BURDIS UNRUH, Obituary

Burdis "Bert" James Unruh, 67, former Havre Parks and Recreation director, died Tuesday, July 9, 2002, at a Havre hospital of natural causes.

Funeral service will be 10 am, Friday at St. Jude Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert D. Grosch officiating. Burial will follow at the Highland Cemetery.

Bert was born Feb. 24, 1935, in Topeka, Kan., to Henry and Louise (Base) Unruh. With his stepfather being in the military, Bert moved around a lot. His family settled in Havre and Bert graduated high school in Havre in 1953.

In October 1953, Burdis married Anne M. Mariani in Helena. The couple resided in Havre where Bert worked for the City of Havre in the Parks and Recreation Department. The couple had three children. Bert retired from the Parks and Recreation as the director in 1997 after working there for more than 30 years.

Bert enjoyed the outdoors, especially at his cabin in the Bear Paw Mountains. He also enjoyed fly fishing, gardening, golfing and spending time flying his model planes at the Saddle Butte R.C. Flying Club.

Bert was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Anne (Mariani) Unruh in 1999.

He is survived by his sons, Daniel L. and wife Patty Unruh of Everett, Wash., and Jerry and wife Susan Unruh of Spokane, Wash.; daughter, Jeanne Unruh of Las Vegas, Nev.; brothers Elmer and wife Nell Unruh of Dillon, Sam Unruh of California and Bob Unruh of California.

Memorials in Bert's honor may be made to St. Jude Parish, 624 Fourth Street, Havre, MT 59501.

Services and arrangements are under the direction of Holland and Bonine Funeral Home.