Jake Andrew Legard

On Sunday evening, February 20, 2000 our scrappy made his early debut into this world in Missoula, Montana. His grandma Kathy, grandpa Pat along with Dad Mark and sister Jessica were there to greet him. In keeping with his love of all things sports related this also happened to be Daytona 500 Sunday.

Jake first attended school at Hellgate Elementary. While there he was involved with Missoula Little Guy Wrestling. His coaches Shannon and Bob were always there pushing him. He loved when Coach Bob would reward his knowledge with Dilly Bars. He medaled one year of Districts and made it to the State Tournament the last four years he wrestled.

His love of sports was evident early on. Even though his dad tried to brainwash him into being a Denver Broncos fan, before he was out of diapers, Jake was an Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning fan. During basketball season Kobe Bryant and the Lakers were his team. Nascar season found him cheering on Kasey Kahne and Matt Kenseth. His baseball teams were the LA Angels and Boston Red Sox. Even though he lived in the heart of Griz Country he picked up on the love of the Bobcats from his Uncle Scott. He drug his mom to the coldest Cat-Griz game in recent memory. He wasn’t afraid to brave 20 below wind chills. He bundled in blue and gold in the Washington-Grizzlies Stadium to root his team on.

Jake carried on the family tradition of being involved in 4-H. He spent many summers in Plains with his Sister Jessica at Grandma Kathy’s raising pigs to show at the Sanders County Fair. His very first year he had the Grand Champion Guilt. His demonstration he prepared about his hound dog Daisy went on to the state competition. In 2011 Jake was the recipient of the Grand Champion Carcass award.

In the summer of 2011 Jake came up to live in Plains, Montana. He was excited at the possibility of having his dad be able to coach or help with his football and wrestling. He was a member of the Plains Jr High School team and played both offensive and defensive guard.

Every summer the family made an all day trip to Silverwood in Idaho. The whole family enjoyed many great times at the water park, riding the roller coasters and spending time with each other.

Jake developed a love of country music from his dad and grandpa. He especially loved Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. He was also a faithful fan of the newer artists Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean.

Jake had many dreams he wanted to pursue. He was very knowledgeable regarding current local and world affairs. Jake wasn’t afraid to share his political opinion. He talked of one day running for President. His entrepreneurial skills and aspirations may have given Donald Trump a run for his money. His in-depth knowledge of sports would have even adults calling him for advice and answers. Maybe one day he would be working for ESPN.

On Friday night June 14th 2013, Jake left this world the same way he entered, surrounded by family and love. He may have left us early, but he touched the lives of many. His greatest gift was his compassionate heart. Jakey was always there rooting for the underdog, offering a helping hand or a kind word. Always looking to lift someone up who was down on their luck.

Jake is survived by his Mom Laurie Legard, Sister Jessica Legard Missoula, MT, Dad Mark Legard of Plains, MT, Sister Jaycee and Niece Isabelle Deerlodge, MT, Grandfather Pat Legard Plains, MT, Grandparents Dave and Lisa Frederick New Ringgold, PA, Grandmother Janet Chaclor Jacksonville, FL, Uncle Scott, Aunt Sharon, Cousins Morgan and Travis Legard Lonepine, MT, Uncle Eric, Aunt Patsy Legard Billings, MT, Uncle Tom OLeary and Aunt Kimmy Hollenbach and cousins Damon Oleary Millsboro, DE, Cousin Aaron Hollenbach Hazleton, PA, Uncle David and Molly Frederick New Ringgold, PA, Uncle Roland and Jeanette McCrea cousins Kaylan, Erin, Cole and Donna. Various extended and loving friends and family members in Montana, Idaho, Washington and Pennsylvania. Last but not least his hound dog Daisy.

We will love and miss you always Jakey. Thank-you for blessing us while we had you in our lives. We now have the best guardian angel Heaven has to offer.

In Lieu of Flowers please make donations to either the Sanders County Search and Rescue or Sanders County 4-H.