Albert LeRoy Carda, 81, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2008, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

He was born on April 18, 1928, in Sidney, the son of George J. and Fancheon (Goodwin) Carda.

Albert lived on a dryland farm located 47 miles west of Sidney in the Elmdale community. Life during the “hard 30s” was very sparse at times. Grasshoppers, terrible hail storms and harsh winters were more hardships which made a very hard working man of Albert as he grew up. He finished eighth grade and was determined to go to high school. He had to pay for his room and board while going to school. He went to school mornings and worked several jobs afternoons and evenings to pay his way. He graduated from Sidney High School in May of 1946 and then returned to the farm for a few years.

He married Phyllis Anderson on Aug. 27, 1955, at the Pella Lutheran Church in Sidney.

He was a very ambitious “fix it” fellow; he could figure a way to fix most anything. He worked at many things starting with working on his folk’s farm and working at Kewit Construction. When he moved to Kalispell he started working for C & C Plywood plant and later began working at school district # 5, retiring at age 62 after 25 years of service. Retirement allowed him and Phyllis to take many tours including Hawaii and spent most of one summer in Alaska.

Being a “dryland kid,” Albert never had the opportunity to be a swimmer, but at age 42 and a purchase of a boat, his wife and kids insisted he get into the water. He learned to water ski and really enjoyed the sport. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, boating, dancing and snowmobiling.

Other hobbies included a large garden and lots of flowers in the yard, but he dearly loved his wood shop. He was a self-taught wood craftsman. Many homes in the Flathead Valley boast his cabinets and other beautiful pieces of furniture. Family members have beautiful clocks, desk, wall shelves, candle holders, etc. that they will always cherish.

He joined the Fraternal Order of Eagles in May of 1968, always a very active member, fixing things, helping with banquets, funeral luncheons, fair and parade floats. He served on the board of trustees for several years. Over the years he was presented with many Eagle honors, the greatest being the “Hall of Fame.” He was a longtime volunteer at the Friendship House and served on the board of directors.

Albert’s health decline came rather quickly and he had to enter Friendship House Assist Living four years ago. He entered Immanuel Lutheran Home on Father’s Day of this year and was there at the time of his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Agnes Gonzales and her husband, Henry.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Carda, Kalispell; a son Keith Carda and wife, Debbie, Portland, Ore.; and a daughter Renal Lind and husband, David, Kalispell; five grandchildren Jeffery, Megan and Blaine Carda, Brian and Miranda Lind; two great-grandchildren; and a brother Charles Carda.

Funeral services for Albert are Thursday, July 2, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. in the Johnson Gloschat Funeral Chapel, Kalispell, with an urn burial to follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens. There will be a reception following the urn burial at the Eagles in Kalispell.

Johnson – Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Albert’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Albert’s guest book.