George Clifford Eklund

George Clifford Eklund

Friday September 1st, 2017, Malta lost the most honorable man, best father and husband in the world.

George Clifford Eklund kept us entertained and protected until his last breath. He was born February 21st, 1933 to John and Annie (Anderson) Eklund in a small house in Saco, Mont. He grew up with four siblings: Alvin, Jeanette, Adolph and Buddy.

George lived on a farm in Dodson, Mont., until he was eight. The family had a farm North of Saco and a home in the town of Malta that he helped his dad remodel. During his youth, he worked on the farm, helped haul the mail with his brother Adolph and worked at a garage in Malta.

He lost his beloved mother in 1959, one of the greatest tragedies in his life. He enjoyed the company of his father until his passing in 1985, another devastating event.

George proudly served in the military for six years with deployment in Korea, during the Korean War. He became an electrician and taught classes, later becoming a lineman for numerous construction companies; traveling from North Dakota to the west coast.

George enjoyed hunting, fishing, coffee with friends, pinochle, carpentry (he built his own home), tinkering with things, working on vehicles, laughing, creating memories and making the best of any situation. He was appreciative of life and didn’t ever want to miss a thing. His number one priority was to keep his family safe and out of harm’s way.

George met and married the love of his life Shirley (Trottier), enjoying each other’s company, traveling to see family for the last 58 and a half years. They had six children; whom he adored and protected. Their home was continuously full of love and laughter. George consistently took time and opportunities to teach grace and lifelong lessons; passing down his incredible skill set, unfailing patience, knowledge and whimsical charm.

Their home was always open and welcome to anyone who needed a bed or a good laugh. George helped anyone in need and lit up a room with his laugh, smile, quick wit and personality. He always had a story and a few quips to go with it.

George’s 15 grandchildren and five great grandchildren were his world; his pride and joy. He delighted in getting to watch them grown up.

George will be forever remembered for his sense of humor, loyalty, honor, belief in justice, fairness and patriotism, his wonderful ability to bring calm to a chaotic situation, the way he loved and protected his family and being the best father and husband ever.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Annie (Anderson) Eklund, brothers Alvin (Helen), Adolph (June) and (Buddy) Floyd (Mary), his sister Jeanette Willke (Walter), sons Tim and Coby and his grandson Derrick Sundseth.

George is survived by his wife Shirley Eklund Malta, son Tracy Eklund (Cindy) Malta, daughters Lana Sundseth (Bruce) Billings, Barbie Kountz (Lincoln) Glasgow and Misty Geer (Jason) Havre, 15 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, a double cousin and numerous nieces, nephews and relatives.

Viewing was Thursday 9-7-2017 at 7 p.m.

Funeral was Friday 9-8-2017 at 11 a.m.

Both were held at the Kirkwood Funeral Home in Malta, Mont.

“But there was no need to be ashamed of tears. For tears bore witness that a man had the greatest of courage, the courage to suffer.”

– Victor Frankl