Paul Wilfred Sibley, 62

Paul Wilfred Sibley was born in Kalispell on Sept. 24, 1948, and in August 2011 “crossed to the other side, continuing his journey on the Red Road.”

He was a "gentle giant" of a man who loved animals, reading, mushroom and huckleberry picking, telling "tall tales," and secret fishing spots. He was a talented artist, working mostly in pen and ink, as well as oils and scratchboard. He also carved Native American flutes, walking sticks and other ceremonial objects.

Paul spent the majority of his life as a "seeker," pursuing serenity and personal growth through nature, art, literature, his AA family, and his personal relationship with his “Higher Power.” Paul will be best remembered by his lumbering laughter, the thump of his carved walking stick, his quirky "wit," and the plethora of pen and ink drawings of majestic mountains, gnarly trees, rustic homesteads, animated grizzly bears, local haunts and, of course, outhouses and mushrooms!

He was preceded “in his journey onward” by his parents, Bill and Mary (Smithson) Sibley; his first wife, Sherry (Carter) Kline; his daughter, Tina Rae Sibley; his aunt, Rose (Sibley) Rafftery; his uncles, Earl Smithson and Ralph Mason; nieces, Eileen (Conachen) Hayduke and Lisa (Conachen) Woolsey; and cousin, Barbara Smithson.

He is survived in this life by his daughter, Shellie (Sibley-Polensky) Simpson, and husband, Doug; sister, Marilyn (Sibley) Conachen, and husband, Ed; brother, Calvin Sibley, and wife, Ginni; and brother, Roger Sibley and wife, Larisa; grandchildren, Justin, Kasmir and Amaia Spilis; and great-grandson, Karson Spilis; as well as many other family members.

A memorial celebration will be held at a future time.

"Travel well, Paul, and save some fish for us. We'll see you again one fine day, on the other side of the river."