Obituary - Arvid Burton Ous

Arvid Burton Ous, 88, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the Northern Montana Hospital of natural causes.

His funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the First Lutheran Church in Havre with Cheryl Muncy officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Highland Cemetery.

Memorials in Arvid's honor may be made to The North Central Montana Everything Antique Show, Gildford Community Park or to a memorial of the donor's choice.

Please visit Arvid's online memorial to send a card or leave a message of condolence for his family at https://www.hollandbonine.com .

Arvid was born February 4, 1936 in McIntosh, Minnesota, the baby of five children to George and Villa (Nape) Ous. During the summer between his junior and senior year of high school he hitch-hiked to Chester, Montana. He worked for the Gannon farm until it was time to return to school. Arvid earned enough money to buy a car and returned to McIntosh to finish his senior year. In May 1954 he graduated from McIntosh High School. With Montana on his mind, he returned to Gildford to work for Rich Bailey. Arvid returned to Minnesota in the fall to be with his family. Arvid just couldn't get Montana out of his blood. He returned to Gildford to work for Merv Hanson for the summer and fall of 1955.

During these summers Arvid spent a lot of time at the Gildford Cafe where he met Sharon Brownlee. They dated on and off until he joined the Navy. Arvid and a friend joined the Navy in January 1956. He served honorably for 19 months on the USS Philippine Sea in the Pacific Ocean. Arvid was honorably discharged in October 1957.

He returned to Gildford in hopes of rekindling his relationship with Sharon. He was successful, the couple married November 18, 1960, at the Gildford Baptist Church. To this union three daughters were born Shanna, Stephanie and Dana.

The couple made their first home North of Gildford working for Leif Kapperud. Sharon's father decided to retire, allowing the couple to start farming on their own south of Gildford. They lived on the farm for about five years before they moved into the "town" of Gildford, where they purchased the house across the street from the school which was perfect for their growing family.

Arvid had an adventurous spirit and was always up for an adventure, as long as the work was done first. His family has fond memories of camping, Sunday drives, downhill skiing, memories at the cabin on Lake Blaine, water skiing, boating, and golfing. He and Sharon wintered in Yuma, Arizona for many years, where Arvid found a new interest in "antiquing." He would find these antique treasures and haul them home to Gildford and restore them. These antiques consisted of a thresher, baler, hit and miss engines and antique tractors like the "Hubie" and "Rumley." He retired from farming and spent many hours in his shop working on his projects. He became a member of the North Central Montana Everything Antique Show in Havre, Montana and the Northwest Antique Power Association in Kalispell, Montana. Arvid loved putting on a show.

Arvid loved his family, attending the grandchildren's activities and watching his great grandchildren grow.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, George Vernon (Lois) Ous and Gerald "Bud" (Norma) Ous, and sister Marion (Clarence) Carlson.

Arvid is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sharon; children, Shanna Williams, Stephanie (Warwick) Colgan and Dana Donoven; grandchildren, Malissa (Dustin) Chinadle, Brit Colgan, Spencer (Tammie) Colgan, Jordy (Haylee) Donoven; great-grandchildren, Keaten and Paxten Chinadle, Jazmyn and Atikos Colgan, Hazel and Archie Donoven; sister Cally Brodigan, and several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.