Lowell 'Eck' Carter Eckelberry, 67

Lowell “Eck” Carter Eckelberry, 67, of Columbia Falls passed peacefully at the Montana Veterans Home on July 16, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer.  

Lowell was born April 15, 1946, in Kalispell to Henry and Cora (Downs) Eckelberry.  

He attended school in Columbia Falls until he joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17, in 1963. He served our country proudly and ended his service in 1967, after a tour in Vietnam. 

In 1968, he married Karen Mattheisen and in 1969, they had a son, “Skeeter.”

Lowell worked for a short time at Plum Creek until he gained employment with Anaconda Aluminum (CFAC) in Columbia Falls 1968. He was very active in the Union and held various offices with the Aluminum Trades Council. He eventually became president of Local 320 Aluminum Workers of America. He retired in 2008.

Lowell loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He particularly enjoyed spending time in Wynonna Ridge in the North Fork and camping and fishing at Hungry Horse Reservoir. He loved to pick and eat huckleberries. 

“Eck” was also a longtime member of the North Valley Eagles Club. He was a very fun-loving man and had an infectious laugh. He loved life, family, friends and animals.

Lowell was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.  

He is survived by his son, Henry “Skeeter” and Jenny, and grandchildren, Brady, Mackenzie, Haley and Jaylee of Green River, Wyo.; grandson, Taylor of Missoula; sister, Winona Burns, and niece, Linda Van Dyne, of Reno, Nev.; great-niece, Nona Smith of Fallon, Nev.; great-nephew, Sean Erb of Elko, Nev.; dear friends, Dennis Corbett and Chuck Pond of Columbia Falls; as well as numerous cousins and extended family. 

He will be dearly missed by all who loved him. His friends and family would like to greatly thank the Montana Veterans Home for the exceptional care and compassion he received while in their facility.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Veterans of Flathead Valley, P.O. Box 3061 Kalispell, MT 59901.

  There will be a graveside service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10 at Fairview Cemetery.