Remembering Those Who Have Passed On

Saint Marie Fire Chief August Aho's father, Todd Owen Aho, passed away August 17 in Billings after a lengthy illness.

Todd Aho would have been only 60-years-young next month.

In August's own words: “Dad touched many lives during his time with us and could always put a smile on your face when you needed it.

"He had an infectious laugh and if he was smiling so were you.

"Dad made friends easily and always had a smart ass comment for a smart ass question.

"We would like to thank everyone that had a part in caring for dad in these past years.

"All the Doctors, Nurses, CNA's, Rehab.

"From all the hospitals and nursing homes he spent time at.

"I'm glad you got to know my Dad and from the bottom of my heart thank you for being his family when we couldn't be there.

“Dad, you will be missed deeply."

We give our condolences to August and his family and friends for their loss of this special man.

Debbie Crossland walks with Dead People

It was a stifling August summer in North Dakota last week when we pulled into the Fort Buford camping area. We were the fourth RV in the camp.

We had been here many times before and were returning to the scene of many a battle between native-Americans and US soldiers and yes this was the Fort that Lakota Chief Sitting Bull surrendered at.

One of the men who was stationed at the fort was First Sergeant Charles Harvey Adams, Lin Vargo's great-great-grandfather. Fortunately, for the Adam's and Deason family, Charles Adam's was on assignment elsewhere in Montana.

We set up camp near the Fort's Cemetery and then wandered down to the interpretive center where we renewed acquaintances with Ms. Debbie Crossland, the Assistant Site Supervisor at Fort Buford.

We have known Debbie for several years and found out a little more about this pleasant woman.

You see, Debbie lives in a 1916 historic bank building in Fairview, Montana with her mom.

Townsfolk claim the bank is haunted.

Debbie did not fully commit to that claim but she did say that it gets pretty interesting at her home at times.

You know, things going bump in the night, doors close, you know what I am talking about.

Chicken skin time for me!

There we met Author Claire Eide, a history buff whose latest book entitled “Different Trails From Different Tales”.

His appearance favored Montana artist Charley Russell, right down to the four peak cowboy hat.

Claire nodded in agreement when Debbie talked about the strange happenings at her residence and then Claire told of a recent attempt to take photographs at a place near him in North Dakota territory where a man named Collins had murdered the Sheriff and Deputy.

Collins had been hung by the irate townsfolk.

Claire tried unsuccessfully to take photos, but what he actually got was truly an oddity.

To be continued later next week...