Bruce Winton Rorvig, 85
Bruce Winton Rorvig passed away on Aug. 18, 2020, of natural causes at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Bruce was born in McVille, North Dakota, on Sept. 26, 1934, to Anton and Thea (Quanbeck) Rorvig. He was raised on the family farm outside of McVille with his older brother Dennis and attended school there, graduating in 1952. After high school, Bruce further pursued his education at Augsburg College (now Augsburg University) in Minneapolis and graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He began his teaching career in Hettinger, North Dakota. It was there that Bruce met Betty Walby. They were married on June 28, 1959, at Hettinger Lutheran Church in Hettinger.
Bruce and Betty made their home in Havre, as that was one of the few school districts that would employ teachers that were married. Their only son, Tim, was born in 1960.
Bruce taught history at Havre High School from 1959 to 1994. Over that period of time, Bruce opened the minds of thousands of students to the wonders of World History, Russian History, Far East History, and Montana History. While at Havre High, Bruce was awarded Outstanding Young Educator by the Havre Jaycees and an award for helpful assistance with the Boys State programs from the American Legion Post 11. Bruce retired in 1994 and, after his wife’s passing, moved to the community of Village Greens in Kalispell.
Bruce’s love for the game of golf made this the perfect place for his daily rounds of golf with several other golf fanatics. He was also very active in the Village Greens social committee coordinating many activities for the community with some of his favorites being monthly coffee and donuts, seasonal potlucks, barbecues and various golf outings.
He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church while residing in Havre and became a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Kalispell.
Anyone who knew Bruce realized quickly that he had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a good joke even if it made fun of his Norwegian heritage or the fact that he was a North Dakotan who loved rooting for the NDSU Bison.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Betty.
He is survived by his son Tim of Kalispell, and his brother Dennis of McVille, and several nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place and graveside services will be held at a later date in Havre.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, 2200 U.S. 2 E., Kalispell, MT 59901.
Condolences may be sent to Tim Rorvig, 118 Trevino Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family.