Obits for December 23

Wesley Isaac Jolin

Wesley Isaac Jolin, age 83, passed away on Monday, December 14, 2009 at the Kalispell Regional Hospital in Kalispell, Montana. He is survived by his wife; Marion Jolin of Plains, Montana.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Wesley’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Wesley’s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.

Harold “Hank” Laws

Harold “Hank” Laws was born in Missoula, MT on May 24, 1938, to Frank and Mabel (Nelson) Laws. He passed away in his family home in Thompson Falls on December 11th, 2009.

Hank was the ninth of ten kids. His life began in the Greenough area near the Blackfoot River. In 1942, his family relocated to Trout Creek, MT. He attended elementary and junior high school in a two room school house in Trout Creek. He graduated in 1956 with the largest class Noxon had seen at that time, 17 students. In the spring of 1958, Hank married the love of his life, Barbara Kay Hoy, his wife of 51 years.

They made their home in Thompson Falls, where they raised their two sons, Clint and Chadd.

Hank’s work history began when he worked on the construction of the Noxon Rapids Dam in 1956. In the spring of 1960 Hank began his life-long dream to work in the woods as a “gypo” logger. In 1960 he went to work for Flodines Logging Company driving a 1952 Mack. Hank worked various logging jobs with the likes of Bud Lacy, Dick Vinson, Chubb Garrison, and his brother Larry Laws. In 1996, Hank hauled his last load of logs down Thompson River, closing the book on a career that had lasted 35 years. He told his sons, “I’ve seen the best logging our country will ever see.” Next, he began his political career as county commissioner in 1997. He served for 12 years.

Hank served his community in various ways throughout his life. He was a member of the Jaycees for 8 years, a little league baseball coach for 15 years, a school board member for 15 years, a volunteer fireman for 20 years, Elks member for 2 years, and served on several state boards during his time as county commissioner.

Hank will be remembered for his work ethic, his fondness for the community in which he lived, his avid support of Blue Hawk athletics, and mostly for his love for his family.

Hank is survived by his wife Barbara Laws of Thompson Falls; son Clint Laws and grandchildren Shandi and Chase Laws all of Spokane, WA; son Chadd Laws, daughter-in-law Amy, and grandchildren Jaron, Tanner, and Lindsay all of Thompson Falls. He is also survived by siblings Doris Polinsky, Ernie Laws, Larry Laws, Ethel Richards and Dorthy Mummy. Hank was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Mabel, and his siblings Don, Roy, Leona, and Bill.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to support the Hank Laws Scholarship fund. This account has been set up at First Security Bank, PO Box 3500, Thompson Falls, MT 59873.

A memorial service will be held at Thompson Falls High School on Sunday, December 20th with a reception to follow at the Rivers Bend Golf Course in Thompson Falls. A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 21st, at the Whitepine cemetery.