Roy William Shipley, 92

Roy William Shipley, 92, of Swan Lake, passed away peacefully in Missoula on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, surrounded by family.

Born to James and Jennie (Gorthy) Shipley on Aug. 1, 1925, Roy grew up in Livingston until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was very proud of the time he spent serving his country in both World War II and the Korean War, and loved to tell stories about the time he served.

After the service, Roy attended the University of Montana where he majored in business and met the love of his life, Marie Ann Richardson. They were married on Aug. 20, 1955, and spent 62 wonderful years together.

While Roy pursued a career in the tire industry, they lived in Missoula, Billings and Great Falls, and raised three children and lots of hunting dogs over the years. In his spare time, he loved hunting, field trialing with his dogs, fishing, boating, skiing, Griz football and, most of all, spending time with his family and friends at the cabin. Roy’s laughter and amazing sense of humor made him the type of person people loved to be around and he always kept everyone entertained. Throughout his retirement years, Roy found life at the lake peaceful and easy and he loved to share his slice of heaven with family and friends at the place he loved the most.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents James Shipley and Jennie Ingledue, and brother James Shipley Jr.

He is survived by wife, Marie Shipley; children, Robert and Kurt Shipley, and Kristy (Brad) Bowman; grandchildren, Brooke and Blake Bowman, Dan and Kate Shipley; brother, Jack (Karen) Shipley; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life is planned for spring 2018.