Miles E Burd

Miles Burd, 84, a long-time farmer from Galata, Montana, died of natural causes in Chandler, AZ on October 30, 2015. He was born on December 21, 1930, in Traill County ND to Charles and Anne (Nygaard) Burd. He grew up on the farm in the Red River Valley on the ND/MN border. He graduated from Climax (MN) high school in 1948. He served in the Air Force from 1951 - 1957 where he was a helicopter pilot. During his military service he was awarded the Soldier's Medal for rescuing a fellow airman and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his role in the search and rescue efforts with a mid-air collision over the Grand Canyon. In 1955, he married Lou Ann Larsen. They made their home in Glendale, AZ, where their son, Ron, was born in 1956. They left Phoenix in 1957 and moved to Montana to farm. They settled there, farming and sustaining themselves with other work including teaching (Lou Ann), rural mail delivery, custom-spraying and raising livestock. Daughter Deb was born in 1958 and Nancy in 1962. Miles was active within the community as a member and leader within the Galata Lutheran Church, the Marias River Electric board, the Kellogg Education Extension Program, NFO and in the planning and creation of the Galata Water District. In later years he created a fund for the "Galata Cabin" at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp. He was a successful farmer, a leader in adapting innovative practices. As the years passed, he and Lou Ann came to spend winters at Springfield in Chandler, where he was an active member at the "Pool of Knowledge". It would be an error to think that Miles ever retired from farming. Although he did physically, he was always eager to give advice and share his farming experience. Miles is survived by his wife Lou Ann; son, Ron (Kim) Fargo, ND; daughters, Deb (Dick) Steinbacher, Galata, MT; and Nancy (Brad) Tomsheck, Ethridge MT. Grandchildren include Luke Steinbacher, Megan (Adam) Sudbeck, Erin (Paul) Schreurs, Carlye Burd (Noel Mueller). Sister Barb (Dave) Kaldahl and numerous nieces and nephews. Miles enjoyed keeping in touch with his extended family. Preceded in death by his parents and brothers (Bill, James, Mike, Bruce and Dick). Services will be at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler, AZ on November 3, 2015, and Galata Lutheran Church in Montana on November 14, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Galata Cabin at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp, 603 S Main, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Miles E Burd

December 21, 1930 - October 30, 2015