Arthur Welcome Cunningham, 72

Arthur Welcome Cunningham, 72, of Kalispell, passed away at home on Aug. 8, 2020, surrounded by family after a four-year battle with cancer.

Art was born to parents Ella and Charles Cunningham Sr., on Dec. 9, 1947, in Great Falls. Art moved to Kalispell in 1960, where he graduated from Flathead County High School. After graduating he began working for Woolworths until the early ‘70s, Wards and mobile home sales until early ‘80s and then became a self-employed contractor for the remainder of his career.

Art is survived by his loving partner, Nancy Waldenberg, of Kalispell; daughter, Christy Gracia and husband Mark, grandchildren Tasha, Jessica and Brianna, great-grandchildren Ayden, Lexi and Mason; brother, Ron Cunningham and wife Sue; sister, Beverly Cuvillier and husband Gerald; cousin, Dan Robinson and wife Holly; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Art was predeceased by parents Ella and Charles Cunningham Sr., brother Charles Cunningham, Jr., and eight sisters.

Art was a provider — a caretaker. He was known for his endless stories, sense of humor and hard work. He will also be remembered as an avid lifetime sports fan, quoting stats every opportunity he had and even set some school records of his own in swimming and pole vaulting. Most of all, though, everyone knows him as an honest man — a simple man — and he will live on in our hearts until we meet again.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 11 a.m. at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.