Tana Bockman passes on

RONAN - On the morning of May 16, 2009, Montana Lee (Tana) Bockman filleted and released his last fish. No one else will be able to challenge the Master and World Champion of Cribbage. He has packed and moved his final peg.Tana was born Jan. 23, 1937, in Missoula, to Montana G. and Joy Bockman.He graduated from Missoula County High School in 1955, played Grizzly football and graduated from the University of Montana in 1961. He taught and coached in Hot Springs, Eureka, Chinook and St. Ignatius. In 1977, he bought and operated two businesses in Ronan, the Training Room Bar and The White Elephant 2nd Hand Store and resided there since.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Karen Kennedy; and his niece Stacey Kennedy.He is survived by his wife Carlene of 51 years; his son Scott (Martha) Bockman, Helena; two daughters, Becky (Dave) Toelke, Kalispell, and Christy Fryberger, Charlo. He is also survived by three grandsons, Montana S. Bockman, Tucker Lee Toelke and Brady Lee Fryberger; and three grand-daughters, Lindsay Ray Bockman, Carlene Elizabeth and Connor Mae Fryberger. He will be missed by his family, fishing buddies, athletes he has coached, cribbage players (who he has also coached), BS’ers, hunters and all-around great people and friends.A potluck celebration of Tana’s life will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at the Ronan Community Center. Bring your “cribbage face” and wear your Griz gear. Bobcat gear will be accepted but carefully screened.Memorials may be sent to the Ronan Wrestling Club c/o Ryan Fisher at 421 Andrew St. N.W. in Ronan, VFW Post 5652 at 35981 Round Butte Rd. in Ronan, the Grizzly Scholarship Association, UM, Adams Center 139, Missoula, MT 59812 or a charity of your choice.This is his final classic story and it’s the “honest-to-God truth”.Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services of Ronan is assisting with arrangements.