Darrell Dean Amundson Sr., 66, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016.

He was born April 26, 1950, in Jordan, Montana, to Wendell and Laura (Wagner) Amundson. He was raised in the Flathead Valley and then moved to Arizona when his father fell ill.

While in Arizona he met his wife, Riva Spencer, where he then proclaimed to have won the lottery with her. They spent their entire lives working, living and loving together until his last breath, raising two children, Darrell Amundson Jr. and Becky Spain, both of Kalispell.

Darrell’s work here is done. “He received a call, a sort of an offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family and friends he has dearly missed. His new mission takes him to a wonderful place where he will be socializing, riding horses, playing on the land, hunting and fishing, building and remodeling to his heart’s content — all the things he treasured and loved to do with none of the pain. Music, laughter and love are guaranteed to fill his heart and soul along with buffets of delicious food, especially fried chicken!”

Darrell is survived by the rock of his life, his wife of 46 years, Riva; three grandchildren who meant the entire world to him, Tyler Amundson of Seattle, Kenisha Spain of Haleiwa, Hawaii, and Kailey Spain of Kalispell. Family was the most important thing to him, along with a great bargain. He was a father, grandfather and best friend to them. He taught them many valuable lessons, including how to make cinnamon rolls. He loved to tell jokes, tall tales and stories to the kids. He was their “rock,” the man, the myth, the legend! There was never a dull moment with him; he could make anyone laugh.

Darrell is also survived by three sisters, Darla (Randy) Rowe of Calgary, Alberta, Donna Searcy of Phoenix, and Barbara Amundson of Kalispell; one brother, Doug Amundson, of Hungry Horse; one aunt, Betty Amundson, of Cascade; and five nieces and four nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, along with two brothers, David Amundson and Rod Amundson.

Services will be held at a later date.