Raymon D. Bridwell, 63

Raymon D. Bridwell, 63, passed away on Oct. 13, 2015, of heart disease at his home in Columbia Falls.

Raymon was born in Downy, Idaho, on June 14, 1952, to Charles Bridwell and Glenna Hall Bardgett. Ray was a young boy when the family moved to Kalispell.

In the summer of ‘69 he met the love of his life, Susan, at a local gas station. Ray and Susan were married on Aug. 11,1971, in Kalispell. In early 1972 they moved to Missoula were Ray worked as a mechanic at a local garage. Ray and Susan have three children together.

Ray loved the outdoors — hunting, fishing, boating and camping were soothing and relaxing to him. He loved to watch all sporting events but especially loved watching his kids/grandkids play. He also would not hesitate to lend a helping hand to anyone who may need one, whether it was helping friends move or plowing out neighbors in the winter.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Susan (Sizemore) Bridwell; sons, Raymon “Shane” Bridwell, wife Christy, grandchildren Dakota and Makayla; and Timothy James Bridwell, grandchildren Naomi and Phoenix; and daughter, Naomi (Bridwell) Einarson, husband Jesse, grandchildren Colton Gove, wife C.J., and Tanner Gove.

He is also survived by sisters, Muriel (Bridwell) Mead, husband Harvey; Laura (Bridwell) Nash, husband Hal; Sherry (Bridwell) Shortell, husband Dan; Glenda (Bridwell) Garrison; Gwen (Bardgett) Pederson, husband Rick; and Tammy (Bardgett) Coulter, husband Richard; and brother, Carrol Bardgett.

He was preceded in death by his father Charles and mother Glenna.

The family would like you to join them for a celebration of Ray’s life at 1 p.m. on Oct. 24 at the Back Room at the Nite Owl.