Max Agather, 77

With heavy hearts but deep gratitude for a well-lived life, we announce the passing of Max David Agather, who left us peacefully on Aug. 8, 2026, at the age of 77.

Max was born on Nov. 26, 1948, in Libby, following his twin brother Mark into this world. He has now followed his brother and best friend, Mark, onto their next adventure. 

He graduated from Libby High School in 1966, where he excelled academically and was gifted in music, including musical theatre. Max and Mark won the Montana State Basketball Championship in 1966.

At the UofM, Max played basketball for the Montana Grizzlies and was active in the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He married his college sweetheart Marsha Selle. He joined the National Guard and eventually graduated with a degree in finance from Seattle University. 

Besides his family, friends, and Bull Lake, music provided Max with a lifetime of solace and inspiration. He relished entertaining with fellow musicians. From his high school band “The Cavaliers” to the Dixieland band “Six Feet Below” and “Tut and the Uncommons,” his love for music was ever present. He also performed with Kalispell musicians Rob Quist and the ”Great Northern Band” and Marshall Noice’s band “Can’t Hardly Play Boys.” 

Family and friends will miss hearing Max's lead guitar alongside Mark's bass at the family cabin. Their music drew people together as a crowd would inevitably gather to enjoy their rousing harmonies and sing along to cherished old favorites.

Max was the consummate storyteller with a wonderful sense of humor. On the golf course, he could be competitive but always sportsmanlike. At home, he was a gracious host and always enjoyed a good roast with mashed potatoes and gravy. 

Living in Alaska, working for Spenard Builders, he met and married his great love, Linda Hendrickson. They moved back to Kalispell, where he started Glacier Life and Health Insurance. He became chairman of the board at Marina Cay and served on the board of directors for the Immanuel Lutheran Home. He did special events for the American Cancer Society and was part of the Rotary Club. Statewide, Max served on the Montana State Banking Commission and the Health Care Advisory Council.

In 1990, Max and Mark ran the campaign for Marc Racicot for Governor of Montana; Racicot’s high school basketball exploits with the twins were a highlight of his campaign videos. And years later, Racicot would become Governor.

Max is preceded in death by his father Alfons Agather, mother Isabel Kienitz Agather, brothers Jay, Michael and Mark Agather and brother-in-law Ray Haugen.

He is survived by his wife Linda Agather; daughter Adrienne Parsons (Jay); sisters Andrea Haugen and Martha Jordan (Jeff); granddaughters Maxine Agather and Madison Fronsoe (Caelan); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of his life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalispell on August 29, at 3 p.m. followed by a reception at Holt Stage Hideaway. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bull Lake Volunteer Fire Department at bulllakevfd.org. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.