FRANCIS BARDANOUVE, Obituary

HARLEM

Francis Bardanouve, 84, died Sunday, March 17, 2002.

Francis was born in Harlem to John and Alice (Miller) Bardanouve on Dec. 10, 1917.

Francis' parents were homesteaders in Blaine County. His maternal grandparents were also early homesteaders, making the present Bardanouve ranch a three-generation operation.

Francis graduated in 1937 from Harlem High School. In 1958, Francis was elected to the Montana House of Representatives, where he served for 36 years making him the second longest-serving legislator in Montana history. In this capacity, Francis was responsible for many important laws that benefited the state he loved.

Francis was a bachelor for many years until he married his wife, Venus, on June 25, 1967 and acquired the family whom he greatly loved. Francis and Venus were awarded honorary doctorate degrees from Montana State University-Bozeman in 1996.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Virginia Williams; and an aunt, Freda Hansen.

Survivors include his son, Dr. Kedric Cecil and wife, Johnna, of Havre; daughters, Kathleen Barnes and husband, Guy, of Fountain Valley, Calif. and Elizabeth Kuntz and husband, Reuben, of Harlem; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. Francis is a beloved son of Montana and will be greatly missed by his many friends, colleagues and family.

Arrangements are by Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook.