Leo John Campanian

Leo John Campanian passed away suddenly on May 22, 2014.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 31 ^st at 1:00 p.m. at St. Thomas Catholic church in Sunburst, Montana.  Interment will follow at the Sweetgrass cemetery.   Friends are invited to join the family at the Legion Hall in Sweetgrass for a luncheon and to share their memories of Leo John in celebration of his life.

Leo John was born in Great Falls, Montana, on August 26, 1955, the oldest child of Leo and Elinor Campanian. He grew up in Sweetgrass, Montana, surrounded by family and friends. He began his school years in Coutts, Alberta, Canada where he attended kindergarten. He then received his elementary education at the Sweetgrass School and graduated from North Toole County High School, Sunburst, Montana, in 1974.   Many of his classmates became lifelong friends.

In 1972, at the age of seventeen, Leo John was employed by Comanche Drilling where he began a lifetime career in the Oil and Gas Industry.  From 1972 until the later part of 1975 he continued working locally for various oil drilling companies.  He then took a position with Brinkerhoff Drilling and moved to Alaska to join his friend and mentor Leonard Dunham.  During Leo John’s 35 year career in the Alaskan oilfield he excelled as a Driller. He also worked as Tool Pusher for a short time prior to leaving the industry due to health problems.  Throughout his career he worked for several oil companies including Nabors & Doyon.  Conoco Phillips often requested him as their most preferred driller due to his meticulous safety record.

In 1986, he married Doreen Lind.  From this union came his son, Colter and daughter, Jasmine Rose.  His family also included his 4 step daughters, Hilary, Raven, Moriah and Morning Dove.  After several years he and Doreen parted company.  In 2000, his second son Casey Campanian was born.

His main passion in life was riding Harley Davidson Motorcycles and he attended the Sturgis Motor Cycle Rally whenever possible.    He also loved hunting, fishing and horses.   But most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved children Colter, Jasmine, and Casey; grandchildren Garett and Bostyn Anderson and Ryder Campanian;  brothers Danny Campanian and Bob (Kathy) Campanian; sisters Carmella (Lew) Campanian Grill, Linda (Dave) Mydland; nieces Shirley Nelson, Fran and Sandy Campanian, and Donna Rae Winchell (Bob); nephew Jim Michaels  and sister-in-law Eva Campanian.

Leo John was preceded in death, by his parents, Leo and Elinor Campanian, brother Frank, sister Lucia, Sister Margaret, and brother Howard.

Leo was such a unique and dynamic person. He was hard working, hard playing, honest, and loyal to his family and friends. He enjoyed life best when living on the edge.  It was often said that he had “nine lives.”   He was loved and will be missed by his many friends and family, especially his brother Danny who was “always there.”

No flowers please.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitted Funeral Chapel, Shelby.  Please visit Leo’s online memorial and leave a message of condolence for the family at www.whittedfuneralchapel.com.