A. Wayne Laisy passed away at Kalispell Regional Hospital surrounded by his family on Tuesday, July 2nd of natural causes. He celebrated his 97th birthday on Jan. 8th. He was born to Edward and Mae Laisy on the Laisy Family Homestead (ranch), in the Slim Buttes of South Dakota, near Buffalo in 1916. His parents were also postmasters for the area which the U.S. Post office named Gill, S.D. He was the youngest of three siblings and was always in trouble finding interest in everything. His mother taught him to play the piano at a very young age which lead him to a life filled with music.
After graduating from Buffalo High School, he moved to Long Beach, Calf. to study civil engineering. While there, he built himself a Model T Roadster from scrap parts modifying the engine to have two transmissions; a two speed rear end with 16 forward gears and two in reverse. The roadster would cruise at 80 mph all day across the desert to visit home. During his studies, his classes were in tents at the junior college and he helped build the U.S.C campus.
After the death of his father, he returned to manage the family ranch. He met and married Lavone Anderson in 1941. The ranch sold and he moved his family to Buffalo, S. Dakota and then on to Glendive, Montana in 1946. He became the shop Foreman for R.L. Robins International Harvester Co. and later owned his own truck Stop and Repair Service. While in Glendive he completely restored several antique automobiles including a 1907 International. He also designed and built original farm machinery, often manufacturing parts for them and constructed the first new home for his family. Being famously mischievous at times, Wayne loved a good laugh. Some Glendive residence might remember the Mokoshika Monster that would come down out of the Badlands in the winter and leave tracks around peoples homes.
In 1963 the family moved to Missoula and later settled in Florence, where Wayne built the second family home. He worked as a mechanic for M&S Ready Mix and later retired as a mechanic from the Mt. Dept. of Transportation. After his marriage ended, he moved to the Flathead Valley, eventually building a third home near Woods Bay and growing Flathead cherries. He became involved with the Big Fork Senior Center and volunteered to deliver Meals on Wheels to many of his younger contemporaries. He delivered for many years; in fact he was still delivering in May of this year.
Wayne moved to Kalispell a few years ago but continued to be involved with the Big Fork Senior Center and the many friends he loved in the area. Before his passing he enjoyed the company and companionship of Willetta (Willy) Boehm. Eating breakfast or dinner, together with a piece of cherry pie at Sykes Restaurant, became a regular thing to do. Wayne loved to play the piano, loved to play cards and loved his many friends. to send condolences to the family please go to www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is Caring for the family.
He is survived by eldest son Paul Laisy [Shirley] of Polson and son Scott Laisy of Missoula, and grandchildren Lee Ann [Russ] Schmelebeck, Manteca, CA, Lynette [Ted] Smith, Columbia Falls, MT, Doug Laisy, Tacoma, WA, and David Laisy, Salt Lake City, UT and long time friend Steven Chord, Missoula. He is also survived by 7 great grandchildren. He's proceeded in death by his parents, his sister Ione [Robins], brother Lyman, first wife Lavone [Johnson] and daughter Patricia.
A celebration of his life will be held July 26th at the Big Fork Senior Center from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Should friends desire, as an expression of sympathy for his passing, remembrances and donations may be made to the Big Fork Senior Center in memory of him.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of A. Laisy, please visit our flower store.
After graduating from Buffalo High School, he moved to Long Beach, Calf. to study civil engineering. While there, he built himself a Model T Roadster from scrap parts modifying the engine to have two transmissions; a two speed rear end with 16 forward gears and two in reverse. The roadster would cruise at 80 mph all day across the desert to visit home. During his studies, his classes were in tents at the junior college and he helped build the U.S.C campus.
After the death of his father, he returned to manage the family ranch. He met and married Lavone Anderson in 1941. The ranch sold and he moved his family to Buffalo, S. Dakota and then on to Glendive, Montana in 1946. He became the shop Foreman for R.L. Robins International Harvester Co. and later owned his own truck Stop and Repair Service. While in Glendive he completely restored several antique automobiles including a 1907 International. He also designed and built original farm machinery, often manufacturing parts for them and constructed the first new home for his family. Being famously mischievous at times, Wayne loved a good laugh. Some Glendive residence might remember the Mokoshika Monster that would come down out of the Badlands in the winter and leave tracks around peoples homes.
In 1963 the family moved to Missoula and later settled in Florence, where Wayne built the second family home. He worked as a mechanic for M&S Ready Mix and later retired as a mechanic from the Mt. Dept. of Transportation. After his marriage ended, he moved to the Flathead Valley, eventually building a third home near Woods Bay and growing Flathead cherries. He became involved with the Big Fork Senior Center and volunteered to deliver Meals on Wheels to many of his younger contemporaries. He delivered for many years; in fact he was still delivering in May of this year.
Wayne moved to Kalispell a few years ago but continued to be involved with the Big Fork Senior Center and the many friends he loved in the area. Before his passing he enjoyed the company and companionship of Willetta (Willy) Boehm. Eating breakfast or dinner, together with a piece of cherry pie at Sykes Restaurant, became a regular thing to do. Wayne loved to play the piano, loved to play cards and loved his many friends. to send condolences to the family please go to www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is Caring for the family.
He is survived by eldest son Paul Laisy [Shirley] of Polson and son Scott Laisy of Missoula, and grandchildren Lee Ann [Russ] Schmelebeck, Manteca, CA, Lynette [Ted] Smith, Columbia Falls, MT, Doug Laisy, Tacoma, WA, and David Laisy, Salt Lake City, UT and long time friend Steven Chord, Missoula. He is also survived by 7 great grandchildren. He's proceeded in death by his parents, his sister Ione [Robins], brother Lyman, first wife Lavone [Johnson] and daughter Patricia.
A celebration of his life will be held July 26th at the Big Fork Senior Center from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Should friends desire, as an expression of sympathy for his passing, remembrances and donations may be made to the Big Fork Senior Center in memory of him.