Wilfred David Montcalm, age 85 of Prosser, entered into rest on June 5, 2019 at Prosser Memorial Hospital. He was born on August 1, 1933 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota to Albert and Alice (Robins) Montcalm and was raised in Montana and Portland, Oregon, where his mother worked as a welder during World War II. The family moved to Prosser where they owned and operated a rail car called Dolly’s Diner. Wilfred worked as a waiter at the diner and, because of his good memory, didn’t write tickets. While in Prosser he met Edna Tremaine and the couple was married in 1952. They worked together at the diner until 1967, when they moved to Alaska.
Most of his life Wilfred worked as a construction truck driver for the Alaska Pipeline. On one occasion while driving a truck, carrying a Caterpillar, Wilfred fell through the ice on the Yukon River and almost drowned but was saved by a friend. Though a freighting experience, he continued to work diligently for the AK pipeline. He retired from truck driving in 1977.
Wilfred also liked to recall how he served as a chauffeur to Dixie Lee Ray, in Amchitka Island located in central Aleutian Islands in southwest Alaska.
Wilfred was a very hard worker. When he had the opportunity to play he found himself fishing and hunting moose and caribou under the midnight sun. He loved traveling with his family throughout Alaska.
Wilfred is survived by his wife, Edna Montcalm of Prosser; his children, Myrna Johnson (Bob) of Prosser; Marie Skotland (Jerry) of Kennewick, Keith Montcalm and Linda Stevens (Tim), all of Anchorage, Alaska; six grandchildren; and many great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Galliher. Wilfred was preceded in death by his brothers, Vern and Donald Montcalm and older sister, Ruth Oakson.
At Wilfred’s request, there will be no services. You may leave a message for the family at www.prosserfuneralhome.com.