Robert Orman Lyford, 87

Robert Orman Lyford passed from this life in the morning of Oct. 30, 2016, while in Kalispell Regional Medical Center, surrounded by close family members.

Born in Kalispell Dec. 9, 1928, to Alonzo Robert and Ruth Lyford, Bob graduated from Flathead County High School in 1947, worked at Hungry Horse Dam, and married the love of his life Gloria in 1957. He was a master plumber by trade alongside his father and four brothers.

Bob spent his life as an avid outdoorsman and loved all his adventures with family and friends. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, huckleberry pick’n, and anything that took him to the mountains. He loved his Back Country Horsemen adventures, including extended outings in the Bob Marshall Wilderness where he loved Meadow Creek Gorge. One memorable outing included a chance meeting with a grizzly bear near Hidden Lake in Glacier where Bob saved the day by distracting the bear while his wife and small children escaped. Bob was an exhilarating storyteller who loved sharing all the crazy tales of the Montana West and the Lyford clan. The fireplace and rocking chair served as a conduit for sharing hunting and fishing stories, and talking Jesus and politics. His passion for helping those who needed a helping hand was demonstrated by his involvement with Royal Ranger for years. He also served as an usher at Canvas Church (Christian Center).

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Alonzo and Ruth Lyford, wife Gloria and brother Wilbur.

Bob is survived by two of his brothers, Ron and wife Lois, and Jerry and wife Gail. He is also survived by his five children and 12 grandchildren, Scott of Indian Springs, Nevada; Mark and wife Irene and children Christa, Amanda, Nathan of Stanwood, Washington, Daniel and wife Jill and girls Kelsey and Kimi of Kalispell; Tom and wife Martha and children Jordyn, Chase, Sydney and Zach of Laguna Niguel, California; and daughter, Jewel and husband Matt Dyson and children Chandler, McKynzie and Colton of Placentia, California.

Bob was an extremely loving husband, father and grandfather. He adored his wife Gloria and was forever proud of his children and grandchildren

Bob fought the good fight, was selfless and loving to the end. Bob left a legacy of generosity that spanned generations and geographies. His kind demeanor was felt by the community, friends, congregations and family. Many neighbors can attest to his open heart, giving character, and first hand accounts of acts of kindness.

Bob was a consistent witness and example of Godly values and loved to be involved with his church families including Canvas Church, Cowboy Church, Salvation Army and Calvary Bible study. Bob especially enjoyed men’s Bible study. He was a true prayer warrior and many have felt the hand of God through Bob’s intercessions. He lived by the Godly saying, “Praise the Lord anyway,” which was his motto for comforting all he touched.

Funeral arrangements have been made through Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. A viewing will be held there from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4. Funeral services for Bob will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Canvas Church (formerly Christian Center), with a reception immediately following the memorial. Burial will follow the reception on Saturday at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.