Willis "Bill" Ogden Sept. 26, 1934 – Nov. 4, 2020

SEELEY LAKE - On Nov. 4, Willis "Bill" Ogden passed away at 86, five years to the day his wife Patricia passed in 2015. He was survived briefly by his older sister Virginia. 

Born in Streator, Illinois Sept. 26, 1934 (though he was slow to admit he wasn't born in Montana) to Harry and Jessie Ogden. The Ogden family moved to Montana and ended up in Polson.

In Polson he played football in high school and participated in the East West Shrine game. Graduated in 1954, despite jumping out the window to join his brothers to go hunting every chance he got. Later, he joined the Navy and traveled to England, Germany, Spain and Africa.

Over the years, he was a car mechanic in Libby, worked at Louisiana Pacific Sawmills in Philipsburg and Columbia Falls, ending up at Pyramid Mountain Lumber in Seeley Lake where he retired. In retirement, traveling with his nephew Bill Kincade was a highlight. Alaska was one of their favorite spots. 

Hard work, hunting and fishing was what defined his life, along with caring for his family. He was always there when he was needed. He will be missed for the big and small things he did. 

Preceded in death by his parents Harry and Jessie; his siblings Gene Ogden, Barbara Finch, Dale Ogden and Virginia Kincade; wife Patricia; daughter Terrina Shanks; and granddaughter Rebekah Roman. He is survived by his daughter Deborah Smith of Philipsburg; his son Earl of Philipsburg; and his daughter Jo Ogden of Seeley Lake. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place. A gathering will take place sometime this summer.