Victor P. PARENT

MISSOULA - Victor P. Parent, 100, passed away Monday, July 25, 2005, at Bee Hive Homes of natural causes.Victor was born in Frenchtown on March 17, 1905, (St. Patrick's Day) to Amanda Parent, Gagnon and John Parent.He attend schools in Frenchtown and graduated from Frenchtown High School. He always joked that he was valedictorian of his graduating class because he was the only one in it. On June 15, 1934, Vic married his high school sweetheart, Lena Bisson, a marriage that lasted 69 years, until she passed away in 2003 at the age of 93.Vic started his career with the U.S. Forest Service in 1930. He worked on various ranger districts, including Powell, Idaho, Lolo, Ninemile, Missoula and Kenai, Alaska.While on the Kenai, Vic spearheaded the stepped-up recreation program on the forest, and the reconstruction following the March 27, 1964, earthquake.He retired from the Forest Service as Kenai district ranger of the Chugach National Forest in Seward, Alaska, in September 1965.Vic was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman. His younger years were filled with fishing, hunting, hiking and snowshoing.Retirement brought about his greatest enjoyments, which included wintering in Arizona, square-dancing, golf, bowling and sharing his famous Kahlua recipe.Vic was able to enjoy seeing friends and family at his 100th birthday party. He also attended the 75th anniversary celebration of the Forest Service Remount Depot at Ninemile before he passed away.Victor is survived by his daughters, Audrey Pickens (Jim) and Barbara Mast of Missoula. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kim Grant (Alan), Kathy Gentry (Bruce), Dean Gillmore (Eda) of Missoula, Michael Pickens (Lisa), Dana Rubottom (Glen) of Helena; nine great-grandchildren; niece, Dean French (Bob) of Plains; and a sister-in-law, Louise Falknen (Bob).A graveside service will be held Friday, Aug. 5 at 1 p.m. at Saint Mary's Cemetery Annex. A reception will follow at the Eagle's Lodge, 2420 South Ave. W.We would like to thank our Bee Hive Family who showed Victor so much love and allowed him so much dignity.Also special thanks to Partners Hospice who made it so much easier and showed us the way.Memorials may be made to Partners in Home Care Hospice, 2687 Palmer St., Missoula, MT 59808 or the charity of your choice.