Edward R. Bott, 82, a World War II veteran of the South Pacific and Korea, died Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, at his home in Columbia Falls. He was born April 20, 1926, at Forsyth, to John Edward and Frances Bott.

Ed married Beatrice M. Hobbs on Sept. 19, 1948, in Miles City.

Ed was a family man and spent most of his life living out the motto, "Work hard and play hard"; those who knew him could always count on a prank or joke.

Ed enjoyed family activities, fishing, camping, mechanics and tinkering; he was always there for any need for family and dear friends and if it was broke, he could fix it.

Ed had been a farmer and machinist in Rosebud, and moved to Columbia Falls in 1963 where he worked as a machinist and mechanic for Superior Lumber, Will Warner, and retired from Canyon Logging.

Ed was a lifetime member of the IOOF and VFW, as well as a member of the Eagles (Kalispell Chapter) and the Moose Lodge in Whitefish.

Surviving him are his wife, Beatrice; his children, Cathy Bott of Kalispell, Ray Bott of Kalispell, and Donna DiTunno of Orofino, Idaho; his grandchildren, Haven Bott, Amanda Bott and Vincent DiTunno; three great-grandchildren, Mikayla Thomas, Hailey Thomas and Javien Mata; a brother, Willie Bott, of Rosebud; and sister, Lilly Smith, of Missoula; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at All Saints Episcopal Church, 2048 Conn Road, in Columbia Falls, with the Rev. Carolyn Kuhr officiating.

Arrangements are by Columbia Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Flathead Industries, 66 Fourth Ave. N., Kalispell, MT 59801; or to All Saints Episcopal Church, c/o P.O. Box 1923, Whitefish, MT 59937; or a charity of the donor's choice.