Richard ‘Butch’ Lowitz, 77
Butch Lowitz was born in Whitefish to Delbert and Lucille Lowitz on May 27, 1944.
He passed away at his home on Oct. 9, 2021, after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
He grew up on the family farm on Conn Road and had so many fun memories of fishing and hunting and milking cows. With so many siblings to play with there seemed to be endless things to do and trouble to get into. He attended schools in Whitefish and graduated in 1962 from Whitefish High School where he played football and baseball.
After high school he drove a logging truck and then worked for Melby's Furniture. He loved being a salesman and was a great one for the rest of his life. During these years he married Cheryl Benson and they had two children, Douglas and Melissa. After their divorce he went into business with his brother Bud at The Upholstery Center in Kalispell. He met Marianne when he went to give her an estimate for upholstering her loveseat and he made the sale in more ways than one. They married in 1974 and were blessed with one daughter, Amber. They began their own upholstery and window covering business in 1980, Buffalo Hill Upholstery and Window Fashions.
They worked together and played together and were together 24/7 for 47 years. They had so many adventures, but one of Butch's favorite stories was about the two nights they spent locked in East Glacier Lodge. They were there to complete several projects and the manager offered them free lodging. Little did they know that they were the sole occupants of that grand old lodge. And the caretaker came and locked the doors at night. With everything covered in sheets and only their room occupied they spent two nights wavering between feeling excited and terrified. That old building really talks to you!
Butch loved playing golf and fishing and taking vacations to fun places. Going to Alaska was a lifelong dream come true. And he loved his trips to Seattle to cheer on the Mariners.
Upon retirement Butch fell victim to pulmonary fibrosis, a terrible disease that robs you of your very breath. So many plans had to be forgotten and he wanted everyone to know that you shouldn't put things off until retirement. Do it now!
Butch was preceded in death by his mother and father and Uncle Leonard; also brothers Pete and Bud, and sister Gloria.
He is survived by his wife, Marianne, daughters Melissa Nolan and her husband Scott, Amber Chacon and her husband Mike, and Douglas; grandchildren Logan Nolan and Neil Chacon, and great-grandchildren Piper and Paisley Nolan. Also surviving him are his sisters Frieda and Naoma, and brother Mark.
We want to thank everyone who has been so kind and helpful during this difficult time. Family and friends are our strength.
At his request there will be no services and his ashes will be scattered at Jewel Basin in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, he requested that people donate to the Northwest Montana Humane Society.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.