Arnold Lightner, 79

Arnold Lightner, 79, passed away Jan. 13, 2010, at the Health Center Northwest in Kalispell, peacefully with his wife at his side. He started his battle with esophageal cancer the summer of 2008. Arnold was born Oct. 11, 1930, in Conrad, to Rachel (Christiaens) and Loren Lightner. He grew up milking cows and working on the farm with his family. He and his brother would ride the same horse a mile and a half to the Munyon School for classes. It was one of many one-room school houses that dotted the countryside at that time. Arnold attended Conrad High School, graduating in 1949. It was there he met the love of his life, Jean Petesch. Jean and Arnold were married in Conrad on Nov. 7, 1950. They began their life farming his parents land, eventually buying land of their own. They moved from the farm home into Conrad when their children started to attend school. As a child, Arnold was fascinated with airplanes, so much that he spent the entire amount he received from the sale of his prize calf at the county fair to take his first ride in an airplane! On Jan. 29, 1960, he received his pilot s license. He co-owned a plane with several other aviation enthusiasts, taking many trips with friends and family. Arnold was very community minded, becoming active in the local Republican Party, serving on the hospital board, the State ASCS Committee, the Economic Development Corporation which helped to develop businesses in Conrad, and the Conrad School board. When Arnold and Jean retired from farming, they spent time traveling the country with friends in their motor home. Eventually they settled in Bigfork and later Kalispell, spending winters in their home in Indio, Calif. Always wanting to remain active, loving to meet new people and having a special gift of making conversation with everyone, Arnold began doing volunteer work at hospitals in both California and Kalispell. He served the Kalispell Regional Medical Center for 14 years and was awarded the honor of Volunteer of the Year. Arnold was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Raymond Lightner. He is survived by his wife, Jean; his five children, Alan and his wife, Louise, of Sandy, Utah, John and his wife, Colleen, of Katy, Texas, Robert and his wife, Doreen, of Conrad, Julie of Havre, and Lisa of Seattle; three grandchildren, Alyssa and Alan, Quentin, and Zale and Lisa; and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Arnold s life will take place in Kalispell this summer and will be announced in late spring. In lieu of sending flowers, Arnold wanted memorials to be made to KRMC in Kalispell, 310 Sunny View Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901.