Ardee Holman

Ardee Russell Kenneth Holman, 71 of Wasilla, Alaska, better known as ?Cowboy? to his Alaskan friends passed from this life at the Oregon Burn Center in Portland, Oregon on Saturday, July 23, 2005 from injuries he received in an RV fire. Ardee was born at Marmarth, North Dakota on April 4, 1934 to Ray and Irene (Stillman) Holman. Ray and Irene moved into Marmarth in 1943 with their three children just for the school season. Soon after, Ray went to work for the Milwaukee Railroad; this allowed Ardee to become a ?city kid?. He attended Marmarth public school, and graduated from the Marmarth High School in the class of 1952. Ardee began working for Consolidated Freight Way while attending school. He continued this job until he graduated from high school. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served there until his discharge in 1956. After serving his country, he took his Uncle Howard?s advice and went to a heavy equipment operator?s school in Wiser, Idaho. While attending school in Idaho, he lived with his grandfather, Robert Stillman. His first job took him to the ?Cowboy? state of Wyoming, working for Peter Kermit Construction. This job allowed him the opportunity to work in both Wyoming and Montana. Eventually, Ardee was drawn to Alaska, and decided this was the place for him. He arrived with Wyoming license plates on his truck, so he became ?Cowboy? to all his Alaskan friends which were many. While in Alaska, he worked as a mechanic until he developed lung problems so he started a water well drilling business. Ardee loved to build and create items; many of which he was able to obtain patents on. He machined his own bolts and over the course of his lifetime he built three boats. His last project was building an RV toy hauler, so that he could haul his ATV with him as he made his trip to Arizona where he spent the winters. Ardee thought his RV was ?ready to roll? and went out camping with his friends. While he slept in his RV, a propane flash-over-fire burned him. Adree will be remembered as a very generous man who loved to share, especially with young people. He tried to act tough at times, but was such a softie. Survivors include two sister, Marge Johnson and Margaret DeGrand both of Baker, Montana; two nephews, Cody (Brenda) Johnson and Art (Kathy) DeGrand of Baker, Montana; two nieces, Connie (Mike) Lohof, of Baker, Montana and Maranda (Rod) Turley of Caliente, Nevada; a special aunt and uncle, Howard and Violet Lintvedt of McCammon, Idaho; 12 grandnieces & nephews and three great-grandnephews and one great-grandniece. Ardee is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Tom & Cora Holman and Robert & Bertha Stillman. The Family will be receiving friends for a time of remembrance and sharing at 4:00 p. m. Sunday, July 31, 2005 at Lakefront Bed & Breakfast, 320 Lake Street in Baker, Montana. Cremation has taken place. There will be a memorial service at a later date in Alaska. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www. stevensonfuneralhome. com. Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker


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Burial Date: July 31, 2005
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Time of Remembrance and Sharing: Lakefront Bed & Breakfast