In Memoriam – September 2024

As is our tradition, we are taking a look back at the lives of the people we have lost in the past year, continuing with obituaries that appeared in September of 2024. For January through March, see the Friday, Dec. 27 Anaconda Leader. For April through June, see the Monday, Dec. 30 edition. For July and August, see the Friday, Jan. 3 edition.

September

David Edward Dyas

David worked for the Anaconda Copper Mining Company until the family moved to San Diego where he found work at Convair as a milling machinist, a trade he learned while he was in the Navy. In 1962 he began an exciting career with San Diego Gas & Electric Company and retired after 30 years of service. During this time David was a member of the Optimist Club for many years. On January 22, 1967 David was ordained as a Ruling Elder at East San Diego Presbyterian Church. 

Patricia “Pat” Ann Sedminik

Pat worked multiple jobs as a nurse’s aide, operating room technician, photography assistant, and retired from Osco Drug when she worked as a salesclerk. She spent most of her retirement time gardening and attending her grandchildren and great grandchildren’ numerous sporting events. She loved her family dearly and was always kind to those she met. Her favorite color was blue, and she had a love for angels and butterflies. Pat also enjoyed playing the accordion which she mastered by watching the Lawrence Welk show. Pat and Ed were two peas in a pod. There was never a dull moment when in their presence. Grandma Pat would say what was on her mind. She was strong willed and had an infectious laugh and a beautiful smile. Pat and Ed often traveled to North Dakota to visit family, and her mothers’ best friend and special friend of the family, Ghaili Abraham. Pat enjoyed meeting for lunch with her retired friends from Osco Drug.

Henry Paumie Lussy

A decorated Sharpshooter and First Lieutenant in the US Army Reserves, Henry served his country with honor from 1966 to 1984. His adventurous spirit led him to Alaska, where he worked at the Federal Building-U.S. Courthouse in Anchorage and later served as an officer in the U.S. Merchant Marines. A proud business owner, Henry worked as a building contractor for his company, Remod Inc., where he was a skilled craftsman, known for his innovative and meticulous work as a master finish carpenter. His passion for the outdoors was evident in his love for fishing and sailing. He once sailed the Inside Passage of the Gulf of Alaska, completing a remarkable 1200-nautical-mile journey from Seward, Alaska, to Tacoma, Washington, as Captain of a 1974 FORMOSA 41 Ketch sailboat.

John (Jack) Devine

Jack was born along with his twin brother Jim on May 8, 1951 to Robert and Helen Devine of Anaconda, MT.  After a career in the military, Jack started his own auto repair shop and was a part time police officer in Anaconda.  He moved to Seattle, WA and spent the bulk of his years as an instructor in auto mechanics at Renton Vo-Tech.  

Jo Louise Clark

Jo graduated from Anaconda High in 1978. She married Daniel Hoschied in March of 1989. Dan passed away in 2009. Two children were born to their union, Danielle Elsajean, and Patrick Michael. Jo recently welcomed two beautiful grandsons, Henry Daniel Zuniga, and Benjamin Ray Zuniga. They were the loves of her life. They called her Nana Jo. Jo had a special bond with their daddy, Brandon Zuniga. Jo’s employment always revolved around helping others. She worked many years at Montana State Hospital, and later as a Para at Lincoln Elementary. She also participated in food distributions for children.

Patricia Marie Casey

She was a proud Irish Catholic whose faith and heritage deeply influenced her life. She generously supported the Catholic community with her plentiful donations. Trisha always looked forward to the exciting trips with her “Honey Badger” group of friends from Anaconda and Dillon. They often vacationed together and enjoyed the comradery and celebrated their meaningful friendships. She also looked forward to her visits with Jim and Joanne Cortese, long time Ellensburg friends for over 60 years. She had an outstanding personality coupled with quick Irish wit that was second to none. She enjoyed being around people and carrying on conversation all while keeping a perpetual smile on everyone’s face. Her happiness was seen in her bright Irish eyes. Family and friends were always close to her heart.

Christine Anne Swanson

In High School Christine was on the Swim and Cheerleading Teams. She was a member of the National Honor Society. She was an avid skier throughout Montana, the United States and during her time in Switzerland. She learned French while in Switzerland and continued taking classes in that language all her adult life. She loved to dance with particular emphasis on Zydeco, Cajun, and Ballroom dancing. Her other passions included gardening, playing acoustic guitar and knitting. She loved to read and travel. Christine’s work included postdoctoral work with the USDA at the Beltsville Research Center. She was hired by Nestle and worked for two years at their world headquarters in Vevey Switzerland where she met many lifelong friends. Dr. Swanson conducted human metabolic studies of zinc and selenium. Hired by the National Institutes of Health, she worked for 15 years at the NIH Cancer Institute focused on epidemiology and genetics studying the relationships between alcohol, obesity, and cancer risk. She then transferred to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements where she worked another 15 years retiring from NIH in 2014.

Peggy Pearson

Four years after Gary and Peggy married, in 1974 Peggy worked with her husband to open his “Dream Business” Rainbow Sporting Goods while working a full-time job she held at the time. Peggy also co-managed their business with her husband Gary while working her jobs. They opened the doors to their business on April 20,1974 and they continued to work it together for 49 years until Gary’s death in 2023. Peggy continued to run the business every day until she was diagnosed with leukemia, exactly 3 months to the date of her husband’s death. This news then forced her to close the business off and on for treatment. Gary and Peggy’s goal was to celebrate “ 50” years in business. This celebration did indeed happen on April 20, 2024, in honor of Gary with the help of their daughter Sherie, grandson Carsten, son-in-law Guy and niece Gail Roberts. Gary was with us “ in spirit “ on that special 50th Anniversary Day.