Joseph G. Arts, 71, of Troy
Joseph G. Arts, 71, died on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at his home in Troy of natural causes. He was born early in St. John’s Hospital, in Helena Montana, Dec.18, 1946. He stayed there for three months doing what babies do best until he was adopted by his parents Dr. Joseph B. and Bernece Arts. His sister Susan was adopted two years later. This was one of the best things that ever happened to him.
He continued to do what little kids do until he was put in St. Helena School where he suffered through Catholic education until they put him in Cathedral High School where he graduated in 1965.
After that he joined the Navy where he served in San Diego on the amphibious Base Coronado and on the USS El Dorado until his honorable discharge in 1970.
Joe then worked for the Federal Highway Administration, Bureau of Public Roads, working on many roads in Montana and Wyoming while going to college in Missoula in the off season until he discovered one day he was a teacher! After interviewing all over Montana, he finally settled in Troy in 1973 where he taught third, fourth or fifth grade for thirty-three years. Joe also drove school bus for thirty-four years. Many of his proudest memories are seeing his kids (his students) grow up and become successful adults. It still made him proud to see them as adults, with families of their own. Many had also become his dear friends over the years
All Joe’s life he loved all things automotive. He built (with the help of his talented friends) a number of cars, trucks, hot rods and race cars over the years. He credits those vehicles with keeping him out of bars and off cigarettes for the majority of his life.
Joe was very lucky to have had way more than his share of good friends. He felt privileged to have known each and every one.
He was also lucky to have had good jobs and good bosses throughout his life, except for the last one who was one of the most incompetent people he ever knew.
And through all of it, Joe could truly say, “I don’t know about you, but I had a good time!”
Services will take place in Helena. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnacken bergfh.com.
Buck D. Kidder, 64, of Troy
Buck D. Kidder, 64, of Troy, Mont. died Tuesday July 24 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center from natural causes. Buck was born Oct. 21, 1953 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho to Lloyd and Ella (Widner) Kidder. At the age of 17 Buck enlisted in the United States Air Force, one month before he was drafted so that he could choose his branch of service. Shortly after his enlistment he earned his GED and was given an honorary diploma from Troy High School. Buck served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force as a seven Level Jet Engine Mechanic. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he worked for Chapel Cedar and did trail maintenance for the USFS. Buck co-owned NO Kidding Auto and later would work for World Wide Machine Pipeline division, where he was trained as a padder operator.
Buck married Tamera on Oct. 8, 1999 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho and they made their home in Troy. Buck was a member of the Troy Cruzers and the Troy VFW where he served as the Commander of VFW Post #5514 for many years. He was always available to help out others and will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Kidder and his sister, Donna Trainor.
Survivors include his mother, Ella Kidder; wife, Tammy Kidder; brother, Wade Kidder; sister, Debbie Williams; his children Brandy Bunn, Becky Kidder-Giles, James Bekier, Bobbie Scott, Paula Kidder, Buck Alan Kidder, Cody DeWitt; grandchildren Micheal Beck, Brandon Kidder, Kaytlynn Carr, Madison Bunn, Alex Giles, Duane Scott, Annaka Kidder, Buck Kidder, Kayliegh DeWitt and Daniel DeWitt.
Graveside services and Military Honors for Buck were at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 31 at the Milnor Lake Cemetery in Troy.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to Wings in his name. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.schnacken bergfh.com.