Michael Edwin Heusted

HAMILTON - Michael Edwin Heusted, 57, died on Feb. 22 at his home in Hamilton.
Michael was born on Sept. 8, 1952 in Lynwood, Ca. to Edwin and Eva (Swim) Heusted. One of three siblings, Michael attended school in Downey, Ca. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1972, and served as a military police officer and correctional specialist. He was decorated with a National Defense service medal and for his skill as a rifle sharpshooter. He was honorably discharged in 1974, leaving service at Fort Ord, Ca.
In 1976, Michael met Joan Flood and they were married the following year in Reno, Nev.
The couple settled in Sacramento, which they called home for 24 years. Michael worked as a construction laborer in the Sacramento area. Over time, and with patience and attention to detail, he honed his skills and matured into an accomplished and talented craftsman.
In 2001, they moved to the Bitterroot where they had family, and where they quickly made many friends.
Michael was a big-hearted, friendly bear of a man. He was a gifted storyteller who routinely entertained his friends and family with tales on virtually any topic. He was also a kind and loving man who dearly loved his immediate and extended family. He was an important grandpa in the lives of his grandchildren. He was a giving and generous man, a lover of the outdoors, and a hunter and fisherman who relished the companionship of his good friends.
Michael's survivors include his wife of 34 years, Joan, of the family home in Hamilton; his two sons and their families: Patrick and Amy Heusted, and their children Kelly Elizabeth and Kassandra of El Mirage, Az.; Kelly and Krisona Heusted and their children, Christian and Savannah, of Florence, Az.; sisters Ann Heusted of Walnut Creek, Ca. and Nancy Caprio, her husband Don and children Alexandra, Nathan, Aaron, Emily and Patrick, of Discovery Bay, Ca.; and his father, Edwin Heusted of Chino Hills, Ca. He was preceded in death by his mother Eva, and by his first wife, Diana Boleyn.
He is at peace and will be held in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the WMMHC / West House 209 N. 10th Suite A., Hamilton, MT 59840.