Patrick Michael 'Papa' Mahar Sr., 67

Patrick Michael “Papa” Mahar Sr., 67, died at peace on Aug. 21, 2012, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center as a result of a tragic work-related accident. He was surrounded by family and friends.

Pat was born in Spokane on March 20, 1945, to parents William "Irish" and Janeava Mahar. He grew up spending time at his family's ranch just north of Spokane in Elk, Wash., where he became an incredible horseman and a true cowboy. Growing up he had a very close relationship with his grandmother Hazel Winters, whom he loved very much, along with her lemon meringue pies.

Pat married Pamela (Speights) in Sandpoint, Idaho on Feb. 2, 1965. Pat worked nights as a mechanic while quickly advancing to lead foreman and part owner at Northwest Mono Roof by day. Pat moved his family to Kalispell in 1978, to own and operate his own roofing company, Valley Roofing, as well as All Systems Roofing. His slogan was “Above all a good roof.” He later started, owned and operated Valley Sheet Metal and the Hayshed Arena.

Pat leaves behind his former wife, Pam; one daughter, Kim (Olsen) Rodriguez of Billings; two sons, Patrick Michael Mahar Jr. and wife, Veronica "Roni" Coulter Mahar, of Kalispell, and Geoff Dunning and wife, Tamara, of Seattle; five grandsons, Nicholas and Rico Rodriguez, Colten Dunning, Britain Morin and Michael Patrick Mahar; one granddaughter, Madilyn “Madi Mae” Mahar, the apple of his eye; close friend and companion, Nancy Howell; and brother, Len Mahar of Spokane.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, William Mahar.

What can a child say or write when they think of their father? As well, explain and express the great gratitude of the ways he has taught us? When we think of all the things that we have put him through? We remember him always standing by us and teaching us to be honest and true. Our father is like steel which never bends, he had a mind of his own and made his own trends.

Papa was a hardworking, ambitious, dedicated, self-made maverick of a man who devoted his time to work, family — family and work! He was absolutely the toughest man and the hardest worker we have ever known. We never wanted for a thing. He was a fantastic provider for his family. He was such an incredible father and not just to his own children but all of our friends as well. Our dad taught us and all of our friends growing up how to work hard and what it was to be a man, plus the importance of providing for our own children. He in one way or another touched and made a difference in everyone he knew. Countless amounts of our friends growing up considered and loved him as their own father.

He was an avid horseman, competing in team roping and sporting events. He loved being on the back of a horse riding, just riding, and loved team roping, for which he built one of the nicest and finest indoor and outdoor arenas in the valley, the “Hayshed Arena," so he and his friends could ride no matter what the weather was outside. He was a huge supporter of NBHA MT5 racers and the Flathead County Fair, where he served on the Queen board for many years. He also had a great love for anything old, especially classic cars and guns. He loved collecting and shooting guns; he had a plethora of knowledge on anything to do with firearms. He had a passion for working with leather and there was nothing he couldn't make out of it, anything from wallets, purses, a belt, all the way up to a saddle.

Dad loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and his many close friends. “There was rarely a day that went by that I didn't see or speak to my dad on the phone at least once if not 10 times a day. I will so very much miss hearing the phone ring and seeing my caller ID read ‘DAD,’ he was the first person every morning that called. We had a very special and close relationship. He wasn't just my dad, he truly was my very best friend. If it's been a while since you have talked to your Dad or Mom or someone you love, pick up the phone, you just never know when you may not be able to anymore.”

“God bless.”

“We all love you, we will miss you so very much.”

“Dad, Papa and loving friend, what are we going to do without you?”

Services will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, at the Cowboy Church, 3171 U.S. 93 N., in Kalispell. A graveside service will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. There will be a celebration of life party and potluck at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1 at the Edgewater RV park in Lakeside, under the pavilion directly across from the marina and The Docks restaurant. See you there!

In lieu of flowers any donations can be made to the Mahars, P.O. Box 367, Kalispell, MT 59901.