Clarence Cridland

Clarence R. Cridland, 84 of Miles City, passed away on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at Holy Rosary Healthcare. With his family by his side, Clarence went to meet his Lord and Savior.

Clarence was born to Cyril and Maude Staley Cridland on December 4, 1933 in Camp Crook, SD in his Grandmother's one room house. Clarence worked on the family and neighbors' homesteads as a youngster where he learned to play guitar from his older siblings. On December 29, 1950, at the age of 17, Clarence married Mary Webster, the love of his life, who was 15. To this union, a son, Gary, and a daughter, Nettie were born.

When Clarence and Mary first moved to Miles City he worked setting bowling pins and for a local gas station. Clarence and Mary eventually bought the local Uptown Conoco gas station and garage (now Short Stop). On the weekends, Clarence could usually be found playing his guitar and singing with his band "The Cridland Trio + 1." Clarence's music brought him many friends over the years, including longtime bandmate Ray Clauson. Clarence's family still often hears stories from local friends, and some of his biggest fans, remembering all of the good times that came about while "The Cridland Trio + 1" was performing.

Meanwhile, they continued to operate Uptown Conoco for many years before he eventually started working in real estate and building modular homes with Donald Mullen and Mullen Realty. In his spare time, Clarence was busy working on getting his pilot's license. In 1974, with Mary, Gary and Bernadette they opened Cridland Steel where they built Butler steel buildings and grain bins all around southeastern Montana. It was during this time Clarence and Mary's granddaughters Tanneil and Raelee were born. He took his 'Grandpa' role very seriously and picked up his granddaughters after work every Wednesday night and took them home, where Mary would make pizza and pudding. Later he owned Cridland Overhead Doors, delivered oxygen for American Medical Oxygen and toured the countryside, with Mary by his side, driving for Stevenson's Funeral Home.

In their spare time, Clarence and Mary could often be found at the bowling alley, participating in various leagues over the years with their friends. They went on many bowling trips in their Winnebago, with one of Clarence's favorite occasions being the day he bowled a perfect 300 game. This was something he was very proud of. They loved to camp, fish and boat with their family and friends. They also enjoyed snowmobiling and making countless memories with friends, in their younger days.

Mary and Clarence enjoyed teasing each other about being from 'Camp Crook' or 'Ekalaka,' even though only a handful of miles (and a state boundary) separated the two. Mary was Clarence's constant companion, day and night, throughout the 65 years of their incredible marriage. Clarence's heart broke the day Mary passed in 2016 and we know he was so happy to be reunited with her in heaven.

Family would like to thank Cottonwood Assisted Living, Holy Rosary Healthcare Extended Care Unit, Hospice and Palliative Care, where he received loving and compassionate care.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and his loving wife, Mary.

Survivors include a daughter, Nettie (Jay) Honstain; a son, Gary (Bernadette) Cridland. Grandchildren Tanneil (Ricky) Kuchynka and Raelee (John) Hollowell. Clarence was also very close with his eight great-grandchildren, Kaden, Claire, and Connor Kuchynka as well as Tallee (Jeremy Newby), Pierce, Jacques, Brinlee, and Madilee Hollowell.

Family received friends on October 1 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services were held on October 2 at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Interment followed at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: http://www.stevensonandsons.com.

Should friends or family desire, in lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted in Clarence's name at the Outreach Clinic of Miles City or they may donate to the local charity of their choice.