Lowell Vian Havener Jr., 93

Lowell Vian Havener, Jr. passed away peacefully from natural causes on Jan. 31, 2023, at Rising Mountains Assisted Living in Bigfork with his granddaughter by his side. He was 93.

Lowell was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Oct. 27, 1929, to Lowell Vian Havener and Ruby Belle Clarkson. The Haveners later moved to Southern California, where Lowell met his forever love Glenna Belle Baldwin in high school in Ontario, California. Lowell and Glenna attended Chaffey Community College in California, where Lowell majored in Commercial Art. The two were married shortly thereafter in 1950 and remained so until Glenna’s death in 2019.

Lowell was an artist and his extraordinary talent led him to a career as a commercial artist and illustrator for leading companies in the aerospace industry. During his career, he worked on government contracts providing designs for weapons and equipment to the United States Military. Lowell’s work took him to various parts of the country, including Manhattan Beach, California; Ontario, California; Orlando, Florida; Riverside, California; and Santa Barbara, California. Lowell and Glenna later settled in Twin Falls, Idaho in 1963 where they opened a camera and audio store and Lowell occasionally did professional photography. They raised their two daughters there and stayed 20 years until an opportunity came to sell the store and retire. They then embarked on a new adventure, traveling by motorhome through Nevada, Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington and especially enjoyed visiting historic monuments.

Later while visiting Glenna’s brother in Bigfork, Lowell found a hilltop site on Swan River Road. The site had a stunning 360-degree view. Lowell purchased the lot in 1984 and began construction on Lowell and Glenna’s dream home. Lowell also opened a custom picture frame shop in the home’s basement. Lowell took great pride in designing and constructing the Bigfork home, which he worked to perfect over the years.

Lowell had an uncanny knack at finding a joke to share in almost any situation and keeping his friends and family laughing. Lowell maintained an extensive record and movie collection, as well as an audiovisual equipment collection. He enjoyed creating and tinkering with his audiovisual equipment. He loved good Mexican food, a fine Scotch and sweets, especially ice cream.

Lowell is survived by his two daughters, Aris Lynn Running and Glenna June McKeaver; granddaughter Jamie Greene Miller; grandson Jon Running; and nephew Michael Didio. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. Lowell’s family is forever grateful to his wonderful Montana friends that became his family and supported and cared for him over the years.

Lowell will never be forgotten. Gone in sight, not in our hearts.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.