Third Annual Kambel Scramble remembers a 'peach of a guy'

By CAROL HOLOBOFF The Western News

The Third Annual Greg Kambel Scramble golf tournament will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 30 at the Cabinet View Country Club and there were already over 160 entries by Wednesday.

Deb Kambel, who still speaks softly when she talks about her husband Greg Kambel's death, said she was worried that maybe the legacy she was trying to build would fade, but "it looks like 2007 will be the biggest tournament yet." Greg died in January 2005.

She and their two daughters, Michelle Meinart of Tacoma, Wash., and Brooke Kambel of Libby, are proud of what they have accomplished in Greg's name. With the help of Ron Managhan and Dan Rohrer, they really worked hard and fast in June 2005 to put on the first Kambel Scramble. The money raised at the tournaments provides scholarships for students. Those applying for the scholarship are asked to write an essay titled, "What would you do with your last day on earth." The family determines who wins the scholarship. This year the winners were Jake Graham and Amber Benson.

Deb said Greg loved golf, hunting, and most sports including basketball, which he was playing when a sudden heart attack killed him. He coached his daughter's basketball team and was known to many people in Libby because he announced the Libby Logger sports on KLCB.

Greg left a nick in many hearts around Libby, including Terry Andreessen's. Terry and his sister,

Deb Kambel, grew up in Iowa and Terry first met Greg when he traveled back to Iowa for his sister's wedding. Terry said he knew right away that Greg was a people person and a winner. He brought Greg and Deb to Libby and Greg and Terry worked side-by-side at Timberline Auto for 20 years. Deb said they complimented each other, but Terry said Greg was the cornerstone of the business.

"Not only was Greg my brother by marriage - the only brother I ever had - he was also my spiritual brother and I loved him a lot."

Deb said that she never ever heard Greg say anything bad about anyone. He could always find something good to talk about.

Greg was called Peach and no one was sure how he got that nickname but Deb said she thinks it started in his childhood when he always had a crewcut.

"His hair probably looked like peach fuzz and then his round face and rosy cheeks contributed to the picture of a peach. It fit him though, 'cause he was a peach of a guy."

The Third Annual Kambel Scramble golf tournament will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 30 at the Cabinet View Country Club in memory of Gregory Kambel.

Registration is from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 29 with a Derby to follow. For more information, call 293-9436 or 293-1042.