Kenneth Spain

Kenneth Michael Spain passed away the morning of February 25, 2008. He was born in Denver, Colorado on September 17, 1945 to Louis and Mary (Sheriff) Spain. The Spains moved to Bozeman shortly thereafter. During his youth, Ken enjoyed raising numerous animals as pets, including Freddie Fang, the MSU bobcat, several hawks and a fox. Ken graduated from Bozeman High in 1964. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Med from Montana State in 1968. He then attended Loyola University School of Dentistry in Maywood, Illinois, where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery and Master of Science specializing in Orthodontics in 1971 and 1973 respectively, making the Dean#8217;s list seven out of eight semesters, as well as other recognitions. Ken married Donna Marie Jorgenson in 1968; together they raised their two children, Melissa and Greg. They later divorced after many years of marriage. He served two years as an orthodontist in the Army in North Carolina, moving back to Bozeman, where he built his well-respected orthodontic practice until his retirement in 2001. Ken married Kristi Eayrs on October 12, 1999 in Maui and they continued to live in the Gallatin Valley. He was held in high esteem by his specialty peers, regarded for his thoughtfulness and dedication, and served on the American Dental Association, Montana Dental Association (served on Board of Directors), Montana Orthodontic Peer Review Committee, Sixth District Dental Society (Served as President and Vice President), American Association of Orthodontists 1975-2001, Montana Orthodontic Society, American Cleft Palate Association, American College of Dentistry, Blue Key and OKU honorary organizations during dental school. He also wrote many papers, gave many lectures and clinics during his career, including topics of TMJ, sleep apnea and cleft palates. Ken was a founding member of the Bozeman Cleft Palate Team for children and proudly served for 11 years. In the Bozeman Community he was a member of Rotary International from 1985 to 1996, the Agricultural Advisory Committee to the Bozeman City Commission in 1985, City of Bozeman Zoning Commission 1986-1987, Montana State University Bobcat Booster 1976-2001, Bozeman Senior High Hawk Booster 1976-2001, Montana Special Olympics, Bozeman Worthy Student Scholarship Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and a current Board member at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital. He was a loving and devoted family man who had a gentle sense of humor that helped his many patients, especially children. His co-workers enjoyed their many years working with him. Ken promoted living life with a positive attitude, sharing this message frequently with family and friends. He loved the outdoors, the Bridgers, and Big Sky, skiing, hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, kayaking and just being outside walking his dogs, Oakley and Kodi. Upon retirement, Ken and Kristi traveled some, but most of all he loved being home with Kristi and the dogs. Ken was preceded by his parents. Survivors include his wife Kristi; his daughter and son-in-law, Melissa Spain and Lyle Ramsdell of Portland, OR; his son and daughter-in-law Greg and Rebecca Spain of Seattle, WA; brother and sister-in-law Lou and Charline Spain of Bozeman; brother and sister-in-law Larry and Betty Spain of Woodridge, IL; sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and the late Skip Borgstrom of St. Paul, MN; and many nieces and nephews who all respected and loved him dearly. Visitation Wednesday from noon to 4:00 pm at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Vigil service 5:30 pm Wednesday at Resurrection Parish. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am Thursday also at Resurrection Parish, followed interment at Sunset Hills Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Ken's name to Smile Train (Correcting Children#8217;s Cleft Palates), Suite 2201, 245 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10016; Heart of the Valley Humane Society P.O. Box 11390 Bozeman, MT 59719; or Bozeman Deaconess Foundation 931 Highland Blvd, Suite 3200, Bozeman, MT 59715. Memories, stories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.dahlcares.com.