John Harold Latimer was born Dec.26, 1929 to Verne and Grace Latimer in Portland, OR and was the baby in the family of four. He attended Benson Technical High School and joined the US Air Force in 1948 on a 3 year enlistment. The Korean War broke out and the enlistment became 4 years. He went to automotive equipment school in Wyoming after basic training in San Antonio, TX and was then shipped to Greenland for 15 months. He then went to Great Falls Air Base and then to Mt. Home in Idaho where he became great friends with Trent Turnbull who was also stationed there. After several trips to Terry with Trent, he came to love the people and the area. Joe Turnbull of the Chevy garage offered him a job and after discharge in 1952, John came to work and live in Terry the rest of his life! John found Joe a great boss to work for and was glad to work in the town hub of local stories. In fact he stayed on even though the garage later sold to the Macioroskis, the Joe Johnsons, and the Kalfells! When that garage closed, he worked for Roy Smith’s Ford dealership for five years, retiring in 1993.
John’s passion was always hiking, camping and mountain climbing with friends and especially his older brother Bill. They enjoyed camping, the Terry Badlands and the challenges of weather. His indoor passion turned to making dulcimers and violins, using precision automotive measuring techniques to produce wonderful music. His 30+ violins are spread around Montana and are a living legacy to steady prayerful woodmanship. Every instrument was signed “Soli Deo Gloria”- All the Glory goes to God!
John loved Jesus and was a cornerstone elder, deacon, and lay preacher for the Community Presbyterian Church in Terry. He loved to witness and study the Bible with everyone and had a special spot for the nursing home residents with many words of encouragement and music. His presence there will be very much missed. His special friend Viola Irion supported his desire to love Christ and spread music.
John passed away Friday, September 12, 2014 at the Prairie Community Hospital. A special thanks to Suzanne Wollman for the care these last 4 months of his battle with lung cancer and Parkinsons, to Gary and Sandy Sperline for the many trips taking John to the doctors and to the Prairie community Hospital for the great care given to John.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Ethel Terhaar, and brother Bill. Survivors include sister Arlene in Portland, two nieces Elizabeth Larson and Betty Losinger, and his best friend Viola.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at 2:00 pm at the Community Presbyterian Church in Terry. Interment will follow in the Prairie County Cemetery with full military honors. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Terry is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com
Memorials can be given to the church he loved – Terry Community Presbyterian Church or the charity of choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 17, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Terry, MT
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday September 18, 2014
Community Presbyterian Church
Terry, MT
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
following in the Prairie County Cemetery
Thursday September 18, 2014
,
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 17, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Terry, MT
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday September 18, 2014
Community Presbyterian Church
Terry, MT
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
following in the Prairie County Cemetery
Thursday September 18, 2014
,
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Vernon & Janice Kaul says
So sorry to hear about Lum. He was one of the good guys. R.I.P. Lum. God bless.
Greg Childress says
I met John a few years ago when he repaired a violin for me. I would occasionally stop for visits as I was passing through and talk violin making and other things. He was quite a craftsman and I purchased one of his handmade violins. He enjoyed listening to me play the banjo on occasion and the sweet clover honey I would bring him. I will miss John and am sure he will take his long walks in Heaven and play sweet notes on his blond violin.
Peggy Wilson Latrielle says
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Lum Latimer. I first got to know Lum nearly a half century ago through activities in the Community Church. He was a kind and steady presence in Terry for all these years, and he will certainly be missed.
Steve Bingham says
I never met John, but I have one of his violins that he made and love playing it. I live in North Carolina and my friend Greg Childress got this violin for me and I was very impressed with the craftsmanship that went into making this violin and the sound is wonderful. I will think of John every time I play this beautiful instrument and hope to meet him in heaven one day and maybe play music with him.
Ashley Bolin says
Rest in peace! You were such an inspiration to others and will be greatly missed. RIP XOXO
Heather Carter says
Terry has lost a gentle soul but gained an angel to watch over us. Lum has been an inspiration for me to get out and enjoy the beautiful surroundings that we have. Lum will be missed by so many.
Judy and Larry Jens says
Lum was a godly man whose life should serve as a roadmap for us all. He was a devout Christian and witnessed for the Lord in everything he did. His kindness and giving heart showed in how he cared for his friends Joe, and Vi, and his brother Bill, in their later years without ever a complaint. He was happy living a simple life in his little house on Main Street. An excellent artist, making those beautiful violins and dulicmers, doing other woodwork, and painting scenic pictures in oils, he was always humble. He had no enemies. Lum will be missed and long remembered in our community.