"Grizz" Eddie Ray Markley

"Grizz" Eddie Ray Markley, 61, died Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007 at his home in the Yaak.

He was born in Filipe, W. Va. on Feb. 2, 1946.

His family moved to Montana where he was raised. He served five years in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

He was very ill for several months. He chose to come home from the hospital to be with his wife, Sheila and lots of friends. He was a brave, funny, generous man and an excellent dancer. He loved his boats, Fords, snowmachine, fishing and hunting.

He retired from the Operating Engineers Union in Fairbanks, Alaska and then returned to Montana. Grizz and Sheila bought the Golden Nugget Bar and Grill in Yaak in October 2004.

He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, VFW, and Eagles.

Survivors include his wife Sheila, Yaak; five sisters: Gayla George and her husband LeRoy, Sue Markley, Jody Nugent and her husband Paul, all of Havre; Carol Davis and her husband Gary, of Rapid City, S.D.; and Alice Hilgeman and husband Jerry, of Alamagordo, N.M.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Golden Nugget at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug 25.