Lance Westgard, 63

Lance Westgard, of Columbia Falls, Montana, passed away on June 13, 2026, surrounded by family. He was born on Oct. 7, 1962, in Plentywood, Montana to Richard and Renetta Westgard.

The middle of three boys, Lance was raised on the family farm in Westby, Montana, and later attended college in Havre. There he met his soulmate, Terril, and kicked off 43 years of love and partnership. Together, they raised three kids and made sure family always came first.

Some people knew Lance as a pool-playing lumberjack, but most knew him for his incredible 36-year career in emergency medical services. He retired in November 2025 as a paramedic and the Operations Manager of Three Rivers EMS, leaving behind a strong legacy of leadership, mentorship, and service.

If you knew Lance, you knew his sense of humor. He almost always had a Mountain Dew in hand and a story to tell. When things got serious, everyone hoped Lance would be the one showing up, calm, steady, and in control. Lance was known for speaking his mind and trusting his experience. He may not have been easy to agree with, but you respected his dedication to the job, the expertise he built over decades, or the calm confidence he brought to the situation.

Lance showed his love through action. He was there when his family needed him, offering support, advice, or just a steady presence. The bond he shared with his grandkids was especially meaningful to him. Whether he was taking them fishing, rafting the river, camping, or roasting hot dogs over a fire, Papa was happiest when he was making memories.

Archery and rifle season were some of his favorite times of year. Even though his career kept him busy, and he joked regularly that he hated summer because of it, he always found time to enjoy the mountains that had drawn this eastern Montana farm boy west.

Lance was preceded in death by his wife, Terril; his parents, Richard and Renetta Westgard; his mother-in-law, Donna Golie; and his sister-in-law Tracy Wendland. 

Lance is survived by his son, Cody, and Cody’s children Haylee, Sofia, and Bryson; his daughter, Kalyne; his daughter Cortny, her husband, Mark Lakes, and their children, Natalie, James, and Gavin. He is also survived by his brothers, Bruce and Marty, and their families; his father-in-law, Bernie Golie; a large extended family of in-laws; and many friends and EMS colleagues.

Lance also leaves behind his loyal Boston terriers, Max and Charlie, who were rarely far from his side and brought him comfort and companionship.

Per Lance’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. His ashes were scattered alongside Terril’s.

The family would like to thank Elemental Cremation and Burial of Seattle, Washington, for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Three Rivers EMS in honor of Lance’s lifelong dedication to emergency medical services.

The lessons he shared, the stories he told, and the quick wit and sarcasm that kept us all on our toes will remain with us always.