Archie H. Lucht, 86, died of natural causes Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; his brother, Robert; and his daughter-in-law, Jerrie.

Archie is survived by two sisters, Margaret and Dorothy; his two children, Lindy Lucht Farrell and Dick of Great Falls, and his son, Robin Lucht, of Helena; grandchildren, Sherri Houston and Greg, Jacinda Hendricks and Ken, Heather Levandowski and Dan, Todd Farrell and Amy, Jason Lucht, and Tina Crum and Todd; and great-grandchildren, Harston, Davis, MacKenzie, Kevin, Zach, Kayleigh and Tyler.

He was born in Saco on Oct. 13, 1921, to Emil and Katherine Blue Lucht. He was educated in Montana schools.

He married Virginia Robinson in 1941 and enlisted in the Navy during the Second World War. He served as a Seabee in the Pacific Theater.

After World War II, Archie graduated from Montana State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education, and from the University of Montana with a master's in education.

Archie had many jobs during the course of his life. He worked as a park ranger in Glacier Park, as a member of the Border Patrol in San Diego, and as a customs agent on the Canadian border. Archie was particularly proud of his work in the education field. He was a lifelong educator and retired as principal of Helena Junior High after a career that included Opheim, Belgrade, Troy and Libby.

Archie was a staunch Republican and served as executive secretary for the party. He was extremely proud to have been a member of the Electoral College for Montana.

Archie was a masterful storyteller and enjoyed regaling his family and friends with stories of his life. He often started his recollections with, 'I might have told you this story before ...' These stories will be remembered fondly by many generations.

Archie was proud to be a lifelong member of the Masons and the Shriners.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Shriner's Children's Hospital or the donor's choice.

Family services and interment for Archie and Virginia will be held this summer in the Kalispell area.