John Daniel Price II, 68

Our rock, John Daniel Price II, 68, logged his final run and reunited with his son, Dustin and all those that passed before him on Nov. 8, 2021. With family by his side, his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ welcomed him with open arms due to complications following his long, hard-fought and courageous battle against Covid-19.

“You can hang your hat on John 3:16!” were words often heard throughout his two-month battle. His faith was strong, as was his love for all his family and friends.

To know him was to love him and he reciprocated that love to all that knew him … often in the form of “John Bear” hugs or at other times, just a simple phone call to check in. He was one of the good guys and had a notorious wit about him that was infectious and, at times humorous … some would say!

“JDP II” was born in Kalispell on a snowy Nov. 17, 1952, to “Jack” and Jean Price. They brought him home to a cozy log cabin to two eagerly awaiting sisters, Toby and Trudy, in Trego. He was later blessed with twin siblings, Mike and Michele. It was there that his life began, and he grew up wrangling cows, riding horses, and tending to all things that came with living on the ranch. He learned at an early age that “if you want to eat, you’ve got to work” and this work ethic stuck with him throughout his life.

He, Jean and the twins moved to Rudyard, Montana, so Jean could further her teaching career. They would return to Trego each summer to work the ranch and reconnect with family and friends. He was quite the athlete and track star and graduated from Moore High School in Moore, Montana.

He married Debora LaRose (Standley) in 1973 and they welcomed their daughter Corrin in 1974. Their marriage later dissolved.

Following their dissolution, Kathy met her “Knight in Shining Armor” and they married Oct. 2, 1976. Married for just over 45 years, they made Kalispell their home and welcomed three children to the world … Cody, DeAne and Dustin. They loved going for rides in Dad’s “big rig” and he seldom missed a sporting event, play or choir concert. He truly enjoyed every moment and was an amazing father.

Corrin blessed “Papa John” with his first two grandchildren, Shawn and RaeAnne Miller, and Dustin and Cody later added to the “Papa John” legacy with Payton, Cooper and Remi. John’s children and grandchildren were his pride and joy and afforded him the opportunity to put that big heart of his and unparalleled wit to work.

Driving was his passion and he spent his 40-plus year career driving for Kalispell Feed and Grain, Equity Supply, USF Reddaway, Custom Transport (FedEx) and, most recently, Matheson Trucking where he made his final run in early September prior to falling ill.

When he wasn’t driving, he filled his time with family and friends. He had a phenomenal voice and spent many of his years as a member of the church choir and quartet at Central Bible Church where he was able to showcase his talent and love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through song. He spent his time hunting for that elusive prize deer or elk, floating down the Clark Fork River with Kathy, or casting lines into any body of water and he was always the last one standing with a line in that water.

John is survived by and will be forever remembered by the love of his life, Kathy Price, of Missoula, daughter Corrin (Randy) Miller, son Cody (Melissa) Price, daughter DeAne Price, daughter-in-law Marea Price, sisters Trudy Siefke and Toby Elliott, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Butch and Cindy Broenneke, brother-in-law Ben Cluka, granddaughters RaeAnne Miller, Payton and Remi Price, grandsons Shawn Miller and Cooper Price and many other loving family members.

John was preceded in death by his son Dustin Price, parents John “Jack” and Jean Price, brother and sister Mike and Michele Price, brothers-in-law Ray Siefke, Al Elliott and Mike Chamberlain, best friend Chuck Noteboom and his final driving partner Tony Collins.

Fall was John’s favorite time of year … so we will lay his ashes to rest and celebrate his life as the tamarack’s turn in the fall of 2022 in Kalispell. Details will be forthcoming.

Donations can be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation at www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate, or any veteran or first responder organization of your choice in memory of our rock, John D. Price II.