Paul David Kanta passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at the age of 55 in Colton, California.
Paul was born on June 21, 1958 in Billings Montana to Paul A. and Margaret Kanta. His parents raised Paul and his five sisters in Forsyth, Montana.
Paul graduated from Forsyth High School in 1976 and attended Billings Vocational-Technical Educational Center. He lived in Billings for many years, working at Elmer’s Pancake House as assistant manager before moving to Oregon. After living in Oregon for eight years and making many friends, Paul moved back to Forsyth, where he worked on the family farm for many years.
Paul, who had a library card for every place he lived, was an avid reader of history books and western novels. When he first moved to Forsyth as a third grader, he insisted on going to the library and getting library cards for his younger sisters, who were not yet in grade school. Along with his love of reading was his love of playing poker with his friends down at Buff’s Bar and on the occasional trip to Las Vegas.
One of the most important roles in Paul’s life was that of uncle to his twelve nieces and nephews. He loved to tease them and was always ready to take them out for ice cream. He liked them to have fun and was always willing to take them on a fun activity like when he booked an ocean fishing trip for all of them when attending a family reunion in Oregon.
Paul was preceded in death by his mother Margaret. He is survived by his father Paul A. Kanta of Forsyth, sisters Mary Catherine(Skip)Meek of Big Timber, MT, Maggie(Glen) Pate of Salem, OR, Teresa(Lance) Patterson of Redlands, CA, Christine(Art) Godinez of Mentone, CA, and Susan(Howard) Quinlan of Forsyth, MT; seven nieces: Joelle(Gary) Clayton, Kim ( Ben) McDonald-Brandner, Tierney(Allyn) Parker, Katie Quinlan, Emily(Isaac)Eisenbarth, Anna Meek, and Brooke Godinez; five nephews: Nathan Meek, Alan Godinez, PO3 Colin Patterson USCG, A1C Jacob Quinlan USAF and Jesse Pate; seven grandnieces and grandnephews.
A service will be held for Paul at Stevenson & Sons in Forsyth on September 11th 2013 at 2:00PM. A reception in his honor will be held following the service at Buff’s Bar.
Memorials may be made to the Rosebud County Library.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 Pm
Wednesday September 11, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 Pm
Wednesday September 11, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Karie Weamer says
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. I remember Paul as being so bubbly and full of life. Paul is at peace now with no more pain or suffering. RIP Paul
Kathie Gierke Zoller says
So sorry to hear about Paul. He took me in about 34 years ago to help me get my life together. He was so strong and happy every day for me. R.I.P. Paul. You have been in my thoughts for many years and I know now you are safe. Love you and thank you! You were a special person.
Janet Brewer says
I was so deeply saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. I have many fun memories of our High School days. I know the loss of a loved one is never easy. I pray that God will comfort you all through this very difficult time. Paul has found eternal rest and his soul is now at peace. My sincere condolences.
Diane Naasz says
My deepest condolences, and prayers are with you all at this time of tremendous loss. I remember Paul from high school, and hanging out with Maggie and him. Nice memories. RIP Paul.
Cathy Byron says
Paul’s tender care of Edna Olson said a lot about who he truly was. There were many who remarked about his kindness to her, and his consistency. That alone is a legacy he leaves behind. My heart is with each of you girls, and especially with your dad.
Lori Kerr Hughes says
I know the loss of your beloved son, brother, uncle and friend is painful. I am so sad for you, and I hope your faith and memories will comfort you. I had also heard how kind Paul was to Edna Olson, and that truly speaks volumes about who he was. My sincere condolences.
Peggy Redman & Earl Mortensen says
Earl joins me in expressing heartfelt condolences to you in the loss of your beloved son, brother, and uncle. May you find comfort and strength in knowing others care and are thinking of and praying for you at this difficult time.
Tim and Cindy Urbaniak says
Cindy and I are saddened by the loss of Paul. Although in recent years it would be too long between visits, we could always pick up as though we had seen each other yesterday. Paul was a good man and a good friend. I will always remember his reluctant backpacking trips of years ago and constant smile. Godspeed, buddy…see ya on the other side…
Gaye (Leischner) Baker says
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. I have many memories from high school of the gang hanging out and being friends. Sorrow is such a painful emotion, but at the same time I think it serves to strengthen our memories in our heart. May your memories give you comfort and stories of past adventures warm your hearts.
Ron and Pat Mogen says
I remember Paul as a kid, so bright-eyed and curious, so engaging and always so friendly. And through the years, whenever our paths would cross for a moment, that same spirit would light up our space again, as if we’d been next-door neighbors through all the years in between. When I think of Paul I remember his warm kindness, and I feel a fondness in my heart. My sincere condolences go out to all his sisters and their families and especially to his DAD. May Paul’s wonderful spirit warm your hearts forever.
Carolyn Schenk says
Everytime Paul and I seen each other, we always chatting. He was a very nice man, always positive and not a bad word 2 say about anyone. I will miss those chats. May he rest in peace now. May God watch over his family at this very difficult time.
Lisa Gaskill says
Susan and family, I did not know Paul, but I want to express my deepest sympathies to all of you. May God give you comfort through this difficult time.
J Johnson says
Dear family and friends of Paul David Kanta – I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. May God give you peace and comfort through his sure promises to end pain, mourning and death (Revelation 21:4) Almighty God also promises to fulfill our desires, not just our needs (Psalms 145:16) in the future. Cherish all the happy memories of Mr. Kanta and be further comforted by the Bible (John 17:3).
Steve and Dixie Seleg says
Paul, Susan and family, I want to share a memory of Paul. Emily, if you ever wondered when you learned to “drag main” it was at a very young age. As a matter of fact you could barely talk when I heard you say “Uncle Paul, let’s go drag main”. No one knew where you learned that but we knew who you wanted to take you ! As our children grew up together, we always knew how important Uncle Paul was to the the nieces and nephews. I know they will miss him, but keept those memories in your heart.
Steve and Dixie Seleg
Patty Strong Katalinick says
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. Paul was a good friend of my brother Mike. I saw the pictures on his slide show, it has been so many years! Patty