John Edward Brekke passed away suddenly Oct. 31, 2013.

John was born Dec. 25, 1949, to Ralph and Ruth Brekke, spending his childhood in Chinook. He was the youngest of four children, brother Bob and sisters Barbara and Gini.

John graduated from Montana State University with a degree in psychology.

In 1973, John married the love of his life, Nancy Fuller, in Kalispell in the Woodland Park flower garden.  

In 1976, John went to work at the Swan River Youth Camp where he implemented the 12-step AA program combined with wilderness expeditions. One of his greatest joys was the arrival of his three “little boys,” Matthew in 1976, Brian in 1978, and Robert Marshall in 1980.  

His dream was to start a rehabilitation program of his own and this dream was realized in 1983, when he met his wonderful longtime partners Lou and Gloria Flanders who owned a working dude ranch in Marion. Thirty years later Wilderness Treatment Center is still operating and helping adolescents and young adults on their road to recovery. John was very proud of the 30-year mark this year and all the staff and people who continue to make the center such a success.

His spiritual well-being originated through his love of the outdoors and wilderness. He had discovered complete happiness and peace in his life knowing he had accomplished all of his hopes and dreams — a wonderful wife and family, great friends, a successful business and hunting and fishing adventures all over the world with his sons. He had no regrets in life and mentioned this often.

John passed away doing what he loved most — hunting pheasants in his favorite place, with his best friends and dog Shilo, his beloved hunting companion. The family has found some peace knowing that before his heart gave way, he shot his last pheasant and was found with Shilo proudly sitting next to him with the bird in his mouth. One final retrieve for John.

John is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons, Matthew and Robert Marshall; as well as many other caring family members and friends.

The family would like to thank all who have loved John so much and supported the family through this terrible loss. He will be missed as a great friend and husband and a true hero to his sons.

“He is now reunited with his son Brian.”

Brief graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell, followed by a time of celebration and memories at the Red Lion Hotel at 3:30 p.m. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Nov. 6, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.

The family suggests contributions to one of the following organizations: The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, P.O. Box 190688, Hungry Horse, MT 59919 — this  connects Americans with their wilderness heritage by providing access to and stewardship of one of the world’s most spectacular places; or to the Braveheart Chaplain Ministry, P.O. Box 7217, Kalispell, MT 59904 (designate through the United Way for Braveheart) — this  serves law enforcement and fire department staff as well as citizens experiencing a life-changing crisis.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for John’s family. You are invited to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view John’s tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.