John Lester Holyoak, 69, passed away Friday, Jan. 12, 2007, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born — one of six children — on April 25, 1937, in Lovell, Wyo. to Howard and Maude (Lester) Holyoak.

John grew up in the small farming community of Cowley, Wyo. He graduated from Cowley High School in 1956 and began his career in construction. After working in Glenrock and Hanna, his career led him from Wyoming to Montana.

He spent 38 wonderful years in the valley. During this time he received a Presidential Citation by President Gerald Ford for working on the Libby Dam. He was employed in the paving industry for many years and was well-respected and liked by all who knew him.

John married Gail Thompson on May 18, 2005, in Kalispell, and the couple spent their honeymoon visiting their children. John enjoyed the outdoors, especially tending his garden and lawn. He and Gail spent many hours enjoying their scenic view and the deer that lived nearby. John also enjoyed archery and fishing. He was dedicated Denver Broncos fan, and never passed up an opportunity to watch football.

John was preceded in death by his parents: two sons: Wesley and Verne; as well as two brothers: Howard and Robert.

He is survived by his wife, Gail, of Kalispell; two daughters, Michelle Pixley and husband, John, of Cheyenne, Wyo.; and Jeannie Hollister and husband, Steven, of Bar Nunn, Wyo.; a son, Shan Holyoak of Cheyenne Wyo.; stepdaughter Dawn Michelle Johnson and husband, Russ, of Fairbanks, Alaska; stepdaughter ,Lori Balsino and husband, Chris, of Tucson, Ariz; stepson, Don Jennings of Tucson, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter; a sister, Pat Welch, and husband, James, of Kaiser, Ore.; three brothers, William and wife, JoAnne, of Morgan, Utah; Bentley and wife, Betty Ann, of West Valley City, Utah; and Wayne and wife, Sandra, of Blairstown, N.J.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services for John will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at Sawbucks, 1301 S. Main St. The family suggests memorial gifts be given to the Brendan House/Hospice, 310 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for John's family.