Randy Dean Tolar, 64

Randy Dean Tolar, 64, passed away Oct. 9, 2020, at his home in Columbia Falls after a four-month battle with cancer.

Randy was born March 24, 1956, in Spokane, the second son of Ethel and Frank Tolar. The family moved to Pasco, Washington, where Randy graduated from Pasco High School. Summers were spent with family in Kimberley, British Columbia, when he was young. This is where his passion for the outdoors was born.

Randy took an interest in taxidermy at an early age. He mastered his craft after completing an apprenticeship at Knopp Brother’s Taxidermy in Spokane. He was lucky enough to be able to make a living at taxidermy and practiced for over 40 years. He was truly an artist. His work brought him to Kalispell in the early ‘80s and he instantly fell in love with the Montana outdoors. He ran his hounds, fished, guided, hunted and enjoyed everything about the outdoors, but his real passion was hunting birds with his beloved bird dogs, Sally and Lilly.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, his best friend and brother, Rick Tolar, and his dog Lilly.

He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Cheryl Tolar of Pasco, Washington; his sister and brother-in-law, Lori and Jack Lerner of Kalispell; his loyal dog, Sally; and many cousins, nieces and nephews and their families.

Per Randy’s request, no service will be held.

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.