Vincent 'Vinnie' John Contreras III, 78

Vincent "Vinnie" John Contreras III, 78, passed away Feb. 16, 2026, at his residence in Martin City surrounded by his loved ones.

Vinnie was born in Brea, California on July 18, 1947, to Vincent and Georgene Contreras. California was a simpler time with Grandma and Grandpa's, weekends at the ocean, and sidewalk surfing. When Vinnie was 17, he spent the summer with his Uncle Albert in Nyhart, where the love of Montana was forever imprinted in his heart. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1965 and was sent to Germany for his tour of duty as a teletype operator. One of Vinnie's highlights in Germany was seeing Janice Joplin live with his fellow Gl's. Vinnie was honorably discharged from the service. After the service he took an apprenticeship in masonry where his trade began. One particular job he was very proud of was building a fountain basin for an Italian alabaster fountain for famous music producer Berry Gordy of Motown Records. 

While frequenting a little cafe in California he met his first wife, Debbie. They had their first son, little Vinnie (Young). In 1975 he moved to Montana wanting to create a better life for his family. Although Vinnie was excited for change and a fresh start, there were obstacles they had to overcome with this move. They rented at the Nords apartments in Columbia Falls, and he took several odd jobs until he secured a position at the Aluminum Plant as a mason. This led to moving to Martin City, which became home. The family grew with the addition of another son, Isaac "Zeek" and later a daughter, Kassaundra "Katie." 

Vinnie was a lover of all things with music, sports, and the unconditional love for his family and friends to top the lengthy list. Playing softball with the Aluminum Plant team. Coaching women's softball (Log Cabin Cafe team) to an undefeated season bonding their friendships forever. He took time teaching his kids to play sports and love the outdoors. He had a golf membership for 40 years at the Glacier View Golf Club where he formed lifelong friendships over the love of the sport. 

Vinnie was widowed after the tragic loss of his beloved wife, a loss that forever changed his life and the lives of his children. He later married Carol and became Pop to Mysti and Carrie. After his marriage to Carol ended, he married Wendy in 1989 and found lasting companionship and love where they built a beautiful life together full of adventures and laughter. Vinnie and Wendy had great times together with their friends and created an annual Cinco de Mayo party. Vinnie would personally invite his friends where they shared their love of music and food around the campfire. Many happy summers were spent on the reservoir on his pontoon boat, The Blue Dolphin home port Emery Bay and evenings spent by the campfire with dear friends playing music. Through his great love for music, he founded the Red Ants Pants music festival where they had an annual beard contest and he won many medals. The last year he went he won best in show. 

In his later years, Vinnie was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He confronted this chapter in his life with bravery and grace. Though the disease changed his life, it never diminished his spirit. 

Vinnie was preceded in death by wife, Deborah, parents, Vincent and Georgene, sister, Becky and nephew Jonas. He is survived by his wife, Wendy; his children Vincent (Sondrah), Isaac (Heather), Katie (TJ), Mysti and Carrie; his cherished grandchildren, Eddie, Diana, Camis, Amaiah, Malorie, Brodee and Olen; and his siblings, Marty, Sam, Alita and Elizabeth. 

A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. on March 25 at Columbia Falls Mortuary in Columbia Falls. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and join in honoring his life.