Lance Trimmer

Lance Trimmer

Great Falls - Lance Edward Trimmer, a Vietnam veteran and former member of the elite U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets), was born and raised in San Francisco. His parents were Charles and Mary (Gendice) Trimmer. Lance was born on May 28, 1939. He passed away on November 29, 2017, following a lengthy illness.

Lance served on active duty in the United States Air Force and the U.S. Army from 1956 until 1970. While in the Army, he became a Green Beret. He served in Special Forces and Special Operations. He completed multiple combat tours in Vietnam before being honorably discharged as a Sergeant E7. Following his active service, Lance and several of his follow veterans made extensive efforts to recover POWs. Their efforts were made to honorably recover lost comrades or their remains. Lance was deeply devoted to that effort.

Later, Lance served as a deputy sheriff in Rosebud County, Montana. He attended junior college in Powell, Wyoming and later earned a Bachelor's degree from the College of Great Falls. Lance worked many years as a private investigator and bail bondsman in Great Falls. He was well known to the local law enforcement and legal communities. Lance loved to travel, and his travels took him all over the world. He had many friends and colleagues in far flung places. He was a fisherman, singer, gambler, excellent cook and raconteur. He lived a full and very interesting life. He will be greatly missed by a wide circle of friends, family, and ex-colleagues.

Lance was married three times, each ending in divorce. He left behind two sons: Jeffrey, of Southport, South Carolina, and Michael of Lake County, California. He had three step-children: Howard, Doug and Bobbie Dawn, all of whom live in California. His sister, Darci Trimmer, of Alaska, survives him. He also leaves behind a special friend, Faye Rivette, of Santa Rosa, California. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Lance's Memorial Service will be held at Croxford Funeral Home, 1307 Central Avenue, in Great Falls, on Saturday, December 9th at 2 p.m. A memorial get-together will follow at the City Bar at 700 Central Avenue.

Condolences to the family may be shared at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com