Robert James Owens, 96

Robert James Owens, 96, passed away on Dec. 30, 2024, in Kalispell. Jesus' welcoming arms took Robert in as the last of his siblings to reunite his family together in Heaven. 

Robert was born in Carlyle, Montana, on March 5, 1928, to Luella Jane (Dunlap) and Reese Owens. He was the fifth of six children. He grew up in various places throughout Montana, including Lindsay, Brockway, Fort Peck, and Wibaux. He attended Wibaux High School, where he was the quarterback of the Class C championship football team. He also played basketball. While in high school, he met his lifelong best friend, Bill Mende, who ended up becoming his brother-in-law. After graduation, he was drafted into the Army and served in World War II. He returned to Montana and attended Montana State University in Bozeman for two years. He was then called up by the Army again and served in the Korean Conflict. He returned again to Bozeman to complete his degree in accounting. He remained a proud Bobcat fan throughout his life. 

After college, he began working in Miles City for the Livestock Auction as an accountant. While in Miles City, he met his soon-to-be wife, Helen Mae Johnson, when she slammed a door in his face. They were married on June 6, 1954, in Forsyth. They honeymooned in Glacier National Park and decided they wanted to live in the Flathead Valley. They moved to Kalispell, where Robert worked various jobs, including selling insurance, cars, and worked again as an accountant for Northridge Development. They purchased their first house in the Northridge neighborhood. In 1960, their first daughter was born, Catherine Ann. In 1962, their second daughter was born, Karen Louise. Then, in 1965, their third daughter was born, Elizabeth Sue. Robert started working for C&C Plywood, where he remained for 19 years until it was purchased by Plum Creek. He worked under Plum Creek for an additional 14 years until his retirement as the national sales manager of Plywood Products. During his time there, he fought to save the Evergreen Mill (and succeeded), implemented the warehouse program, and received numerous recognitions, including the Plum Creek President's Award. 

Robert was active in his community as a long-time member of Bethel Baptist Church, serving as a trustee and treasurer, as well as serving on the Kalispell Area Chamber of Commerce from 1981-1983. 

He spent several years wintering in Apache Junction, Arizona at the Golden Vista RV Resort, where he owned a park model. He attended many patio and deck parties with his Arizona friends, and later on in life, he would frequent dances with his companion, Lorraine Moore. 

In 2001, Robert's beloved wife of 47 years, Helen, passed away from a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He also lost his oldest daughter, Cathy, in 2003 due to complications with diabetes. 

A few years later, he married Laurel Meierotto on July 29, 2004. They were only married for about one year when Laurel passed from heart disease. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reese and Luella Jane; his siblings, Harold (Ollie), Gomer (Lois), Hayden (Addie), Tom (Lila) and Jane (Bill); his wife, Helen; his daughter Catherine and his last wife, Laurel. 

He is survived by his companion of 18-plus years, Lorraine Moore of Arizona/Idaho; his daughters, Karen (Mark) Hardesty of Kalispell and Elizabeth (Eric) Parks of Lincoln, California; son-in-law, Carl (Liz) Sanford of Newcastle, Wyoming; grandchildren, Helen Drake, Carl Jr. (Amanda) Sanford, Becky Swentesky, Stefanie (Jared) Lako, Bryce (Carisa) Middleton, Trenton (Zoe) Parks and Austin (Justine) Parks; great-grandchildren, Bobby, Cathy and Abby Drake, Quinten Gonzales, Heidi and Jenny Sanford, Christine and Holly Swentesky, Ridge Middleton and Raegan and Saige Parks; as well as many very special nieces and nephews, whom he loved as his own children. 

Robert lived a very full, long and wonderful life. Even though it was hard to say goodbye, we are blessed to have had him for 96 years. 

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 W. California St. in Kalispell. A reception will follow at the Village Greens Community Center, 195 W. Nicklaus Ave. in Kalispell. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry (Kalispell) or the American Legion (Apache Junction, AZ, Post 27 or Kalispell, MT Post 137). He was a proud veteran who loved his country.