We’ve missed him for a few years and were saddened to hear of the passing of long time Seeley Lake resident and Seeley Lake Historical Society supporter, Pastor Rod Kvamme.
Rod was instrumental in forming the Seeley Lake Writers Club and acted as chair of the informal group, providing advice and encouragement. That encouragement was key to the club publishing “Cabin Fever,”-- the best collection of stories ever written conveying the feelings, emotions and flavor of life in the Clearwater, Blackfoot and Swan Valleys during the first 100 years of Montana. For several years Rod was responsible for distributing the book to local vendors, providing much of the revenue for the Seeley Lake Historical Society. The Seeley Lake Writers Club, and the earlier SOS Writers Club, were an inspiration for forming the Seeley Lake Historical Society.
Among the books Rod wrote as part of his ministry of writing, speaking and conducting weekend retreats were: “Profiles of the Christ,” “Careless and Loving It,” “Miracles Today” and “God’s Improved Presence.”
In addition to Rod leaving his everlasting mark in the community by helping create the “The Best Last Place In Montana” (i.e., The Seeley Lake Cemetery) he was heavily involved in community affairs.
Rod also deserves credit for instigating the “Celebration of Trees”, which became the Tamarack Festival, now one of the largest events in town.
During his tenure at Seeley Lake, he served as president of the Seeley Lake Chamber of Commerce (1988), chaired Swan Valley Christian Singers and the Seeley Lake Lions Club. He also actively participated in establishing SeLa SenCi (Seeley Lake Senior Citizens).
Even during the latter days of his dementia, there was music in his soul and his fingers remembered how to tickle the keys of a piano. We all need to remember and practice his challenge to “just do good things because you can.”
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