Eugene P. McBride, 94, formerly of Libby
Eugene “Gene” Porter McBride peacefully passed away at Community Hospital in Missoula, July 7, 2011, at the age of 94.
Gene was born June 4, 1917, in Proctor, Colo., to William and Hilda McBride, and was one of five brothers and one sister.
Growing up during the Depression era, he and his siblings always seemed to entertain themselves (often getting into trouble), and survived the serious times with hard work and a sense of humor.
Quitting school at 15, he later rode the rails with his older brother George from Colorado to California, where they had many adventures. He eventually enlisted in the Army during World War II, and was stationed in Sitka, Alaska, where he became pen-pals with Luella May Krantz of St. Ignatius, Mont., the relative of another soldier.
After being transferred to Ft. Missoula where he was later discharged, he met his pen-pal and they were married June 13, 1944. He began working for the Montana State Fish & Game Department, where he worked for over 35 years at hatcheries in Arlee, Great Falls, Libby and Lewistown.
Gene retired in 1985 as Superintendent of the largest hatchery in the state (Lewistown).
Gene was an intelligent, easy-going man with a twinkle in his eyes and a great sense of humor, but he never hesitated to stand up for what he believed.
He had a strong work ethic, believed in using common sense and chose his battles wisely. He could fix or build almost anything, and it would last forever. Family and friends appreciated his wit and willingness to lend a helping hand, and he became a “second Dad” to many.
After retiring to Ronan and after Luella’s passing, he hit the road, and traveled to many places, including Alaska, California and the Southwest. He settled back in Libby and Missoula during his last 10 years to be near his daughters.
He always had that twinkle in his eyes, and was saying to the very end, “You just need to put two and two together” (use common sense).
Gene and Luella were together for more than 45 years until her passing in 1989. Gene was also preceded in death by his parents, sister and brothers.
He is survived by daughter Janean McBride-Rowland and son-in-law Dennis Rowland of Missoula; daughter Joanne McBride of Missoula; granddaughter Stacy Bender of Morristown, N.J.; granddaughter Kori Bender, great-grandson Keaton Bender-Mitchell and great-granddaughter Porter Bender of Billings; and countless loving relatives and friends.
Services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at the Mission Valley United Methodist Church, 70715 Highway 93 (top of Post Creek Hill, between mile-markers 39 & 40), followed by interment at the Krantz Memorial Cemetery.
A reception will immediately follow at the church. The family requests any donations in his honor be made to Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, or Krantz Memorial Cemetery.