Nate Robert Spoklie, 18

Nate Robert Spoklie, 18, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 14, 2022, with one of his best friends by his side.

Nate was born in Kalispell on Dec. 22, 2003, to Grant Spoklie and Shari Bailey. He attended grade school at Lakeside/Somers and went on to attend Flathead High School; he graduated early at the end of January and was planning to receive his diploma in June. Nate will be remembered as a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.

Nate was an adventurer. He could often be found in the mountains, whether he was hiking with his dog Chesney, riding his horses Taqueto and Fancy, skiing, or going on drives with friends, Nate enjoyed the outdoors. He would make his friends get up around 4 a.m. some summer mornings to hike and see the sunrise at the top of Mount Aeneas. Nate made the best of every opportunity. He also insisted on staying busy with work. Nate began his first job the summer of 2015 as a junior wrangler at Flathead Lake Lodge, where he then became a full-time wrangler and a key component around the barn. He was a phenomenal swing dancer, a great entertainer, and always had a horse trick up his sleeve. It was here that Nate left an impression on the lives of many people every summer.

He recently started his career as a veterinary technician at Lasalle Equine Clinic. He loved his job. He would come home every night after work to tell his mom and sister all about his day; then call his dad and “Mama Liz,” the livestock manager at the lodge, and proceed with the details. Nate brought so much love, joy and laughter to all those around him. There was never a dull moment if Nate was around.

Nate was also known for his witty personality and sarcastic humor. He had the ability to make everyone laugh with him, or at him. Everything Nate did he tried to make others smile; he truly never had a bad day. Nate’s true love was animals. He was a member of the 4-H Club, Lake View Livestock, for five years where he raised pigs and lambs. His best friend was his dog, Chesney; no one could come between those two. Nate would spend countless hours working with his horses to learn new tricks. Nate also found a way to have and care for many different animals. He had a full “funny farm” with chickens, goats, peacocks, pigs, sheep, and even a mini mule. His heart was pure gold and his personality truly touched all.

Nate is survived by his mother, Shari Bailey, of Kalispell; his sister, Josie Spoklie, of Kalispell; and his father, Grant Spoklie (Susan), also of Kalispell; He leaves behind his paternal grandparents, Robert Spoklie and Dolores Mangel, of Kalispell; his maternal grandparents, Bryan and Jan Bailey of Kalispell, and Monte Ventsam of Canyon Country, California; his godmothers, Diane Nyby of Plentywood and Maura O'Halloran of Kalispell; along with his dog Chesney, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

Nate was preceded in death by his grandma, Shirley Spoklie, of Plentywood; uncle, Bill Nyby, of Plentywood; cousins, Clayton and Jordan Alstad, of Kalispell; and two of his best friends, Ellie Hawes and Mackenzie Fabeck, also of Kalispell.

Nate had so many dreams and plans in life. He was going to be successful in whatever he did and will forever be missed.

The family would like to thank the Swan Mission Search and Rescue, Flathead Divers, Flathead County Sheriff's Department, and Lake County Search and Rescue for their great efforts and volunteerism over the last week.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to all teams involved.

A private burial will be held at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery on Saturday, April 30. A celebration of Nate’s life will follow at 1 p.m. at Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork. All are welcome to attend.