William Leslie Chittick, age 88, of Claremont, California, formerly of Belt, Montana, passed away peacefully from natural causes at Sunrise Assisted Living of Claremont on May 16, 2013. He was surrounded by his loving family.
William (Bill) was born on September 3, 1924 in Buffalo, Wyoming. He was the fourth of five children, and the second son of William Andrew and Elva (Dierdorff) Chittick. Shortly after Bill’s birth, William and Elva moved their family from Buffalo, Wyoming to Helena, Montana, which is where Bill started elementary school. After finishing the first grade, the Chittick family moved to Belt, Montana. After finishing at Belt Valley Grade School, Bill went on to Belt Valley High School. In Bill’s own words he was an “average student”. However, he developed into a champion runner in the half-mile race, breaking school and regional records. Some of which still remain to this day. He also lettered in football and basketball. Bill graduated high school in May of 1942. He started college in September 1942 at the University of Washington in Seattle.
After his first semester, he joined the Army to defend the country he so loved, from an unimaginable evil called communism. After infantry training, he left the United States for Europe on December 1, 1944. He served in Germany from December 25, 1944 to January 19, 1945, at which point he was transported to France. It was there, in a small war torn village, as he stood talking with a fellow soldier, a mortar exploded behind him killing his comrade and Bill was severely wounded in action on February 17, 1945. With a nearly severed left arm and multiple deep shrapnel wounds to his legs and back, he was sent back to the United States on the U.S. Army Hospital Ship, the “Acadia”. He arrived in Charleston, S.C. at Stark General Hospital in April 1945. After the initial surgeries and recovery he was transferred to the McCaw General Hospital at Ft. Lewis in Walla Walla Washington. His final rehab was in Bushnell General Hospital in Brigham City, Utah until May 1946.
Although his life had been derailed by the events of the war, Bill was resilient, and refused to be deterred. Education was very important to him, so he resumed his studies and enrolled in Montana State College, in Bozeman in June 1946. It was there that his life changed forever, and he met the love of his life, Eva Marie Ingram. After a courtship, they were married on December 27, 1948. Their union was a love affair that would last 58 beautiful years, until Eva’s passing in 2006.
They married during the Christmas break from school, so Bill could continue his studies and eventually graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering in June 1950. After graduation Bill stayed in Bozeman and worked as a Territory Manager for the Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. During this time they relocated from Bozeman to Missoula. It was during this time that they welcomed their first child, a son, Michael Allan on January 1, 1954. After almost five years, Bill & Eva welcomed their second child, a girl, Lori Kay.
Realizing that the store was not going to provide the financial security that he desired for his family, Bill accepted a position as an Industrial Engineer with Convair, a defense contractor, in San Diego, CA. The family picked up and left Montana for the new adventures that awaited them in California. Bill and his family spent ten blissful years in San Diego, where Bill was very active with his family and enjoyed camping and backpacking, and was a Boy Scout leader. Then, a work related transfer sent them for a short stay in Montreal, Canada before General Dynamics transferred him back to Claremont, California in 1972. This is where he remained for the remainder of his career and subsequently enjoying his retirement years traveling and enjoying family.
Bill’s trademark qualities were his quiet confidence, unwavering honesty, and his loyalty to his family and friends. He was reserved by nature, but enjoyed living and laughing with those that he loved. His happy greeting of “How Do You Do” will be missed by all who knew him. He was the “ROCK” that everyone clung to and he willingly and lovingly took care of everyone. Our worlds feel a little less secure without him.
Bill grew up in the Great Depression, became a WWII hero, a successful businessman, and a deeply devoted family man, who loved the country that he fought for so many years ago. He lived his life with thoughtful purpose and handled any challenges with dignity and courage.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents William & Elva, his sisters Margaret & Marion, his brothers James & Robert, and his beloved wife, Eva. He is survived by his son, Mike Chittick of Estacada, Oregon, his daughter, Lori and son-in-law Jody Case of Claremont, California, his grandsons Will of Estacada, Oregon, and Kyle of Claremont, California, and his great-granddaughter Grace of Estacada, Oregon.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at the Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry, MT. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Prairie County Cemetery with full military honors. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Prairie County Cemetery in Terry or to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:www.stevensonandsons.com.
T. Kelly says
I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of Comfort be with your family. We can find comfort during these times by focusing on God’s promises for the future. Isaiah 33:24 says there will be a time when “no resident will say I am sick.” Also Revelation 21:4 says death wil be no more.
Deb Hughes says
Dear Lori – May the memories from yesterday heal you in the days and months to come. May the stories from others ease your loss in bringing you and your family some peace, joy and laughter. May the angels in heaven swoop down and comfort you and your family by wrapping their wings around you.
Letting go of a Father is one of the hardest things to do as they have experienced our first breath, first cry, first steps and childhood journeys. A Father is the rock of the family as they nurture, protect and conquer all. A Father will always live within you even when they have moved on to the afterlife.
