Jason Dunham

Like a whirlwind that didn't stay here on Earth with us long enough was Jason Jonathon Dunham, who passed away Saturday September 28, 2013 at the age of 36. Never one to sit still, always quirky, sharp-tongued humor and a quick wit not always enjoyed by everyone, Jason was impulsive to a fault but also kind, loving, loyal, generous, and caring to those in his life who were important to him. There was never a dull moment with Jason around, and he was not afraid to try anything. Full of vitality, he sometimes seemed almost bigger than life. He was a dedicated athlete who as a child could run faster than anyone else at school and as an adult was astoundingly strong with great stamina because of all the personal physical discipline and perseverance he worked so hard to develop. Jason Jonathon Dunham was born on June 23, 1977 in Seattle, Washington, to Marcia (Dunham) Locklear and Michael Weiner. He moved to Livingston, Montana at the age of 4 with his mother and was joined by his mother's children, brother Cody Harper, sister Brandi Harper-Marcano, and finally brother Matthew Figelski. On his frather's side is his older sister, Angie Liles. Jason attended Livingston Schools and grew up, for the most part, there in the picturesque heart of Montana. He was deeply influenced by the experience of living with his biological father in Washington State for a while during his teen years. He also resided in the Flathead Valley for a bit as a teenager as well, inspiring him to finally return here in January of 2013. He also lived in Wasilla, AK as an adult as well as many other locales in Montana. Jason loved animals with a deep tenderness, and he loved people, too, wathcing them, meeting them, interacting with them, and learning from them. He was extremely loyal and prized that quality both in himself and others above all else. He liked to say that his heart was like that of a childs, and it was - he always saw the good in people and accepted them for how they were. As Matthew 19:14 says, "Jesus said, let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to me, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Jason was an avid reader during different time periods of his life and devoured many books in thirst for building his knowledge base. He had many interests and taught himself much with his quest for learning. Jason struggled with the demons of addiction throughout much of his youth and adulthood. Despite this overwhelming affliction, he managed to live a zestful, colorful life parallel to none as his sense of fun, adventure, and just a generally good time flavored all that he did. Jason has a way of making ordinary, everyday, mundane details of life just a little more interesting with the different ways he approched life. Countless people throught Jason's life have been touched by his unique, intense personality and wasy of doing things, even if for only a brief moment, he was very unforgettable. Jason was preceded in death earlier this year in April by his father, Michael Weiner, who died from porphyria, a rare genetic blood disorder that Jason was in the process of learning about having and living with. He is also preceded in death by paternal grandparents and uncles, Jeff and Richard, and maternal grandmother. Jason is survived by his mother, Marcia Locklear of Wasilla, AK; sister Brandi Harper-Marcano and family, and brother Matthew Figelski, also of Wasilla, brother Cody Harper of Livingston, MT. sister Angie Liles of Washington State, and Aunt Dia Camarillo as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by his children, Michael of East Helena, MT; Destiny Brown of Florence, MT; and Daniel of Seattle, WA, and his partner Jill Cheman and her children of Kalispell. Jason, wherever you are, may your heart be at rest and your soul find the peace and happiness you have searched for so long. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." We will see you there, again someday.

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