Norman Beecroft

Norman Earl Beecroft, 71, of Great Falls, US Air Force veteran and retired miller, died of cancer on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Peace Hospice.His wish was to have no funeral service, but a celebration of life at Bowser Brewing Company, 1826 10th Avenue South, Great Falls, MT on Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Norman was born on Mary 31, 1941 in Portland, Oregon to Earl and Meda (Harden) Beecroft.He was raised and educated there, graduating from Jefferson High School in 1959.Norman worked as a fireman in the US Air Force from 1963 to 1967, spending one year in Thailand.After the military, he worked for General Mills as a miller for 33years, retiring in 2001 due to ill health.He married Patty Fenton in Great Falls in 1964.Norman loved spending time with his sons and grandchildren, especially family time at the Oregon coast.Lots of wonderful memories!Norman was a member of the American Legion.Norman is survived by his wife, Patty Beecroft; sons Jeff (Denice) Beecroft and Brian Beecroft; grandchildren Meaghan (Derek) Smith and Ryan Beecroft; great-granddaughter Henley Michael Smith all of Great Falls; sister Meda Menlow of Bend, OR; and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Meda Beecroft; and his grandparents.Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, 1903 Central Ave, Billings, MT59102.Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com.