Tony Ray Wamsley, 59

“Forever Young.” A son of the Flathead Valley, Tony was born in Kalispell on July 16, 1962, to Jay and Marilyn Wamsley. As a young man, Tony enjoyed the splendors of hunting and fishing in Big Sky Country, and went on to win two state championships racing motocross. In the mid ‘70s, he met Lorilee Ost, courting until they married in November, 1980. Tony and Lori welcomed daughter, Tory, in 1978 and son, Kenny in 1981. Tony and Lori moved to Pocatello, Idaho, in 1979 before they separated in 1984. They worked together to co-parent in a way that provided love-filled childhoods and cherished summers in Kalispell for their kids. Tony found love again with his partner of 10 years, Carlin Brown, and welcomed their daughter, Shaynee, in 1989. Tony commuted from his home and career in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, from 2011 to 2019; he was devoted to weekly travel in order to spend his days off with his loving and devoted partner, Sandy Krusoff, over the last 12 years. Tony and Sandy were elated that Tony was able to find a new job that he loved, working for Flathead County, allowing him to come home to Kalispell permanently; they bought their home together in October, 2020.

Tony made every minute in life count. He was steadfast in investing time on the phone to keep in touch with family, near and far, and was devoted to spending as much time with family as he could. Playing Keno and Family Feud with Grandma Jessie was a weekly highlight. Tony found joy in the simple things in life; he also had the ability to share his enthusiasm and encourage others to try new things and “enjoy the ride”; Tony could be seen enjoying his electric bike rides all over the Flathead Valley. And pies! Tony sure did love pie. Huckleberry was a particular favorite! He spoiled his dogs, took in stray cats and always seemed to have a camera on hand for documenting special moments and memories. Tony had a way of making you feel included in his retelling of his time spent fishing, white water rafting, playing with his R/C planes and cars, and his numerous travels. He was also dedicated in showing up to support Sandy’s equestrian competitions. His love for family, adventures and animals was evident in much of his daily life. Amongst his various passions, Tony enjoyed bicycling, gardening and took great pride in managing his yard and orchard. Tony was a funny guy. If he could say something to make you smile, you didn’t have to wait long. When he found something he liked, he didn’t hesitate to buy multiples! His backstock of favorite things, whether it be shoes, espresso machines, Stagg Chili or really just any household products, was something to behold. He loved to share his experiences with others. Sometimes, he got so excited sharing his experiences that next thing you know, he’s handing you “a favorite” from his well-supplied backstock so you could enjoy it, too. Tony was as meticulous as he was intentional, honest and hard working. He will always be admired for his ability to speak his heart and mind genuinely; never slow to offer up advice or his perspective. He was truly one of the good ones. He will be missed dearly by so many. Tony passed away, surrounded by family, on Oct. 24, 2021 at Logan Health Medical Center. Cremains are interred at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery, Kalispell.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Raymond Wamsley, Kathryn Wamsley and Leo Nig; his parents, Marilyn and Jay Wamsley, as well as his stepdad, Kenny Ingrum; his uncle, Carson Newman; and his aunt, Diane Sigman.

He is much loved and survived by his fiancée, Sandy Krusoff; grandmother, Jesse Nig; uncles, Lyle, Kevin and Dan (Newman) and Ricky Nig; aunts, Renee Wamsley-Morton, Donna Carlin, Karen, Carol, Katie and Dawna; sisters, Deena Dennison and Tammy Denison; his children, Tory Stewart and her husband Ezra, Kenny Wamsley and his wife Erica, and Shaynee Bucknell and her husband Carl; his grandchildren, Aleah, Ezra Jr., Tristan, Aubrey, Nick, Sophia, Nehemiah and Charlotte; and his beloved dogs, Triton and Rafiki.

There is an open invitation to join us for a celebration of life on Sunday, Dec. 5, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the Elks, 1820 U.S. 93 South, in Kalispell.

An online memorial and guestbook is available on the website of Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.