Dwight Croghan

Dwight Eugene Croghan, 82, best known as Gene, passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 2, 2014.A wake will be held at Ryan Dam Picnic Area on Sunday, August 17th from 1 to 4 pm. Join the family in celebrating Gene's life. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home.Born in Torrington, Wyoming on June 30, 1932 to Mable and Ira Croghan, he went to school in Hardin, Montana and attended University of Montana. After serving in the Air Force as a dental assistant, he moved to Great Falls, where he entered the farming business. A respected farmer for 32 years, he served as Vice-President of Montana Grain Growers Association, and was a board member of Western Wheat Association, where he participated in a 6-week tour around the world, promoting Montana grain. He was known as a progressive farmer not only from a production aspect, but also in fighting for better market prices. Keenly intelligent and innovative, he had a technical mind, full of ideas of how to do things better. You can't do that was not part of his vocabulary.Not only was Gene passionate about his work, he also enjoyed a myriad of interests and sports including flying, scuba diving, wine-making, bread-making, orchids, model airplanes, tropical aquariums, gem collecting, and much more. He loved fishing, boating, skiing, picnicking in the mountains, and was very fond of his Pekinese and Shih-Tzu dogs, and his black cats. With a wonderful Irish sense of humor, he was greatly appreciated for his light-heartedness and his renowned storytelling.Gene was deeply devoted to his wife and best friend, Judy Croghan, for over 40 years the two of them embarked on many fun adventures, always at each other's side. He also took great pride in his children, Doug (Laurie) Croghan, Roger Croghan, Brenda Croghan, Colleen (Lonnie) Nielsen and Tara Kimball and his ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Roland Croghan.