John Reno Davies, 89
Peacefully and willing, John "left this life for the next" on Jan. 13, 2009. Physically overwhelmed by a myriad of illness, and not wanting to live by heroic measures, he chose to take the next step in life. With optimism and enthusiasm he lived life, the first to help someone in need. He never did meet a stranger. A most wonderful father and husband, he gave everything he could to his wife and two sons.
He was born John Reno Rorvik in Glendive on May 22, 1919, the last of 12 children born to sheepherders from Norway, Peter and Marie Rorvik, of Circle. Life on the frontier was harsh; his mother passed away before his first birthday. His father's new wife also had many children of her own and John was passed on to an older sibling, then adopted by a loving couple, Art and Marie Davies. He grew up in Circle until the Dust Bowl and hard times chased the family to Polson, where he went to high school and graduated at age 16.
Cowboying was his life. Life was good on horseback, riding his own horse from the age of 3, until selling the farm in Round Butte (Ronan) 30 years later. He even met his bride of 62 years, Margaret Beck, after getting kicked in the head by a horse. Stories of hunting trips, riding from Ronan to "the Bob," and summers in Ovando working on haying crews have been told many a time. His budding career as a cattle rustler was short-lived at age 13.
Enlisting in the Navy as soon as he could when World War II broke out, he became a ship fitter first class in charge of repairing battle ships in New Guinea. "We were just a bunch of kids," he would often remark when reminiscing about his service. Seeing New Guinea natives must have been quite an eyeful for a Round Butte cowboy.
John and Margaret carved a life for their family in Montana, living mostly in Kalispell and working incredibly physical jobs at Plum Creek for 20 years. Active in the Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts, John donated many hours as a leader and helper.
Golfing became a passion later in life — he made four holes-in-one, while his wife may have topped that.
For the last 20 years, John had a guardian angel in the form of Ed and Molly Clark, whose help allowed them to live "independently." True friends, "Thanks, Ed and Molly."
John was preceded in death by his natural parents; adopted parents; and 11 brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; sons, Kirk and Eileen Davies of Lolo, and Don and Wanda Davies of Florence; five grandchildren; and one beautiful great-grandbaby.
"We miss you and love you, Dad."
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross, the Boy Scouts of America, or the Partners in Home Care Hospice.
Memorial services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Elks Lodge in Kalispell.