses and bridges across Montana including the Scott Street Overpass in Missoula, and was a talented farmer. He was also an agent for Farmer's Mutual Insurance for many years until his death.

In 1969, he married the love of his life, Jeanne Wall. Shortly after their wedding, George built their home in Arlee where they raised their family. Despite separation, George and Jeanne maintained a close friendship as they loved and supported their son James and as their family grew to include nine beautiful grandchildren. Family holidays, frequent phone calls, and taking trips together to visit family were priorities to them. As George approached his final days, he asked for Jeanne to be by his side.

George loved his family and his community. He was hard working, generous, and we all enjoyed his witty sense of humor and caring presence. He greatly appreciated the outdoors and was happiest when he was taking care of animals and cutting firewood. He loved hunting, fishing, and camping. His son Joseph referred to him as a great hunter, possibly even an "expert" hunter. He worked long hours in his garden, recently referring to it as his "pride and joy". He lovingly shared his vegetables with neighbors and friends. As an avid sports fan, George was a regular at Arlee sporting events and loved watching his grandsons play basketball and football. His son James remembered that he was always the first one up in the morning, excited to read the newspaper. He would amaze his grandsons by reciting endless amounts of useful world news, history facts, and sports trivia. He was fiercely proud of his family and loved celebrating their accomplishments.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lauren and Lillian. He is survived by his daughter Melissa and grandsons Alex and Avery, his son Joseph and daughter-in-law Korrie and grandchildren Lauren, Ethan, Joseph "Bruin", Mason, Maia, Emma, and Jagermeister Daniel, and his youngest son James. He is also survived by his sisters Faye (Chuck), Alison, and Donna (Gary), and his brothers Roy, Roger (Elizabeth), Rick (LouAnne), numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, special friends Bill Dellinger and Bob Fyant, and girlfriend Rebecca Wiley.

A memorial to celebrate George's life will be held at the Arlee Community Center on Powwow Road on Monday, September 14th at 11 AM. George will be laid to rest in a private burial at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson, MT. In lieu of flowers, friends and neighbors are invited to bring a potluck dish and a memory to share with the community.

Read George Christopher's Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.