Chester 'Chet' James Sullivan

On December 8th, 2013 in Bozeman, Montana, Chester James Sullivan passed away. Chet was born July 10, 1919, in Omaha, Nebraska to Edward A. and Lura (Purrington) Sullivan. Upon the death of their father when he was 3 years of age the family moved from a farm in Beemer, to Boulder, Colorado. Chet attended the State Preparatory School and graduated in June, 1936. After attending the University of Colorado and graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in June, 1942, Chet enlisted in the U. S. Navy where he was classified as a pharmacists mate stationed in the Marshall Islands during WWII. After being honorably discharged he resumed his career as a pharmacist which continued for another 50 years. In 1952, Chet married the apple of his eye, Virginia Lorraine. Chester, under the guidance of his older brother, Dwight, worked doing everything from soda jerking to providing concessions at a ski lodge on Berthoud Pass. From Idaho Springs to Ovid, Chet was employed at many drugstores across the state until he bought D-C Pharmacy in Westminster, Colorado. There he stayed for 27 years until his store closed in 1981. For the next 10 years he devoted his time assisting his son, David, with Mountain View Pharmacy in Northglenn. Chester was the quintessential, traditional “druggist” whom his customers loved and respected. Chet was very involved in the Elks Lodge, United Methodist Church, and Rotary International of Westminster. His humility, humor, and interest in the community earned him the unofficial title of “Mr. Westminster” by his customers. In 1995 Chet and Virginia moved to Bozeman, Montana, enjoying a life of family, friends, fishing, and fast food. With his childlike sense of curiosity and his love of the outdoors, his fishing trips took him to many beautiful places. He always knew that if he just waded around the next bend the prize would be there. Within minutes upon arriving at the river he would disappear upstream, out of sight from all humanity, but would always return with some pretty tall tales and an occasional trophy. He loved the North Platte River in Wyoming, the Elk River in B.C., and the Yellowstone. Chester was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Allen, Herbert, Dwight, Warren, and two sisters Gladys and Erva. Chester is survived by Virginia, two sons, James and David (Kathie), great-granddaughter Rikkell, and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at Dahl Funeral Chapel.