Lynn Charles Pasichnyk

HAMILTON - Lynn Charles Pasichnyk (62) of Hamilton, Montana, passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2012 from injuries sustained in a bicycle accident. An avid bicyclist and outdoorsman, Lynn spent his final moments doing something he loved. Lynn was born on November 16, 1949 to Berniece and John Pasichnyk in Lansing, Michigan.

Lynn was raised in Holt, Michigan, graduated from Lansing Community College with a degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, and was a certified Enstrom Helicopter mechanic. He served two tours in Vietnam where he developed an interest in the Vietnamese people and country. Recently, Lynn realized his goal of returning to Vietnam and spent several months immersed in the culture, learning the language, and making new friends. In 1982, Lynn married Dawn Burton and they had three children: Jesse, Jade, and Cole. Although they divorced, the family always remained very close.

Lynn was the classic handyman and skilled in mechanics, home improvement, and woodworking. He loved working with wood, and was a master craftsman in everything from timber frames to custom furnishings. No matter the project, his quest for perfection could always be seen in the end result. He spent time working at the Hamilton Airport and was in the process of meticulously restoring a 1951 Spartan "Royal Mansion" trailer, as well as his 1958 Indian motorcycle. He also painstakingly built his bicycle from the frame up, a Gary Fisher that he found years ago. Photography and videography were hobbies that Lynn mastered and he artfully captured nature, travels, and family events. Lynn was always at peace in the outdoors and was a passionate steward of nature.

Family was Lynn's priority in life and his support and love will be sorely missed. He enjoyed playing with his grandson, Donovan, and recently experienced the joy of becoming a grandparent for the second time with the birth of Brighton. He is survived by his two sons Jesse (Katie), Cole, his daughter Jade Houser (Brandon), his two grandsons Donovan and Brighton Houser, his mother Berniece, sisters Ann (Larry) and Kristeen (Ernie), his brother Mike (Shelly) and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, John.

A celebration of Lynn's life will be held on Sunday, March 25 at the Wild Mare (283 Second St., Corvallis, Montana) from 4-7PM. Join us for a casual Bitterroot style potluck and share some memories. We are assembling a collage of photos celebrating Lynn's life and if you would like to contribute your favorites, e-mail them to photos@pasichnyk.net or bring them on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, we will accept donations at The Wild Mare, or PayPal to paypal@pasichnyk.net, to put towards a solar light/marker for the bike path. For any additional information, please contact Dawn at (406)-375-5426.