Lester C McKean

Lester Charles McKean, 89, passed away peacefully at home with family on July 1, 2023. He maintained his unique sense of humor, quick wit, caring heart, and enjoyment of family and friends to his final days.

Les was born April 24, 1934, at his family homestead in Ennis, Montana, to Charlie and Blanch McKean. He was by all accounts the darling of the family. His sister Mildred was 22 and married, and his brother Archie was 17, when baby Lester arrived.

He was in the fourth grade when his parents, along with his grown siblings and their families, loaded all their possessions into two Model A Fords and moved to Somers. There he made lifelong friends and met his future wife, Shirley. Les graduated from Flathead County High School in 1954.

The following year, Les and Shirley were married at Eidsvold Lutheran in Somers and moved to Anaconda. They then settled in Libby for over 30 years where they raised three daughters. After their girls were grown, they lived in Ketchikan, AK; Angel Island, Lakeside, and Columbia Falls before returning to Libby.

Les starting work part time at age 16 fixing track in the Somers railyard to save money to buy his first car (of many!). He worked in a logging camp in the Yaak, the smelter in Anaconda, and at the Libby lumber mill for over 25 years; completing his working life as site manager with his wife Shirley at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp.

Les was baptized in Anaconda in 1956, and wholeheartedly embraced following Christ and living in grace. His faith inspired him to lead Bible Studies, teach Sunday School, and organize and lead retreats at his local congregations and across Montana.  Many of his closest friends shared his faith and this connection was woven through fishing and hunting trips that were annual happenings for more than 50 years.

He also traveled and camped with his wife Shirley, exploring on their own or meeting up with family and friends. His favorites included taking in the natural beauty of his home state of Montana and visiting historical sites across the US and Canada. He enjoyed: square-dancing, cross-country skiing, reading, playing cards and photography.

Les was also an expert woodworker, making gifts and furniture. He loved working side by side with Shirley on various projects; a favorite was building the family log home on Bull Lake. Over the years they were known for hosting many gatherings, which included boating, swimming, skating and playing games with a lot of laughter and great conversation.

He is survived by three daughters, Sherry Ryan (Donald) of Tacoma, WA; Kathy McKean of Bonney Lake, WA; Karen Updike (Greg) of Ketchikan, AK; and his 6 grandchildren Bethany Johnson (Casey), Megan Kjelland (Juno), Lucas Updike (Lauren), Isaac Updike, Samuel Ryan (Meg) and Stephanie Parton (Alex); and great-grandchildren Sofie, Tage, Eliana, Aila and Milo. Les was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, and his wife of 65 years, Shirley Amdam McKean.

A celebration of Les’ life will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Libby on September 30th, at 1 pm. Memorial gifts can be sent to Christ Lutheran Church or Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp. Other correspondence can be mailed to the family home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

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