Jack Fulkerson, third-generation funeral service professional, died at noon Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008, at the Sidney Health Center, crossing the finish line a victor over Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. He fought the good fight and fought it with the attitude of a true winner to his last breath. He was 70.

An Eagle Scout, in life and death he taught us character, dignity and truth.

Born in Glasgow, Jack graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor of Science in general business and marketing, and the California College of Mortuary Science. He met the love of his life, Kay Williams, on a blind date set up by her high school students in Missoula. They were married in 1960 and spent the first year of their marriage at Fort Sam in Houston, Texas, where he completed Officer Basic Course in Medical Service Corps of the U.S. Army and was the tactical training officer at the Brooke Army Training Center.

In 1961, he leased Fulkerson Funeral Home from his uncle, Clint Fulkerson, for one year with the option to purchase. The next year he purchased the business and operated successfully against the long-term, established competition.

When he was just beginning his lifetime of dedicated funeral service in eastern Montana and western North Dakota, his proudest and most memorable career event was the honor of serving the Nutter family by having the funeral of Gov. Nutter.

The owner of Fulkerson Funeral Homes for 37 years, he was a visionary in the funeral industry and in his own funeral homes. In 1965 he was elected Richland County coroner over the incumbent competitor. In 2002 he completed nine terms (36 years) as elected coroner. He served as president-elect of the Montana Funeral Directors Association and contributed his wisdom and business acumen to the district, state and national Funeral Directors Associations as well as promoting continuing education in the Funeral Service Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. He also completed over 247 hours of Death Investigation Training and was certified in multiple locations.

His objective was to transfer Fulkerson Funeral Home to the employees that made it successful with a complete, effective succession plan. That plan was implemented in 2000, and he then retired due to health reasons.

His passion was serving his community and country, his profession and charitable organizations. He received many awards and honors including: those from the Boy Scouts of America, Sidney Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, Richland Shrine Club Service Award, Al Bedoo Shrine Potentate’s Award, Oxford’s Who’s Who, Funeral Ethics Association, Sidney Health Center Board of Directors, to name a few.

Jack gave his life to the service of others, especially in their times of greatest loss. Many times he left his wife and daughters on a holiday or in the middle of the night to drive through a blizzard for a death call. We were proud that Dad had a servant’s heart. He was respectful, honest, accountable, modest and optimistic. We benefited from his Boy Scout and U.S. Army training, and are thankful for the skills and ideals they gave him. He sought to teach others so they could grow and learn. He gave a hand up, and mentored those who would replace him.

His other passions were hunting, his bird dogs, telling a great (or not) joke, traveling the world with his wife, and always reading and learning. He may have had a failing body, but his mind was brilliant and humorous to the end. Have a blast in heaven, Dad, and we’ll see you again.

Jack Fulkerson is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kay Williams Fulkerson of the family home in Sidney; daughters Staci (Mark) Daniel, Billings, and Mara (Don) Sanderson, Reno, Nev. He has three grandchildren Derek Daniel, Billings, and Malia and Luke Sanderson, Reno, Nev.; brother Dave (Jane) Fulkerson, Plentywood; nephews David Eugene, Helena, and Jess (Sarah) Fulkerson, Belfair, Wash.

Jack came to love the staff at the Sidney Extended Care as his “extended family;” we will all be forever grateful to you for your love and the professional attention you gave Jack. We honor you for the countless things you do that are seldom seen or taken for granted. Every minute you gave him filled our hearts and enriched this season of our lives.

Funeral service is at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, 2008, at the Lonsdale United Methodist Church in Sidney. Fulkerson Funeral Home is proudly in charge of saying goodbye to a man they both respected and loved. Interment will be in the Sidney Cemetery, Sidney.

Memorials may be sent to the Foundation for Community Care, 221 Second St. N.W., Sidney, MT 59270.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.