Wayne Ewert

1946-2009

Wayne Ewert died early January 7^th at St. Vincent’s hospital from complications resulting from a brain tumor.  Wayne was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, son, sibling and friend. Wayne was born on November 19^th, 1946 in Marion, KS to Doris and Harold Ewert. He began to work as a young boy and continued to let the world challenge him as he explored and learned the lessons that it had to teach. He graduated with a double major in mathematics and geology from Kansas State University in 1969. He married Linda McElwain on September 1^st, 1967 and they began their glorious adventure that included living and working in Quito, Ecuador, Iquitos, Peru in the Amazon basin, and Guatemala, traveling the world, dancing to their own beat, raising two children and teaching others what true love is.

Wayne possessed character that was genuine and natural. He was raised in an environment that was steeped in faith, and he lived his live based on that faith with his church, his family and his community.  He was a hard worker and that was evident in his career, his friendships and in his home and family. He was dependable and strong and his personality was magnetic.  He loved his work as a geophysicist where he learned how we can survive and build a relationship even with the most difficult elements of earth. He played a pivotal role in the exploration and discovery of oil in North, Central and South America.  He honored the environment and enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family hunting, fishing, exploring and teaching how we can be responsible members of a delicate circle of life. His colleagues held him with much respect and admiration for his accomplishments and lessons. He challenged people to think and to educate themselves and develop their own ideas on topics that are popular to oppose.  He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and the jokes he recycled from the funny papers and e-mails. His laugh could fill a room.

Wayne was a father. He defined FATHER and everything that role entitles a man to be. He provided, supported and loved his children with unconditional love. He taught them to become people that he was proud of and in turn could be proud of his consistent role in their everyday lives. His children loved him and felt blessed with such a man to learn from. His children chose life partners that he embraced as his own children. Shane and wife Robbyn and Shannon and husband Dirk gave Wayne his most cherished treasures, his four grandchildren. They brought him much joy and he taught them lessons of life that only a person that has truly lived a great life can teach. His physical absence will be missed greatly, but there is no doubt that his spirit will continue to guide, teach and love his family.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Harold and father-in-law, Robert.

Wayne is survived by his wife Linda, children Shane and wife Robbyn, Shannon and husband Dirk, his grandchildren; Dillon, Alex, Sara, Dayne, and baby Toney due in June; his mother, Doris and mother-in-law, Charlotte; his brothers Max and wife Gerry, Gene and wife Kathy, Gary and wife Elaine, sister Donna and husband Jerome,  sister-in-law Toni and husband Richard, brother-in-law Chuck and wife Dina,  many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless family friends and members of his church family. He will be missed by all.

Services will be held at Hope United Methodist Church, 244 Wicks Ln., Billings, MT 59105 at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12^th. Visitation room will be open at Michelotti- Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave, Billings, MT 59102 on Sunday, January 11^th between 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Memorials can be made in lieu of flowers to Hope United Methodist c/o Wayne Ewert for either the Hope Chancel Choir or the Children’s Playground Fund or Montana Geological Society.

Linda and Shannon and family,

Linda, Shane, Shannon and all family members:

Linda,