Joe Norman Frost

JOE NORMAN FROST Joe Norman Frost, 64, of Bozeman passed away on Aug. 9, 2008. Joe was born June 6, 1944, to Jack Leonard and Mary Frost in Wichita, Kan. After graduating in 1962 from Amphitheater High School in Tucson, Ariz., he played football while attending college in San Diego. He also worked for several years at GM before his move to Montana. He worked at Montana State University in the School of Architecture while pursuing a degree in philosophy and religious studies. He also earned a degree in elementary education. As a student teacher as well as a substitute teacher in Bozeman Schools, Joe will be remembered by students, teachers and parents for his calm, caring demeanor, his skill with the students, and his warm loving smile. Joe also managed Cactus Records and later worked with Youth Build and HRDC. One of Joe#8217;s passions was politics. Joe was devoted to the community and loved public service. His all-time favorite role was the 12 years he spent as Bozeman city commissioner from 1990 through 2001. He was deeply honored at the trust the public put in him and he took his responsibilities very seriously. To make informed decisions, he thoroughly researched every issue and listened very attentively to the public. He was a strong advocate of planning, supporting smart growth to protect the neighborhood quality of life, business vitality, and community livability and affordability. He served with thoughtfulness, dedication and moral courage. His leadership regarding development of a Bozeman tree plan has resulted in the planting of hundreds of street trees and Bozeman being designated a Tree City USA. He was a passionate supporter of programs that enhanced and strengthened downtown Bozeman and its surrounding neighborhoods. Other issues he worked for the Commission included parks, open space, trails, bike lanes, and protection of environmentally sensitive lands; development impact fees; sidewalks for every street, with children#8217;s safety one of his primary concerns; standards for business landscaping and community signage; shielded street and building lighting to keep night skies dark; affordable housing; human rights; adoption of the 2020 Community Growth Plan; and adoption of a transportation plan that included friendlier neighborhood street standards and bike lanes required for all major streets. The other passion in Joe#8217;s life was his family. The love of his three daughters - Jennifer, Jodi and Erin - were the driving force in his life. His daughters will always remember Joe#8217;s compassion toward them and others, his sense of humor, his smile, his kindness and loyalty, his unfailing support of them and the causes he believed in, and most of all, his love of life. Joe was an avid reader and had many special interests. These included film, music, photography, humor (Marx Brothers) and politics. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hiking, camping, biking, skiing and gardening. Joe was preceded in death by both his parents and his eldest daughter, Jennifer. He is survived by daughters, Erin Frost of Seattle and Jodi (Joe) Zelinsky of Newtown, Pa.; and three precious grandsons, Jake, Jarett and Joey. A very special thanks to Kristi Langenheim, Rich Noonan, Donna Whitman, Linda Wallace and Marcia Youngman for their help and kindness toward Joe during his illness. A celebration of Joe#8217;s life will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Dahl Funeral Chapel, followed immediately by a potluck at Bogert Park Pavilion. Memorials in Joe#8217;s name may be made to Gallatin Valley Land Trust, Main Street to the Mountains Trail System, P.O. Box 7021, Bozeman 59771; or to The Alzheimer#8217;s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave. Seventh Floor, New York, NY 10001. Condolences to family may be sent to www.dahlcares.com.