Don Torgenrud created a good life in his 65 years. He was above all a devoted husband. Don and his wife Heather were constant companions for over 36 years, happiest when they were together, whether working in Don’s law practice, driving their Norwegian Fjord Horses on their farm north of Missoula, cross-country skiing or reading books in the Norwegian language they loved so much.

At Great Falls High School Don was a State Debate Champion. He took first place in the Montana Voice of Democracy contest and went to the National Finals in Original Oratory. While still in high school he began reading the great philosophers on his own and his interest in equity and justice was a constant theme in his life. After three years in the Marine Corps and a degree in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego, he worked as a carpenter and building contractor for ten years. At age 39, Don went back to school, earning a law degree from the University of Montana and opening a law office, first in Missoula and later in St. Ignatius. In 2006 he was honored with a Distinguished Service Award from the State Bar for 22 years as a charter member of the Ethics Committee.

Everyone who knew Don was impressed by his brilliant mind and prodigious memory. He could easily quote passages from books he had read even fifty years before. He could talk about many subjects with ease, honing in on the important issues and communicating ideas with clarity and wisdom. At the same time he was level-headed and down-to-earth, and the counsel he gave to others was always straightforward and practical. He also had a wonderful sense of humor and could be counted on to entertain friends with his well-told stories.

Don was born in Waukon, Iowa on October 16, 1942, and died at home on July 21, 2008. He is survived by his wife, Heather, and their two dogs and five horses, son Thor Torgenrud and granddaughter Jade, who live in France, mother Celia Torgenrud, sisters Penn Borden and Sherry Ferris and Sherry’s husband Bob, all of Santa Barbara, brother Leif Torgenrud and his wife Laurie, of Spokane, brother Kevin Torgenrud and his wife Marty, and brother Colin Torgenrud, all of Polson. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald W. Torgenrud, Sr.

Don fought a valiant battle with cancer, sustained by his love for his family, friends, animals and books, and by his great personal courage. He will live on in all that he touched and those who knew him will always feel his presence in their lives.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Don’s life and share stories and memories on Sunday, July 27, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at the Nordic Pines Sons of Norway Lodge, 5795 Highway 93 South, Missoula (casual dress). The family asks that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the Mission Valley Animal Shelter or the Missoula Humane Society. For those wishing to send cards, the address is Heather Torgenrud, P.O. Box 490, St. Ignatius, MT 59865 or online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.