Samuel Keirle

Lovingly called “Sonny Boy” by his father, on Dec. 9, 1994, Samuel Thomas Keirle came bouncing into the world at a healthy 9 pounds, 12 ounces in Billings. He was a man of the world — living and growing up in many places: Kalispell, Billings, Bowman, Baker, St. Paul. The Johnny Cash song comes to mind, “I’ve been everywhere man” and he left good friends in every one of these places. He was a good friend and would help anyone who needed it, but beware of his practical jokes! He loved his family, (defended them fiercely), animals, Harleys, and he had met his person, the love of his life — Caitlin. He was finally able to plan for the future because he had found someone as loyal as he. He was very happy.

Sammy left this world, doing what he loved best, riding a Hog. Thursday, July 16, he left work and collided with a deer.

Sam’s choice of profession was cooking and he was the head chef at the Sitting Duck in Bigfork at the time of his death.

Missing him forever and always are his one, Caitlin McDonald, of Kalispell; his father, Dean Howe, of Kalispell; his mother, Danielle Keirle Butori (Dale); his sister, Madison Myla, of Baker; his brother, Brandon Hegg (Kristin), of St. Paul; his grandparents, Granny Jae, Bowman (his partner in crime), Grandma Mae of Kalispell, and Grandma Mary (George), and Grandpa Carter (Lori) of Dillon. Sam also had so many fraternal and maternal uncles, aunts, cousins, too many to mention but dear to his heart.

This is also true for the people who preceded him in death, his Grampas Thomas, Orville and Dean and again too many others to list. He was also preceded by his little furry friends, Sharmae, Chewy, Izzy and Rusty.

A celebration of Sam’s life will be held Sunday, July 26, at 2 p.m. at 174 Redfield Lane in Lakeside. Lake attire, please.