Leonard A. Cobler, 65

Leonard A. Cobler, 65, of Kalispell, died July 22, 2012, at his home, surrounded by friends and family.

Leonard loved God, family, and Montana's great outdoors. He was a passionate, inspirational and dedicated Christian, serving in nearly every available post in his church. Toward the end of his battle with cancer, he was ready to go home to see his Savior face-to-face.

Leonard was a family man and proud patriarch — grandpa to Henry, 3, and Michael, 10 months.

He adored his wife and constant companion of 48 years, Barbara “Bobbie.” Childhood sweethearts from the Dalles, Ore., they set off to marry in Montana in 1964. The pair moved west of Kalispell with Leonard's parents and siblings, and settled a small farm with the family. Then Leonard fought in Vietnam for a year, while Bobbie helped make a home in the nearly uninhabited fields of the Flathead Valley.

Leonard loved to work and play outside. He worked for Plum Creek Timber in Columbia Falls for 35 years, while his heart wandered the many ridges, rivers and lakes he loved to camp, hike, hunt and fish.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bobbie Cobler, and his two children, George Cobler and Sarah Cobler Leow. He is also survived by his brothers, LeRoy, Malcolm and Melvin Cobler; and sister, Lois Cobler. He has a wealth of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and even great-grandnieces and -nephews throughout the region. He loved each very much.

Loved ones will host a memorial service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16, at the Country Way Church of God, 554 Country Way, Kalispell; and an outdoor barbecue and potluck at Little McGregor Lake in Marion. Everyone is welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry, 1399 Hwy. 2 East, Kalispell, MT 59901; or St. Jude’s Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.