Leland James Moore, 68

On Oct. 2, 2012, Leland James Moore “went home to our Heavenly Father” at the age of 68, shortly after his diagnosis of lung cancer. He will be missed by so many, loved and long remembered for generations of family and friends.  

Leland was born in Crosby, N.D., to James and Ida Moore on May 2, 1944.  James and Ida settled in Kalispell in 1947. Leland loved the Flathead, the place he was raised with his brothers and sisters. Together they were a village of strength, teaching each other about the love of family and creating special memories together to pass on to their own families for years to come.  

Leland married the love of his life, Darlene Johnson, on Aug. 21, 1963.  Leland was a sentimental man when it came to his "bride," and he enjoyed surprising her often with special gifts to mark special days in such a way that she would be reminded of his love for her. She always stood by him, believed in him, and together they filled their home with family and friends, and welcomed any and all as their own.

He loved his animals as if they were family too, Leland’s home is where many strays found a place and where there was always room for one more. Leland shared anything he had, giving everything he could give, and quietly loving every minute of his many blessings.  

Leland was a proud, humble man, always working his dreams into reality that would be shared and enjoyed by so many. April of 1978 marked the grand opening of Leland’s Honda-Suzuki, a culmination of a young man's dreams and a never-ending desire to challenge himself and stretch the limits of what he had ever known to be possible. Darlene, always believing in him, was with Leland every step of the way.

Leland’s became more than a place. It was where Leland found many of his best friends, taught his boys his toolbox secrets, and showed his daughter how to share his dreams. It was there that he found a means to provide, not just for his family; it was so much more than that. He was able to create a place in the community where everyone was welcomed, invited and the coffee is always on.  

What Leland really lived for was the end of the road — his piece of Heaven way up on the hill, where he and Darlene watched their family grow. Leland and Darlene moved to Somers in 1973. It was there he conducted the work that he really loved; cutting wood, watching over the fire to keep his house and family warm, building his life with his own hands from his own dreams, watching everyone around him smile and laugh and enjoy everything he worked so hard for. He created a very beautiful life that grew and multiplied with friends and family. Leland’s joy was simple, watching his daughter and sons' lives unfold, watching their families grow, their ups and downs. Kelly, Keith and Kevin, along with their families, are Leland’s greatest achievement.  

Leland had many, many wonderful friends to add to his family; a stockpile of treasures to fill his heart and make him smile. Over the years people would come and go, drift in and out, but no one ever left Leland’s heart, once you had a place, it was yours to keep forever, no questions asked. That was his way. He touched many and asked nothing in return.  

Leland is survived by his loving wife, Darlene, of Somers; his three children, Kelly Loudermilk and husband Cory of Somers, Keith and wife Suzy of Kalispell, and Kevin and wife Marcy of Brighton, Colo.; his grandchildren, Britlee, Danyelle, Cole, Jesica, Cody, Zoe and Zina; his four brothers, Lyle and wife Elaine, Ordean, Donald and wife Frankie, and Jerome; his five sisters, Aletha Mae Moore, Sadie Stowell and husband Bob, Betty Bertelsen and husband Roger, Myrna Wade and husband Mike, and Pearl Carstens and husband Tom. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Leland was preceded in death by his father, James Moore, Sept. 2, 1987; his mother, Ida Moore, April 30, 2007; and his sister, Darlene Moore, Jan. 22, 2006.

The celebration of Leland’s life will begin with a service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, at The White Oak Convention Center, immediately followed by a luncheon.

“We will miss you Leland. When we think of you, we will know it is because you thought of us first. Just as you tucked us away safe in your heart, you are forever in ours. You will never be forgotten and always loved.”