Velma Lea Mcmeekin

“Rafter V’s” generous heart simply could no longer keep pace with her active lifestyle and it suddenly quit beating on Independence Day. It was fitting that Velma was preparing for a raft trip with her sister Donna and a group of friends at the time. Velma was born to Lois and Dale “Scotty” McMeekin on October 19th, 1951, in Denver, Colorado. Scotty was transferred to Helena in 1955 and it was Montana that Velma always came home to from all of her many adventures. And, oh, what adventures she had in 60 short years; high school exchange and university student in Finland, staying to work for a year in Switzerland, a career with the phone company proving that talent and skill, not gender, gets the job done and those countless river trips throughout the West that earned her the nickname “Rafter V”. Her victory over breast cancer exemplified Velma’s life: Keep fighting until you win, accept the scars, adapt and get on with life. She lived for the present, planned for the future and enjoyed recollections of the past. Ski For Light has been an important part of Velma’s life for years; both in the U.S. and abroad. She would be happy to have any memorial contributions directed to the activities of that wonderful organization. You may learn more by visiting www.sfl.org . Or Eagle Mount, 6901 Goldenstein Ln, Bozeman, MT 59715, www.eaglemount.org Velma isn’t really gone; she will forever be in the hearts and memories of a loving family and a huge, diverse, world of friends that spans generations and the globe. “An eclectic bunch” would be an understatement. You know who you are! Velma will live on through her sister Donna Morgan (Steve), brother Mike McMeekin (Jan), her beloved nieces and nephew, now followed by the grandnephews and grandnieces she loves so much. Never one for ceremony, Velma surely would not show up for her own funeral so there won’t be one. Her earthly remains have been cremated. Friends and family will celebrate Velma’s birthday and her life on October 19th from 2-6pm at the Jim Bridger Lodge at Bridger Bowl. Be ready to share your stories and your photographs. The family would like to thank the folks at Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service in Bozeman for their assistance.