Clifton Zablotney, 67

Clifton Price Zablotney, 67, of Kalispell, passed away on Oct. 17, 2025, at Logan Health Medical Center, three weeks after sustaining a traumatic brain injury in a bicycle accident.

Born July 9, 1957, in Minot, North Dakota, to Ben and Evelyn Zablotney, Clif grew up with a curiosity about the world and a deep sense of responsibility — traits that would guide him through every chapter of his life. After graduating from the University of North Dakota with a degree in computer science and a minor in Russian studies, he began a career as a computer programmer with IBM in Rochester, Minnesota. In 2002, he made the life-changing decision to retire from IBM and move to Montana to care for his father during his final months. Clif took over the family ranch — despite having no ranching background — and embraced the work with characteristic determination and humor.

Clif lived with intention, simplicity and a deep appreciation for the natural world. He was an avid cyclist, logging 5,000-6,000 miles a year and even racing in places far and wide, such as Australia and Alaska. He hiked Glacier National Park with gusto, always watching out for the hikers behind him in his group and always offering gentle, practical advice. He brought homemade pumpkin cupcakes to share on the trail, trimmed trees, and shoveled the long ranch lane by hand and found small treasures on his bike rides along the road that delighted him.

He worked cows — his "divas" — with patience, tended the ranch with devotion and took pride in his handline irrigation, haying, and every chore that kept the place running. He served his community as a 2010 census worker and as a chief election judge. He kept up with world events, attended community meetings (especially if there was food), maintained a lively blog (Life Among the Tall Pines) about his adventures on the ranch that connected him with friends around the world and Skyped weekly with his younger brother, Devan.

Clif was known for his kindness in small moments and for showing up for any experience with a ready smile and saying yes to life’s adventures. He loved reading, watching documentaries, staying up late into the night, and he cherished the rhythms of ranch life.

His favorite saying, offered whenever things went sideways, was simple and steady, "It’s not the end of the world." Those words now echo as a reminder of his perspective, his calm, and his unwavering optimism.

Clif is survived by his brother, Devan, and other uncles; his beloved cat, Rascal and a wide circle of friends, neighbors, hikers, cyclists and readers from around the world who were touched by his spirit. He was supported by many of his friends and neighbors, whose help on the ranch meant so much.

He has been laid to rest in the family plot in Rosehill Memorial Park in Minot, North Dakota, beside his mother.

He lived a life of quiet purpose, steady humor and deep care for others. His legacy lives on in the trails he hiked, the roads he biked, the ranch he tended and the countless people he watched over along the way.

Clif’s friends would like to extend a deep and heartfelt thank you to the extraordinary, compassionate, professional staff at Logan Health Medical Center for the exceptional care he received in his final days. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort during an incredibly difficult time, and it will always be remembered with gratitude.

A celebration of life is planned for his birthday, on July 9, location TBD. Please visit everloved.com to leave photos and stories and stay updated on memorial plans.