Ronald W. (Ron) Lyford, 86

One of Flathead’s finest native sons, Ronald W. (Ron) Lyford left his beloved Montana to “go to a more beautiful home in heaven” on March 8, 2017, at his home while surrounded by his family; he was 86.

Preceding Ron in death were parents, A.R. (Lon) and Ruth Lyford, and his two older brothers, Will and Bob.

Ron is survived by his brother Jerry and wife Gail and their family of Kalispell; his wife of 62 years, Lois Byrne Lyford, their children, Lori and partner Jana of Chandler, Arizona and Larry and wife Beth and their children, Austin, Aaron and Jennifer of El Cajon, California, and Ken Huff and wife Michelle of Somers; three great-granddaughters, Kyra and Brooklyn of El Cajon, California, and Haley of Somers; several nieces and nephews and one cousin, Joyce Bansch and daughters of Indianapolis.

Ron loved music and played in the Don Lawrence band in high school and Flathead Valley Community Band since inception, which was about 50 years.

Ron worked as a plumber for over 60 years, beginning his father’s shop, Lyford’s Plumbing. He didn’t retire after Lyford Plumbing closed but, instead, became chief of maintenance for Glacier Park Inc. in Glacier Park. His greatest challenge came when he had to oversee replacing the roof on the Prince of Wales Hotel.

Ron still didn’t retire after leaving GPI as he continued to work as a consultant. Then he decided to become a long haul truck driver for a few years and saw all but three states plus parts of Canada.

After finally retiring, Ron and Lois traveled throughout the U.S. and took several cruises and trips to the British Isles, Amsterdam, Germany and Italy.

Ron enjoyed golfing, hunting and carving his life-sized songbirds that got him Best of Show awards in the California Open. It isn’t often you meet a plumber who can drive a big rig, play violin, drums, trombone and sax and carve gorgeous things but Ron could.

A memorial service is planned for later in the summer at Central Christian Church with reception at Sykes’ lower room.

Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is honoring Ron’s wishes to be cremated.

In Ron’s memory, donations to Central Christian Church, FVC Band, Hospice or charity of choice would be appreciated.