Kyle Lee Courchane, 43, passed away April 28, 2015 at approximately 8:30pm at St Peters hospital from an unexpected heart attack. Kyle’s wife and in-laws and many friends were at his side to ease his passing.
Kyle was born November 20, 1971 at St Peters Hospital to Kermit Lee Courchane and Constance Susan Courchane (Gleed). Kyle was the first born child. Kyle was very proud of his Native American heritage and his membership in the Chippewa Cree Tribe and his large extended family.
Kyle led a full and active life, and traveled extensively throughout the United States. He spent five years in Europe with his parents where he learned to appreciate other cultures and how to deal with a multitude of different ethnic backgrounds. This benefited Kyle greatly in adult life, as he accepted all people without reservation. Kyle was an extremely intelligent and gifted student who made his parents extremely proud. Again, Kyle was a people person who gave tirelessly of himself, even in his youth. He volunteered his time as a big brother at Westmont, tutored grade school children, and worked with the Special Olympics. Kyle was active in Small Fry football as a player and later as a coach. This was something that he spoke fondly of throughout his life. Kyle started his high school days at Helena High School, but Kyle’s sense of adventure drew him to California where he continued his high school education. His ties to Helena and his many friends tugged at his heart. He returned to Helena to graduate with his class. Kyle attended Carrol College pursuing a degree in nursing. Kyle spent many years working at Mini Mart. He will be remembered fondly as a selfless man giving to those in their time of need. Kyle was associated with O’tooles Bar for 17 years where he acquired many of his long- term friendships. He met his future wife, Jeanne Gustafson, while she was celebrating her 21st birthday.
While working for O’tooles, Kyle began to develop an idea. That idea was Tiger Express, a small delivery company owned by Kyle and Dick Evans. One of many stories Dick would tell about Kyle was the time that Dick was trying to make a night delivery and the gate was locked. Dick did not know what to do, so Kyle told him to jump the fence. After a long pause, Dick informed Kyle that he was in his 70’s and his fence jumping days were long over! Kyle was not deterred so he got everybody fresh drinks ( he knew his customers well, so some got two or more) then he jumped in his truck, drove like a demon, jumped the fence, delivered the package, and nobody was the wiser that he had left. Kyle eventually took complete ownership of Tiger Express and with a lot of hard work and support from friends and family, expanded into one of the largest delivery services in the area.
Kyle married that girl from the bar, Jeanne, and they worked tirelessly to expand the business to prepare for the family that they wanted so badly. After the birth of his third daughter, he could not stand to be away from his family. He left O’toole’s and continued with Tiger express and Blue Moon Courier. As many of you know, the economy took a dive in 2008 and had a catastrophic effect on the service industry, so Kyle sold the business. Kyle knew that he needed to secure a better future for his wife and girls, so while still operating Tiger Express, he obtained his realtor license. After selling Tiger Express, he took a job with Gary Frederick as a realtor and within hours of working with his first client, he knew this was what he was meant to do.
He truly loved all aspects of the job, especially working with clients, realtors, loan title companies, and financial institutions. The thing he loved most was helping those who thought home ownership was not possible, become a reality. Some of Kyle’s achievements as a realtor were becoming a broker and starting the Courchane Group. This was a small but effective group of realtors who worked as a team to service their clients and community. Kyle was key in creating the “Helping Helena Heroes” program. Their primary goal was to provide homes and discounts for veterans, medical personnel, law enforcement, and teachers.
Although Kyle accomplished a lot and had a profound effect on hundreds of people, he would tell anyone who would listen that the one thing he was most proud of was his wife, Jeanne, and those four beautiful little girls Lexi, Kortni, Kendall, and Ashton! All you have to do is look at Kyle’s past Facebook posts, and you will know in your heart of hearts that no truer statement will ever be said about Kyle Lee Courchane.
