Robert L. Mize, 78
Robert L. Mize, 78, was "called home by Our Heavenly Father," Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at his home with family after a long battle with heart disease.
Robert was born May 16, 1930, in San Bernardino, Calif., to Henley and Dagmar Mize. He grew up in San Bernardino.
He served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force.
His work life was spent in law enforcement with the San Bernardino County sheriff's office as a juvenile detective and the California Highway Patrol as a traffic officer. He attended Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, leading to his teaching in elementary education.
In 1954, Robert and Harriet (Christenson) Mize were married. They became parents to four daughters.
Robert's spare time in life was spent in the love of fishing, hunting and golf. This led the family to Montana, and ultimately the Flathead Valley in 1992.
Robert is survived by his wife, Harriet, of Columbia Falls; his daughters, Dana DeZan of Upland, Calif., Kathleen McCall of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Christie Mize of Columbia Falls; his grandchildren, Kady Barcafer of Columbia Falls, Karrie Falwell of Victorville, Calif., Kyle McCall, currently serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq, and Anthony and Sarah DeZan of Upland; great-granddaughter, Kaylynn Falwell, of Victorville, Calif.; his sister, Jean Pedersen of Solvang, Calif.; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and a daughter, Ann Lynn Mize.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Kalispell, Montana 59901.
A Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, at St. Richard's Catholic Church in Columbia Falls. Burial will follow in St. Richard's Catholic Cemetery.
Arrangements are with the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.