Robert Shanks, 64

Robert Shanks passed away just short of his 65th birthday in Kalispell on Aug.15, 2026. He was born in Glasgow to Norman and Sherry Shanks on Aug. 22, 1961. The family moved to Kalispell in 1976, where he attended one year of school in Kalispell and his remaining years in Columbia Falls, where he graduated in 1981. Rob was married to Karen on Sept. 12,     2009. He built a life known for steadiness, loyalty and the kind of presence that made others feel welcome.

Rob was very well known around the Flathead Valley, where he worked for Western Building Center for 38 years. WBC said that he was a committed worker to the company and it showed in his work — reflecting in his commitment to his customers and his team members. Most of all, he was irreplaceable and will be greatly missed.

Rob was a “BIG” Montana Grizzly fan, and would enjoy attending games every chance he could. He enjoyed playing golf, playing darts (both soft-tip and steel-tip), and playing cards, especially cribbage. He loved the outdoors — hunting, snowmobiling, huckleberry picking, riding his side-by-side in the mountains and camping. Rob was also passionate about shooting sports and took pride in doing his own reloading, believing in taking care of everything the right way. In the summer, if he wasn’t working in his yard or camping, you could often find him at garage sales — looking for just the right thing at the right price, the one he was willing to pay. And more often than not, he found it.

He is preceded in death by his parents Norman and Sherry Shanks, his first wife Terrina (Odgen) Shanks and brothers Donald Hustad, David Hustad and Danny Shanks.

Rob is survived by his wife, Karen (Sparks) Shanks; his boys Allen Sparks and David Sparks (Wanda); brother Dean Shanks (Denise); sister Dana Martin (Terry); sister Lisa Albrecht (Jeff); and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, adopted children/grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and many close friends whom he called family.

PaPa Wob will be remembered for the love he gave, the laughter shared over games and the outdoors and the lasting impact he left on the lives of those around him. Rob was a mentor and father figure to many. There was not a place you could go and not run into someone he knew — his kindness and genuine character followed him everywhere.

A small memorial will be held for close friends and family at Glacier Memorial Gardens on Sept. 12, 2026, at 10 a.m.
 A celebration of life will be held at Rob and Karen’s home on Sept. 19, 2026, beginning at 2 p.m. Barbecue will be provided; please bring a dish to share and have a drink on Rob.