Kyle was preceded in death by his grandfather Donnell Edgar Gleed; his uncle Donnell WM. Gleed. Kyle is survived by his wife, Jeanne; his princesses Lexi 9, Kortni 7, Kendall 5, and Ashton 3; his parents Kermit Courchane; Constance (Michael) Zahn; his sister Kerry (T.J) Cyr ; nephews Donnie and Jory Cyr; Grandmother Dolly A. Gleed; and numerous other family members.
A viewing will be from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday May, 6th at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Road, with a reception to follow the Mass in the social center of the church. Burial will follow the reception at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Kyle.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Kyle’s name be made to the Kyle Courchane Benefit Account by depositing online or by visiting any local Wells Fargo Branch in account number 2259119762.
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 5, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 5, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday May 6, 2015
Our Lady Of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Mass
Wednesday May 6, 2015
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Wednesday May 6, 2015
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 5, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 5, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday May 6, 2015
Our Lady Of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Mass
Wednesday May 6, 2015
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Wednesday May 6, 2015
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
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Bill & Sherri Roberts says
Kyle was a very unique person & truly will be missed by the many that let him step into their lives, however brief it may have been. Truly one of a kind. Prayers & thoughts are with you, his family and his precious little girls ~ truly the joy of Kyle’s life. There aren’t words to even start to convey our feelings. He has been to our home many times with our children throughout the years. A amazing person that has left us way too soon.
Bill, Sherri Roberts & family
bj benjamin says
I am so sorry to hear about Kyle. He was a very kind and tender person he loved his family . I pray for all ofyou.
Josh and Kristy Klein says
Kyle was such a bright light in a dark place. He will be missed. We offer our condolences .
Savannah McCormack says
The last time I saw Kyle, it was Halloween and I didn’t recognize him- because he was dressed up as Olaf the Snowman from “Frozen”– which depicts his fatherly role perfectly. He was one of the few men who would willingly dress as a snowman to match his princesses, and have a blast doing it. I didn’t know him as well as others, but the beauty about Kyle was that his heart was so big and his spirit so kind, that he treated everyone like family. His work ethic was inspiring. Anyone who knew him was blessed, and I know that I will forever cherish my fond memories of him. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family, especially Jeanne and his beautiful daughters.
Crystal Nance says
Jeanne and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Kyle was such a good guy with one of the biggest, kindest hearts. He will be missed by many. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
DIANE SHARP says
To all of Kyle’s family, I am shocked and so sad to hear about Kyle. Kyle was one of the nicest people I know and I remember him the most from the time he worked at O’Tooles. Great person, friendly and nice to everyone, always had a smile on his face. I know he loved all of his Family and he was so proud of all his girls! He will be missed! Connie, Jeanne and all of the family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time!
Shanna Swigert says
Our family, especially Karson, will miss Kyle dearly. He was definitely one of a kind. He has done so much for our family over the years we have known him and truly appreciate him.
Jeanne and girls, we love you and thank you for taking such good care of Karson. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Kathy Glover-Duncan Law Office says
Jeanne and anyone fortunate to be a part of Kyle’s family. It was such a shock to hear about Kyle. He always greeted everyone with a smile and a sense of humor. It was wonderful to see how you, Kyle and the girls have grown these past few years into such a beautiful family. Kyle will be surely missed by all that he touched. We are so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
Delores & Ray Almanza says
I remember Kyle from Otooles bar, he was always friendly and had a big smile for everyone. He will be missed.
Kelly & Jon Sampson says
Kyle has touched so many of our lives and will always be with us with all of the good things he has done for everyone. We will all miss his smiling face and laugh. Rest in peace my friend. We will be here for your girls and Jeanne to help them live and remember all the greatness you have done.
Amy Kroll says
COUSIN KYLE…..
I AM VERY SAD!!!! I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH. YOU ARE A GREAT COUSIN AND MY FRIEND! I WILL REALY MISS YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING. I MISS YOU! LOVE YOU!!
