Scott King, 73

It is with deep loss and great sadness that we announce the passing of husband, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, Scott King, 73, on Nov. 4, 2024, after a brief but determined fight with an inoperable brain tumor. Scott was born to Barbara and Donald King Sr. in Havre on Dec. 20, 1950, joining brother Don Jr.

In 1952 the family moved from Havre to Whitefish joining relatives on Texas Avenue. This street is where Scott shared many good times with friends and family over the years. Fishing and hunting were important parts of his younger years as well as Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, shop class and band. Scott attended Whitefish schools graduating in 1969. Also, in 1969 Scott married Doris Keck and their son Jeff was born. Daughter Jeannie joined the family in 1971. 

Scott was a quick learner and had the knack of mastering many skills. He held many jobs over the years. His first employment was at 16 as a box boy at Safeway when it was on Central Avenue. He stayed in the grocery business for many years and was a highly sought-after meat cutter. In 1989 a life change came for Scott and Doris when they both attended Alamon Inc. in Kalispell. This led them to jobs all over the US installing telecom networks. Over the following 30 years, the pair shared many adventures traveling the states and also a six-month stay for a job in Australia. A brief stint delivering RVs was also quite an adventure for them seeing many new sites and cities and the places to not pull an RV! Over the last few years, Scott primarily worked from home on Texas Avenue. He enjoyed the work but also enjoyed time spent with Doris, family and friends and their cats.

In 2022 he retired. It was at that time that Scott and Doris decided to fulfill their longtime dream of leaving the snow behind and traveling the southern and coastal states seeking ocean and desert sunsets; discovering new cuisines; meeting new people and seeing new places. The couple hit the road from Whitefish in September of 2022 with a new pickup, a fifth wheel RV and their cats Cooper and Ozzie. Two winters of warmth, sunsets and memories remain from that well-spent time.

Scott was a talented cook. He enjoyed the process of making a special meal and smoking meat in just the right way. His smoked brisket will be missed! A longtime Dallas Cowboys fan he rarely missed a game on TV. He and Doris shared an interest in car racing, and they spent many hours together watching the races. Scott loved music and would search out new artists to add to his oldies lists. He enjoyed many outdoor activities including camping, hunting, fishing and slow rides through the woods. Many days were spent traveling dirt roads looking for animals and mushroom hunting. He had a few classic cars over the years and numerous jeeps that traveled the backroads and forests of Flathead County and scenic routes in many states.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Doris; son, Jeff King (Misty) and their daughters, Kodi Carmichael (David) and Kacee Rimpley (Jacob) and son, Jacob King; daughter, Jeannie Stevens (Terry) and their daughters, Kilee Stevens, Kristin Krueger (Mike), Kendra Stevens, and LaChrisha Sandlin (Seth). He is also survived by sister, Michelle McDowell (Brian); nephews, Kelly McDowell (Emily) and Kevin McDowell; nieces, Louann LaSalle (Logan) and Karen King-Craft (Ken). He leaves behind many precious great-grandchildren, numerous special friends and cousins, and two great-nieces and their children. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Barbara; his special grandmother, Minnie Mason Joslin; infant sister, Peggy and brother, Don Jr. 

There is a certain magic about memories. We may share them but to each of us they are different but still special and comforting. The next time you experience the beauty of a sunset or travel a wet and winding dirt road think of Scott. He will always be there; where he was most happy and doing the simple things that brought him and all of us so much joy over the years. We are thankful for all of the memories!

No public memorial is planned at this time. A celebration of life for Scott will be held in 2025. Condolences may be sent c/o Michelle McDowell 708 Hidden Valley Dr., Whitefish, MT 59937. Donations to Wings suggested. 

To send online condolences, please visit www.columbiamortuary.com.