Timothy John Calaway, 69
Timothy John Calaway, 69, left a massive hole in the world this March 30, 2022, when he was called home to his Lord and Savior. Tim lived out loud, unfiltered and full of rip roaring love for life from hunting, golfing, skiing, fishing, riding horses, building the beautiful houses he built and loving the family he raised. He cherished his family above all else and let them know it every day.
Tim was born on Dec. 6, 1952, in Great Falls to Timothy and Mary Jo Calaway. He was the seventh born of nine kids. The family owned and worked a potato chip and French fry company in Great Falls called Big Stack Potato Chips that was started on Mary Jo’s stove and later grew into a thriving company that sent potato chips all across Montana. As a kid Tim worked the fields, changing irrigation, planting, harvesting and dragging potato sacks loaded down with spuds that were heavier than him. He graduated Great Falls High School in 1971, attended both Montana State University and University of Montana before deciding to work in various fields of construction. Tim later moved to the Flathead to pursue construction and found and married the love of his life, Sherrie Whitaker, on June 28, 1980, in Bigfork. They together created a beautiful life and brought two daughters into the world, Katie in 1982, and Kaci in 1985. Building was his art and he poured his life and soul into contracting and built Calaway Construction into a thriving well-respected business of 45 years. Tim was a true craftsman and built many dream homes for people all over Montana, leaving his signature craftsmanship on every one of his jobs. Tim always chose family first and loved being involved in everything his wife and daughters pursued. You could hear his booming voice above any crowd as he cheered his heart out for the ones he loved. His other passions were golfing, shooting trap, riding horses and skiing; you could find him happiest while he was tearing down the slopes or sitting playing with one of his three grandchildren.
An avid outdoorsman, Tim was in love with the beauty of the world around him and he took the time to appreciate the great Montana woods by riding horses across the Great Bob Marshall Wilderness with his wife Sherrie. He also joined her on many of her endurance horse riding adventures, happy to be beside his wife. Eighteen holes of golf was his idea of relaxation; you could find him at peace with a golf club or celebrating God with his group of “Dirt Bags.” Tim lived life without fear; there was never a challenge he couldn’t face down and he helped raise two daughters, Katie and Kaci, with his principles of hard work, determination and perseverance. Tim made time for the people in his life, and always tried to give people the benefit of the doubt, believing in giving people second chances and he loved rooting for underdogs. Tim had a heart of gold, always trying to take care of those around him and he will be dearly missed by his wife of 42 years and his daughters and grandchildren. He cherished his grandbabies and loved being the best Bumpa to each one of them. He lived a full and beautiful life and never failed to let the ones he loved know how much they meant to him.
He is survived by his wife Sherrie, his daughters Katie and Kaci, and grandchildren Irelynn, Jamison and Aurelia. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Joanne, Mike, Mary, Meghan, Steven, Katie and Geoff.
He was preceded in death by his parents Timothy Sr. and Mary Jo, and sister Patricia.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Snowline Acres at 3315 U.S. Hwy. 93 S., Kalispell.
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.