Grant & Deb Fossedal says
Kyle touch many people in so many different ways. From his signature, woo hoo, to his infectious smile, there is nothing he would not do for his fellow man. A good man, weak, A Great Man, that is getting warmer. A wonderful human, a loving husband, an awesome friend. Missed , yes, remembered forever, indeed. Jeanne and girls we all wish we could turn back time for you! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you! It is an honor to call Kyle my friend! The challenge for us all is to live as Kyle did loving everyone , helping our fellow man unselfishly.
Brian Nicodemus says
Kyle was a popular member of our REALTOR family. His wonderful personality and can do attitude will truly be missed. We really enjoyed having him as a dean this year at GRI in Kalispell and will miss him next year in Helena!!!! Our thoughts a prayers go out to his family and friends!
Margo Hoare says
Constance I want you to know my thoughts are with you today. I didn’t know Kyle personally, but such as we do in a small town, just by hanging around a bar or reading the paper, I was impressed when he saw a need and started Tiger Express, and later seeing his photo just about every day in the real estate ads, always with that huge smile. I always thought how proud you must be of him. I am praying for you and your family that you somehow find solace, peace and comfort in the coming days and years. From your friend Margo
Dan Wagner says
To the family of Kyle, He was a person that always desired to advance himself to be the best in Real Estate and always wanting to be involved. I got to know Kyle in 2008 as the President of the Montana Association of Realtors and I always considered him a friend every since that time. He was proud to be involved with The Graduate Realtor Institute in Kalispell this year as a Dean of a class and represented Montana with the best that he could offer. He traveled to various towns to complete his designations for Graduate Realtors Institute (GRI) and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). We will miss not seeing you smiling face at these events.
Tom and Nancy Ramberg says
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Our hearts bleed for his family.
Lifting you in prayer
Cindy Stevick says
Kyle always brought a smile to my face as I know he did the same for so many others, whether they knew him or not! His amazing enthusiasm for life, and for Real Estate, was his trademark and he brought joy to all of us who had the pleasure to know him and to work with him. It was wonderful to have him serve on our Montana GRI Committee and he jumped in with absolutely no hesitation to help, serving as a Dean to our GRI 101 class in Kalispell this March. I was so looking forward to having Kyle on our local GRI committee as we begin working toward hosting GRI in Helena next year. He will be missed at all of our Realtor meetings and functions … and whenever I hear “WhewWho” I’ll know it’s our friend Kyle encouraging us to smile and enjoy life! Rest in Peace, my friend!
Kevin Wood says
So sorry for your loss. The world became a little darker today with his passing. Though it’s been years sense his company was shared with me, his smile is eternal in my mind and heart! I’ll miss ya big guy! My love to the family.
Dani McDonald says
Absolutely heartbreaking! Jeanne I am so sorry for your loss. Kyle was such an amazing man. It was such a great experience working with him trying to find the right house. I loved hearing his WooooHooo and getting him hooked on Zots Candy from the Parrot. 🙂 He will be missed by so many. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Nancy Courchane says
Me heart breaks for you Connie, Kermith, Jeanne, and especially for his beautiful baby girls. Kyle was a very unique person. He cared about people. What I call a people person. He always made me laugh. What a personality! He was a good kid even when he was very young. Always a joy and a help to be around. He had great ambitions. I admired him so much. He will remain in our hearts forever. We were blessed to have him as part of our family. He was the kind of person that would help anybody. And he helped us out a lot of times. I appreciated him so much. He was such an awesome daddy. Loved when he sent me pictures or posted them on facebook. A few years back we spent the 4th of July with him and his wonderful family.It was such a fun night. He was so thoughtful. I remember how he invited co-workers and their children to a potluck at his beautiful new home. He even bought little backpacks for every single child filled with their own fireworks. That’s how he was. He was fun and loving and always made you feel right at home. Thank you for sharing your son with us Connie and Kermith. We love you all and we are here for you. I will miss Kyle and will pray for his precious wife and girls.
Kristi Dilger says
I was so blessed to be a part of Kyle & Jeanne’s wedding as a bridesmaid. My thoughts & prayers are with Jeanne, her girls & their whole family! May God keep you all in His tender care during this difficult time.
