Lewis Richard “John” Rossie, 77, of Miles City passed away on October 6, 2013 at Holy Rosary Health Center with his family by his side. Lewis was born on March 31, 1936, to Angelo and Anna (Minor) Rossie in Barstow, Texas.
Lewis attended school in Washington and graduated from Lake Washington High School. He joined the Navy in 1956 and as Quartermaster, he spent the next four years touring on the USS Estes to Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines and most of Asia, and Alaska as well. He was very proud of his service to his country and fondly spoke of his experiences during that time.
After an honorable discharge he met the love of his life Helen “Bonnie” Veach in 1960 and they soon married in California, to this union 3 children were born. The next few years he worked as a baker and milkman. In the late 1960’s he moved his family to the Seattle, Washington area, where he started a roofing business with his family. In 1970 he moved to Hawaii and continued his roofing business as well as opening a dive shop in Maui, in which he was a certified dive instructor logging countless dives off the coast of Maui.
In the mid 1970’s he was called back to the military to serve in the Vietnam War. After that tour he moved to Yakima, Washington to help his parents with their farm. In the mid 1980’s he returned to Seattle and started North Star Canopy. In 1998 he moved to Missoula, MT where he had a variety of outdoor jobs, which he enjoyed before moving to Miles City in 2006 to work as a ranch hand until retirement in 2009.
Lewis liked to garden, was an avid fisherman, expert rifleman, loved to hunt and be in the outdoors. For Lewis, nothing could beat a day of salmon fishing. His smoked salmon was irresistible. He cherished his many fishing trips to Alaska. He was a very social person whose warmth and good-hearted nature was liked by everyone he met.
Lewis is survived by daughters Jeri Vodhonel of Canyon Lake, CA, Julie Rossie-Barbee of San Jose, CA, son Kenneth Rossie of Seattle, WA, sister Frances, three granddaughters, Laren, Jessica and Ashley, one grandson, Angelo, numerous nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Lewis is preceded in death by his brother Robert, parents Angelo and Anna, his step-father Loran Roberts and his beloved Chocolate Lab Missie.
A private family service and burial will take place at a later date. Stevenson and Sons of Miles City is assisting the family with these arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Craig Abrahamson says
I was so sad to hear about my Uncle John´s passing. Even though we had not been in touch in many years, I have many great memories of him from my childhood. He always made me laugh! I wish to extend my sympathies to all of my cousins and the rest of the family. He was a unique person and I am glad he was part of my life.
gina cornutt says
I took care of Jhon rossie at corner lot care he was a very nice man and he love to talk and Jhon always. Seem to put a smile on my face he will always have a special place in my Hart. Jhon you will be miss dearly thank you make my job so pleasant.
Frances DaSilva says
Jeri Julie ,and Kenny
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. we have been out of the country. Your dad was a great guy and loved his family dearly. Your father was the greatest story teller that ever lived.He loved to make people laugh. He always enjoyed the great outdoors and all that it had to make life wonderful. He was very much like his mother in so many ways. He even looked like her. That is a wonderful complement to them both. We were not alway able to communicate but I do have some good memories of our childhood together and they make me laugh. My love to all of you inq this’s time of sadness but filled with love.
Auntie Fran