Julian Nagorski

Julian Leonard Nagorski, 85, of Belgrade passed away Saturday, May 24, 2008. He was born July 28, 1922 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the oldest of six children. His parents moved to his grandparents#8217; farm in rural Upper Black Eddy, PA when he was two years old and this began Julian#8217;s life-long love of the outdoors. Julian graduated from Nockamixon Township High School in 1941 then worked for Riegel Paper Company in Milford, New Jersey until he was drafted. World War II was an indelible influence in his life. After induction in November 1942, he studied radiology at Fordham and NYU. He began his tour of the European Theater as a medic with the 104th Infantry Division (#8220;Timberwolves#8221;) at Cherbourg, France in August 1944. The Timberwolves saw action throughout Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, and were the liberators of the Mittelbau-Dora Concentration Camp in Nordhausen, Germany. Julian received the Bronze Star and was discharged in San Luis Obispo, California in November 1945. Julian#8217;s time at Camp Carson rekindled his passion for the west, eventually returning to Colorado to study gunsmithing at Trinidad State Junior College. He apprenticed under P.O. Ackley and graduated in 1949. He returned to Pennsylvania to start his own business and later went to work for George Schielke in Titusville, New Jersey. Their business relationship grew into a lifelong friendship. In 1972 the family moved to Belgrade, Montana. Julian opened a gun shop and sporting goods store which he maintained until his semi-retirement in 2002. On September 17, 1955 Julian married Elizabeth Sawchuk. A match truly made in heaven, they were happily married for 48 years. Although a quiet man, Julian had many loves in his life - the most important ones being the Catholic Church, his wife and family, and aviation. Julian was a private pilot and commander of the Gallatin Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol from 1973 to 1983. He was a charter member of the Belgrade Development Corporation, a life member of the NRA, The Knights of Columbus, and one of the founders of the Valley of Flowers Catholic Church. Survivors include sons Joe (Trisha) Nagorski of Klamath Falls, OR, Thomas Nagorski, Belgrade, daughter Marie (Raymond) Nagorski-Jones, Belgrade; grandchildren Kenny, Nicholas, Julie and Samantha, sisters Alice Bisbing of Richboro PA; and Marie (Les) Hanna of Upper Black Eddy, PA. Special thanks go to Maryellen Sistek and all the friends who have become extended family. Julian was preceded in death by his parents, wife Elizabeth, sister Adele (Schan), and brothers David and Nicholas Romaine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the following Bozeman Deaconess Hospital charities: Hospice, Cardiac Rehabilitation or Maternity Center (Elizabeth Nagorski Fund). 931 Highland Blvd., Ste 3200, Bozeman MT 59715