Our condolences to the Spear family and the Dillon, Montana unit of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Fire and Aviation Management. Senior Engine Supervisor Joan Spear, 46, a 12 year veteran of wildland firefighting, died Monday, March 18, 2002. Joan was training for an annual 3 mile pack carry fitness test when she collapsed from an as yet undetermined cause.

     Joan was training with a 25 pound pack for a fitness test that requires wildland firefighters to carry a 45 pound pack a distance of three miles within 45 minutes. She had never failed the test before.

     Joan was a full time firefighter from March through November, and played an integral role in initial attack incident command. During the winter she worked part time for the DNRC providing basic firefighter training for volunteers from around the state, and working on forest improvement projects.

     Joan is survived by her husband Harry Worman. She had arranged to be a full-body organ donor, so after her death there were jets lined up the local airport to send her organs around the country to those in need. Joan was the first full organ donor out of this county.

     A memorial service is planned for 12PM on Wednesday, March 27, 2002 at the Beaver Head Search and Rescue Building in Dillon, MT and will be followed by a wake at the Elks Lodge. Joan's ashes will be carried aboard her engine, number 42.

     The family has requested that memorials be directed to: