Arnold Marvin Bowker, 75

Arnold Marvin Bowker was born Aug. 18, 1947, to Everett and Frances (Belik) Bowker. He was joined by a brother, Larry, in 1950.

Though born in Minot, North Dakota, the family moved to Montana when their boys were young. They settled in Libby and that is where Arne grew up. He attended school and graduated from the new Libby High School in 1965, the first class to do so.

Arne wanted to enlist, but the physical led to the discovery of heart issues. Doctors said if he took it easy, he might see 30!

Well, Arne decided if he was meant to go out early; he would do it doing what he wanted to do. He hiked into the high lakes, hunted, fished, camped, raced cars, everything he was told not to do!

In later years, one of his favorite four wheeler adventures was hunting for that "perfect huge buckskin larch" and of course, the more difficult to get, all the better!

Arne's love for cars (classics especially) led to more enjoyment in hunting them down and fixing them up. He was an original member of the Igniters Car Club and very proud of it. Later this love led to auto body shop jobs and finally his own shop.

Though cars were his "first love," he found his "second love" in Darlene Lake, a Libby girl he picked up on Mineral Avenue and asked to a dance. He called her his "Lil Libby Streetwalker," a name I don't think she always appreciated.

That meeting led to a lifelong date that started with an "elopement" to Kalispell on Dec. 31, 1969. Family and friends ended up joining them, a total surprise for Darlene, the Rev. Torrance Harvey and his wife for sure; but they were welcomed like family and were married in the Rev. Harvey's home, in front of their fireplace, complete with all the holiday decorations. It was perfect!

A midnight New Year's kiss was shared by all at a turnout on Highway 2 heading home. And a final dance of the evening was shared at the Caboose. A perfect start for the new year!

In 1973 they had their first daughter, Carey Lynn in Kalispell; the Libby doctor had a heart attack. That icy road trip in January was another story.

They decided to move to Kalispell in 1976. Arne held several jobs until a severe wrist injury in 1979 led to a long recovery period and the discovery of the pending arrival of daughter No. 2, Tara Ann in 1980. Arne was able to sell appliances at Montgomery Ward until its closing. With a new baby and no job Arne decided to build a shop and do auto body repair on his own. With an employee now and then, this was his job and passion for 21 years.

In between all the long days, Arne was an avid old gun collector. He and Darlene traveled in their motorhome to many gun shows. These travels led to many interesting people and places and a "few" acquisitions.

Our daughters enjoyed RVing with us, camping and boating too!

They graduated from Flathead High School, got married and blessed us with four perfect grandchildren, all in Kalispell. They both moved their families to New Mexico; that almost killed Grandma "D." Her grandsons were only a few months old. They were born Dec 14 and 18, 1999. Yes! Four days apart, Grandma was busy, busy!

Soon, Arne's health forced early retirement and Tara's family moved back to Kalispell. Arne and Darlene decided to move out to Middle Thompson Lake to their hunting cabin; and their daughter Tara and Josh bought their house. This was 2003 and led to new adventures for everyone, including Carey's family who were moving to Edwardsville, Illinois, that same year.

Arne and Darlene loved lake life; and did so for 19 years. He boated, water skied, hunted game, picked huckleberries and mushrooms, lake and stream fished and enjoyed their four-wheeler, till again Arne's health called for another change.

They sold their property, a decision that was extremely hard and were settling into their new home in Kalispell when Arne had another fall. This one caused a head injury that put him in the hospital. It was a rollercoaster ride of good days and bad days that eventually ended in hospice in Whitefish.

Enough was enough, he fought hard for 17 days, but his pre-existing health problems along with the brain injury were too much for him. But he proved his doctors wrong, he did it his way, and he celebrated his "75th" birthday in the hospital with his daughters, his wife and banana cream pie! He asked for it and that was a great day!!

Arne leaves a huge hole in the hearts of many, among them his brother Larry and family; his wife of 53 years, Darlene; daughter Carey and Berrett Francis; granddaughter Nicole Francis of Edwardsville, Illinois; grandson Zak Francis of Castle Rock, Colorado; daughter Tara and Josh Brinton and granddaughter Mia of Helena; and grandson Spencer Brinton of Kalispell; also, "sis" Debbie Lake and family of Astoria, Oregon; and many more family members and friends; especially "my other bro and sis" Ron and Candi Denowh of Libby.

Arne passed away Aug. 26, 2022. He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.

Arne Joins his Mom and Dad, his other parents Glen and Fay Lake; his "bro" Ron Lake and "sis" Rose Bowker, and many, many more family members and friends.

Arne and Darlene send extra love and heartfelt thanks to all their Middle Thompson Lake neighbors, friends and Happy's Inn family.

We couldn't have made it through the last few years without all your help and support. God bless you all!