Brittney Gleed says
Kyle was the greatest cousin in the whole world. I remember our summer trips when i was a little girl and every one thinking i was his little sister and sometimes his daughter. it’s been about 3 years that i haven’t seen him. during Christmas goodness everything makes me think of him every Tim McGraw song and every tiger Kyle you will be missed now your in heaven with my brother and uncle Punky. not a day will go by that i won’t think of you. Kyle your beautiful daughters are loved dearly and they’ll never forget the best of times that you gave them and Jeanne will never be alone in raising them girls. god please keep my family strong during this time of loss and let them know there daddy and husband and son will always be watching over them. with heavy hearts we say goodbye to an awesome man with a big heart and silly laugh. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH KYLE LEE WORDS CAN NEVER DESCRIBE
pattie mcknight says
kyle was a wonderfull man in all aspects of life!!! my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
pattie mcknight says
kyle was a wonderful and kind person to anyone he met!!! my thoughts and prayers are with your family!!
Rose Baker Hardman & family says
We are so sorry to hear about Kyle. Know that you all are in our hearts and prayers. He was a caring and giving person. Memories are a wonderful thing to have. The Baker and Hardman families.
Rayn Brock says
I met Kyle sometime around 95′. My brother and I would often walk down to visit with him at O’Toole’s, and eventually a group of us including Kyle started our Paintball teams. With Tiger Express decals on the van, we proceeded to Columbia Falls full speed ahead. We spent many an hour enjoying his jokes, laughter, but for me most important, his kind words and solid advice. My heart goes out to his girls and wife, know that it is true when people say he was a good dad, and man…
Kelly J DeWolf says
When I moved back to Montana I first met Kyle at O’Tooles we became instant buddies and soon Kyle was one of my most trusted and valued friends. I was always so impressed with his never give up attitude and he was so positive and giving. Helena lost a great one and my heart hurts knowing I will not be able to see him again. Jeannie and the kids are so special and I know how hard this is. I can only promise to make sure for Kyle that I be there if they need me as; I know he would have done that for me. I Love You Kyle
Kathy Stacey says
We were so saddened to hear of Kyle’s passing. I know Connie how close you were. My heart breaks for you all. Know that we are think of you all. Love you all. Hugs
Kathy and Ron Stacey
Verna & Brianna Crane says
Jeanie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss, I am shocked and did not know till now. Brianna and I will keep you and all your family in our prayers. You are blessed with a great family. God Bless.
Russ, Denise, Elise and Reagan Wolf says
Jeannie, girls, and family,
We are very sorry for your loss. All of us have been thinking about and praying for you!!
Amanda Hetrick says
You were always more than a cousin to me. You were like my big brother, there to show me right from left, funny from absurd, trustworthy from not, and to kick my but when it was totally wrong. It was the proudest day of my life when “You” Kyle Lee, My brother would allow me to name my oldest son after you, and little did I know then it would this day help ease my sorrow knowing I could still call your name and get a response. I love you so dearly, may God enjoy you as much I had the pleasure too. You left the best legacy that any man would be proud to leave, Jeanne, Lexi, Kourtni, Kendall, and Ashton. Keep the family in check up there and watch over my babies my dear cousin.
Lillian Tovey says
To all of Kyle’s family, my heart aches for your loss. I only had the pleasure of meeting and visiting with Kyle a handful of times, but Eddy always spoke highly of him and I am sure Eddy was at the gates of Heaven to show Kyle the wondrous glories.
Bob Pennington says
To Kyles family. I am so sorry for your loss. Kyle was a wonderful man. We had many good times sharing our bartending experiences, His at Otooles and Mine at Haps. He had a very caring way about him and he will be greatly missed. You are all in my prayers and if you need anything, please let me know.
Bob Pennington
DOC & BEV CARL says
I knew Kyle for many years. he was one of the most motivated, ambitious and hard working people have had the pleasure of knowing. Also a very pleaant personality. He made friends wherever he went. He will be misssed. Our condolences to his entire family.