Robert J. Disney, 77

"Seventy-seven, I'm going to heaven." Born on June 21, 1932, in Merced, Calif., Robert J. Disney used this phrase on his birthday in 2009 to mark the year he would leave this world. He died in the care of his family at the home of his son-in-law, LeRoy Brush Jr., on July 16, 2009.

He always thanked God and the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous for his life. They gave him a path to three beautiful wives, 11 children, 24 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He worked as an engineer in the aerospace program in California in the 1960s, and in logging and electronics in Montana in the 1970s and 1980s.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lizzie F. Disney; his sisters, Norma Silva and Helen Machado; wife, Mary Alice Disney; and wife, Lois Marie Disney.

He is survived by his wife, the incomparable Mary Kay Disney, aka Mrs. Mother; his children, Robert II, Mark, Mary Dodson, Troy, Elizabeth Fox, Shari, Lisa Brann, Teresa Brush, Shelly Rocheleau, Micheal and John; as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 5 p.m. July 18, at Northridge Lutheran Church in Kalispell.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous World Services Inc., P.O. Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, N.Y. 10163; or Northwest Healthcare Foundation and Hospice Program, 310 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901.