Darrell M. Binkerd

Darrell Marion Binkerd, 74, passed away Saturday February 9, 2013 at his home in Stevensville, Montana. He was born October 17, 1938 in Bakersfield, California to Fred and Edith (Rennaker) Binkerd while his father was working in the oil fields. When he was two years old his family returned to the Bitterroot Valley and settled in Grantsdale. Darrell attended Hamilton High School where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. During his senior year he was captain of his football team and served as class president. After graduation in 1956 he left Montana and went to California to work in commercial construction.

In 1957 while working in Sacramento, California, Darrell met Molly Moore who was a native Montanan. They were married on June 28, 1959 in Carson City, Nevada and soon had two daughters and a son. In 1974 Darrell brought his young family back to his beautiful Bitterroot Valley. He became a successful contractor with the construction of state and federal bridges and dams throughout Montana and Idaho. He also built four of his family's homes including their retirement home near Stevensville. After his retirement from construction, the couple moved to Stevensville where they owned and operated three mobile home parks. Darrell and Molly also enjoyed 13 winters as snowbirds at their home in Parker, Arizona.

Besides enjoying a life of hard work, Darrell was also a well known activist who strongly defended Democratic principles and supported many local and regional environmental concerns. Darrell supported local and state political candidates, he attended numerous meetings and parades, and in 2000 he was a candidate for Montana State Senate. Darrell's other interests included rebuilding classic cars. In his later years he restored a '59 Plymouth Fury and a '58 Chrysler 300 D. He also enjoyed bird hunting with his vizsla dogs, camping, fishing trips, and reunions with family and friends.

Darrell was especially proud to be a Gemmell. His father Fred was born to John Gemmell a homesteader on the West Fork of the Bitterroot. (Fred was adopted by the Binkerds after his mother Adelade died.) Darrell's great grandfather, James Gemmell, was a historical patriot. He trapped with Jim Bridger and worked for Brigham Young in the development of Salt Lake City by designing streets, building bridges and canals. He was later an early pioneer in the State of Montana and settled in Sheridan, Montana. Darrell enjoyed learning family history and getting acquainted with new Gemmell family members at reunions that were held in Utah, California, and Montana.

Darrell's passion was his 300 acre ranch near Loma, Montana which he named "Fort Binkerd" because of its historical significance. The property located in north central Montana was the camp site of Lewis and Clark at the fork of the Missouri and Marias Rivers. Darrell and Molly enjoyed excavating for historical artifacts on their property and invited local neighbors to join them on two annual digging events.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Binkerd and Edith (Rennaker) Kraft; a sister, Aloa Norman; brother-in-law, Earl Norman; a step-brother, Loren Kraft Jr.; and his dog, Kasha. Darrell is survived by his wife Molly at their home in Stevensville; two daughters, Marion Smith of Moscow, ID and Nadine Kenney (David) of Bend, OR; Son Lonnie (Vicki) of Gloucester, VA; five grandchildren, Jason, Justin, Eric, Noelle, and Jennifer; several nieces and nephews, and his dog Tree.

A memorial service will be held at l pm on Saturday February 16, 2013 at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton, Montana with a reception following in the funeral home's community room. The family would like to thank St. Patrick Hospital's oncology department and Aspen Hospice for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be sent to the American Cancer Society or an organization of choice.