Fundraiser supports 'everyone’s favorite garbageman'
Lyle Batt with his wife Melanie and their daughter Quin, enjoying family time in western Montana. A fundraiser to help with expenses is being held Saturday from Lyles surgery and recovery time not covered by medical insurance.
Lyle Batt grew up in Frenchtown and he is one of those guys that everyone loves. He married Melanie 10 years ago, and with their daughter Quin who is 7, they could be the poster the all-American family.
Lyle has worked for Republic Services and as Deb Sheppard says, “He’s not the guy who does his work just as a job. He does anything and everything for anyone as he is a very giving man. He makes friends on the routes and he even called me on the phone asking if I wanted a little pile of stuff next to my garbage can to be thrown away, or just left. Can you believe that?”
Shepard proudly considers Batt one of her own and she is at the tip of the spear when it comes to organizing an event Oct. 12 at the Mineral County Fairgrounds in Superior.
On Aug. 26, Lyle had a seizure that was caused by a tumor which was removed the following day. He has a long road of recovery in front of him that he is taking in stride which is testament to his character of determination and because he is a family man that needs to get back to providing.
Batt’s immediate family is superglue-tight from Huson, Frenchtown, Missoula and Wyoming and extremely involved. He is the president of the Superior LIONS which has been a brotherhood even before this issue and the membership has been by his side at the hospital and recovery 24/7.
Melanie works for the Mineral County Health Department which is well known as a dynamic group of caring women who make things-happen when it comes to families and public health.
Yes, there is insurance and everyone is grateful for it, but there are major expenses that they are facing and that is where Sheppard steps up to the plate.
“OK, this Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. is a silent auction with a live auction at 5 p.m. From 4 to 5 p.m., beef or pork sandwiches will be served along with salads and dessert. It’s $10 per plate with children under 12 free of charge.”
Sheppard asks that she is called if people would care to contribute side dishes for the dinner for drop off arrangements. Call (406) 382-0118.
“Auction items include a little electric motorcycle, snowblowers and guns and lawnmowers. We’re going to have liquor that you can donate to have. All kinds of baskets, just tons of baskets. Hair products, wines….I’m drawing a blank,” Sheppard smiles over the telephone. “Lots of good stuff. We’re going to have amazing stuff and we would be so happy to take more if people will call me.”
Auction items can be left at 4478 Southside Road in Superior through Thursday or delivered to the 4-H Quonset hut at the fairgrounds on Friday during the setup for Saturday’s shindig.