Lunde Jay Baston

Missoula, Montana mourns the loss of a beloved member of their community, Lunde Jay Baston, who passed away on August 14, 2024, at the age of 53.

 Lunde came into the world just before Thanksgiving on November 23, 1970, earning the endearing nickname "their little turkey" from his parents. This nickname was fitting not just for his birth date, but also for his playful and spirited nature. From a young age, Lunde was known for being mischievous and nonconforming, with a love for pranks and a pace that was always a bit faster than everyone else around him. 

 This energetic and unique nature was evident early on, right from when he started crawling. Lunde's modified bear crawl, with his butt straight up in the air and hands and feet flat on the ground, was just the beginning of his lifelong tendency to move quickly and live life to the fullest. His parents recognized these qualities in him early, understanding that Lunde was destined to carve out his own unique path.

 Despite the challenges of moving often after his parents' divorce, Lunde found places where he could cultivate lasting friendships and cherished memories, like at Monforton Elementary in Bozeman, Montana. His time at Castle Rock Junior High was brief, but it was another step in his quest for a sense of belonging and adventure. Choosing to live with his father, Lunde embraced new beginnings in Garrison, and later Missoula, Montana, where he attended Sentinel High School. Each move added to the tapestry of experiences that shaped him.

 After high school, Lunde's adventures took him to Alaska, a land known for its rugged, untamed beauty—perfect for someone with a soul as free as Lunde's. It was in Alaska where he met his first wife. Together the two embarked on the rewarding and adventurous journey of parenthood. They had three children: Landon, Logan, and Lauren. Each child brought new dimensions to Lunde's life, echoing his own spirited nature. 

 Despite the challenges that life threw his way, Lunde approached each new chapter with resilience and a sense of adventure. After experiencing a divorce that mirrored the separation in his own childhood family, Lunde returned to Billings, Montana, to live with his mother, Paulette Baston. This period of rebuilding was tough, but it also offered Lunde the opportunity to reconnect deeply with his mother, something for which Paulette was immensely grateful.

 One of the fond memories Paulette recalls is Lunde's passion for kayaking, which led him on several adventures. A particularly memorable outing took place at Lake Elmo in Billings, where Lunde, in his typical spirited fashion, attempted to teach Paulette how to perform an Eskimo Roll with his kayak. For Paulette, the experience was as thrilling as it was nerve-wracking, with Paulette thinking she was going to drown when Lunde turned her kayak upside down in the water. Of course, that’s Lunde. He always had a zest for life and wanted to share those exhilarating experiences with the people he loved. 

 Lunde's passion for the rugged elements of nature—iron, rocks, and big wheels—guided him back to Missoula, Montana. This is where he met his loving partner, Angie. Together, they carved out a life full of love and shared dreams, centered around Lunde’s rock quarry, Farwest Rock Products. This unique setting was not just a business for Lunde but a reflection of his character and interests. The quarry became their home, a place where they built a life together, surrounded by the beauty of the landscape they loved. 

 The quarry was not only a business for Lunde and Angie; it evolved into a vibrant hub for immediate and extended family. Lunde’s children, Landon, Logan, and Lauren, from his previous marriage, spent many summers in the quarry. After his boys finished school they had the opportunity to help with daily operations for Farwest Rock Products. This time provided Landon and Logan with not only practical skills but also the invaluable experience of spending quality time with their father, Lunde. While it seemed as though they were always working, their time was also woven with moments of laughter, learning, and bonding. Their experiences strengthened family ties and created a treasure trove of memories they will carry forward into their own lives. 

 Lunde’s presence will be greatly missed, but his legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

 Friends and family are welcome to attend Lunde’s memorial celebration of life at Farwest Rock Products, 12758 Farwest Dr., Missoula on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 3pm.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Lunde J. Baston at the Jaydn Fred Fund, PO Box 4592, Missoula, Montana 59806.