J. Rodney Simmons, 36

J. Rodney Simmons, 36, of Swan Lake, affectionately known as ÒRibcage RodÓ by friends and family, tragically passed away on June 14, 2009, in Swan Lake. He was born Dec. 8, 1972, in Auburn, Calif., the son of Kenneth Simmons and the late Sondra Faye Peterson who passed away in 2007 in Lincoln, Calif. Rodney is also predeceased by his grandparents.Survivors include his father, Kenneth Simmons, and wife, Janet, of Modesto, Calif.; stepfather, the Rev. Bill Hawk, and wife, Jan, of Billings; a brother, Ben Richardson, and wife, Geldie, of Auburn, Calif., and their three children, Benjamin, Jacob and Noah; his sister, Rhonda Perry, and husband, John, of Eagle, Idaho; nieces and nephews, Thom Giles and wife Nichole of Alaska, Teesha Northcott and son Thomas of Alaska, and Clark and Elizabeth Perry of Idaho. His loving wife, Sarah Aczar, of Swan Lake, also survives him. He also leaves behind their two beloved Jack Russell terriers, Dutch and Lump, along with their many other beloved pets; as well as many cherished friends and acquaintances.Rod grew up with an insatiable appetite for life that never left as he grew into a man. Rod lived many lives: as a youth in California, then later in his adolescent years learning to surf in Hawaii. In his teens he moved with his family to New York state where he was still chasing his passion for life. It was there that he met, and kept his closest friends. Soon, his passion for life lead him toward another passion Ñ hunting. This brought him to Alaska where he lived, worked and hunted for three years. Later, in Montana, he became a licensed big game hunting guide. After moving his life to Montana, his path lead him to Sarah, with whom he shared the last six years of his life.In his passing, he will be missed in so many ways Ñ by his family, friends and the one he loved who loved him so much. ÒEvery early morning the wilderness will be quietly missingÓ an avid, aware, intelligent, respectful and passionate hunter; a man who loved the outdoors; there wasnÕt a moment that passed that he didnÕt have his mind on the next big hunt. Never a moment of RodÕs days were wasted. He was always moving, working, helping and spending time with the ones he so loved. He will be greatly missed by all. And every time we hear an elk bugle, see a flower grow into bloom, catch a fish, or even hike into the mountains, we will recall all these wonderful memories of a wonderful, loyal man who will always be cherished in many lives, in many ways, and will never be forgotten.RodÕs funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 19, at the Flathead Valley United Church of Christ, 204 Seventh Ave. W., Kalispell with Rev. Darryl Kistler officiating. A light reception will follow the services at the church. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home of Polson, is assisting the family.