May God Bless you and your family and keep you at peace.
Alex Soto says
Lori,
My thoughts and prayers for you and your family in this challenging time.
Todd Britton says
Dear Lori,
In this challenging time, please hold onto the wonderful memories and experiences you had with your dad. Take solace from those memories and reflect back fondly on the times together. I wish you continued strength and a renewed sense of peace to help you through. May God bless you and keep you.
Dorothy Joines says
Dear Lori,
We’ve had many discussions over the years about how much your father means to you and your family. I know this is one of the saddest times of your life, but try to remember that you will be together again and find solace knowing that he is happy with your mother. It’s so hard when both your parents pass on. Please know that your friends are here to prop you up whenever you need us. You are in my thoughts and prayers that God will give you comfort, strength and peace. Love you, Dorothy
Debbie Deacy says
Dear Lori-
Loving thoughts and prayers to you and your family…
“As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is a note of love rising to the heavens.” – Author Unknown
Retta Rahmani says
Dear Lori,
You have been your dad’s angel on earth. He is now resting in the arms of your mom and the heavenly angels. He is at peace. I wish you peace of heart and mind. You are in my thoughts and prayers always.
Steve Grey says
Lori, so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. May our God surround you with his angels bringing comfort and peace. Know that you and your family are in our prayers. Please let us know if we can do anything for you during this time.
God Bless and Keep You ~ Steve
Denice Wiegand says
Dear Lori,
My prayers are with you and the whole family as you gain peace through this difficult time. We care about you and take care and we are all here for you. God Bless now and always.
Phil Hawkey says
Lori – I wish you peace at this time of great sadness. You have been an amazing daughter who has gone beyond expectation to give tremendous care to your father. You should find comfort in knowing that you did everything you could to help your dad. My sympathy to you, Jody and Kyle . Phil
Kathy Hine says
I am really sorry for you loss. I know how close you were to your father and what an influence he had on your life. I am here for you and want you to know how much I love you. You are all in my prayers. Kathy
Judi says
Dear Lori,
Please know that all your friends and colleagues have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. As time passes, the sorrow and pain of loss will give way to fond memories and peace in knowing that your Father has been reunited with your Mother. You did everything you could to make the journey comforting and you were there to say goodbye. There can be no greater gift we can give to those we love.
God is with you – peace and love from your friend, Judi
Adeline Cardenas-Clague says
You have dedicated yourself to your dad’s care, and in so doing, have set a fine example for all of us who are charged with the care of a loved one. You were lucky to have one another after your mother passed. And, now it’s time for those who love you to provide the care and support you’ll need to transition through this loss. Count me in, my friend. Ad
Corinne Medina says
Lori-
I lost my Father when I was 13 but it seems as though it was this morning. We never danced… your opportunities were different. Embrace your quality time with him, you were an incredible daughter. Let there be peace in your heart…… you cared so much. I am here for you- Corinne
Ani Kechichian says
Lori – you and I talked a lot about taking care of our parent, and provided a great support to each other. You are an amazing daughter who put her life on hold to take care of her father. He knew how much you loved him, and I am confident it was a great comfort and peace for him. Take care of yourself and we will see you soon – Ani
Jody Bomba says
Dear Lori,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you walk though this difficult time of loss. May God fill that big aching hole in your heart with his love and care.
With warm regards,
Jody Bomba
Kristina Pascarella says
Dear Lori,
So sorry for your loss. You have the comfort of knowing you were there to take care of father which you did with so much grace. Our prayers are with you and your family.
God bless you all. Until you meet him again. He is now at that really big party!
With warmth, Kristina and John Pascarella
Laura Rich says
Dear Lori,
My heart hurts for you, my friend. I know how profoundly and beautifully your dad influenced your life – and that he truly was your best friend. The kind of father-daughter relationship you shared with your dad is rare, precious, and eternal. You were his angel on earth…and the time will come when he and your mom will envelop you–their loving, beautiful, nurturing, gentle, devoted and deeply caring daughter into their arms again. Lori, I am lifting you, Jody and Kyle up in my prayers at this time of deep sorrow. I pray for your healing and peace of mind…and that God cradles you all with His grace, love, and comfort.
Sending you and your family my most heartfelt sympathy, love, and hugs,
Laura
Sandy Lejay says
Dear Lori,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I know your dad is in a peaceful place proudly looking down at you knowing how you loved him and cared for him. Let God be your comforter in this time of need.
Sandy
Karyn Elkington says
Dear Lori,
I know this is a very difficullt time for you. You have been through a lot and I’ve watched and admired your strength through all of this. You have been an inspiration to me as you know I will be going through this with my dad as well. You are a very dear friend and your Dad is at peace along with your Mom. They are together once again and that Im sure will provide you peace and comfort through these difficult times. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you!
Karyn
Andrea Pluth says
Lori,
No father could have asked for a more loving, caring and devoted daughter. I’m sure he is so proud of you. May God bless you and keep you.
With sympathy,
Andrea