G. Eldon Kinniburgh
G. Eldon Kinniburgh Obituary
George Eldon passed away on March 29th in Kalispell.
He was born August 4, 1938 in Park Grove, Montana to George and Geneva (Eastman) Kinniburgh. He attended schools in Marion and Kalispell, graduating from Flathead High in 1956.
Nearing the completion of Fort Peck Dam, his family moved to Marion where his brother Bill joined the family and he lived his remaining years in the Flathead Valley. Upon graduating from high school, Eldon enlisted in the Navy as a Machinist Mate and served a tour of duty aboard the USS George Clymer. Upon discharge, he returned to the Flathead Valley and worked a couple years in his dad and Uncle’s logging company
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and his wife Pauline.
Eldon met and married Pauline Pedersen (Hovey) and her three children in December 1959, and they had two additional children. They were married for 57 years before Pauline’s passing in February 2017.
Eldon spent a career as a milkman working for Greig’s Dairy, Skyline Dairy and Meadow Gold Dairy (purchased Skyline). He was a familiar figure in the grocery stores and restaurants around the valley and embodied the phase ‘whistle while you work’ as he could always be heard whistling – ‘The Whistling Milkman’. He retired in 2003.
He was an active and devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church after his Lord got ahold of his life in 1967 and he served in various roles through the years until recently when we believe he heard the words ‘Well done, good and faithful one’.
Eldon had four primary loves in his life. He loved Jesus, he loved his wife and family, he loved ball sports and he loved the Flathead Braves. He said his greatest times were spent with family or friends playing card games, board games, softball, basketball, horseshoes, golf, bowling or watching the Braves.
He is survived by his children, Karen Pedersen, Columbia Falls; Leslie Allison and her partner Dale Anderson of Creston, WA; Jeffrey Pedersen, Ninilchik, AK; Gary Kinniburgh and his wife Carolyn, Enumclaw, WA; and Jodi Hollenbeck of Spokane, WA. Also, the grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he loved and cherished – Sara and her husband Lee Morgan and their children, Hayden and Lacey; Erica and her children Sitera and Tiana; Ross; Kelly and her husband Jon Dobson; Reese and his wife Meira and their children Reagan, Paige and Lucas; Hannah, Courtney; and Alex.
A memorial service will be held on May 19th at 11 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, 936 4th Ave W in Kalispell.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be given to Lake Blaine Bible Camp c/o Bethel Baptist Church.
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