Denis Twohig, 83

Denis Twohig, 83, died peacefully at his home in Columbia Falls with his wife and son by his side.

He is survived by his wife Shirley of 54 years; son James, daughters Patricia and Cynthia.

He was preceded in death by his daughters Julie and Shauna.

In the early '70s, Denis became enamored with the beauty of Glacier Park and its grandiose mountains. It soon became a passion of his to start climbing its peaks. From the modest novice trails to some of the highest technical climbs. Denis and his wife, Shirley, dedicated themselves to trekking the park’s beautiful mountains. In time, Denis started to plan certain mountain climbs with friends and thus began a fellowship with many other climbers to start a scheduled group date for a selective mountain summit. In 1981, Denis founded the Glacier Mountaineering Society (GMS). The society was set up so its members could select a time and date as a group(s) to trek certain mountain summits, or perhaps a trail to the lake…

Since that time Denis, Shirley and hundreds of their mountaineering friends have climbed countless peaks in Glacier Park, as well as numerous climbs across the country.

Denis liked to live by the words of Sir Francis Younghusband:

“To those who have struggled with them, the mountains reveal beauties that they will not disclose to those who make no effort. That is the reward the mountains give to effort. And it is because they have so much to give and give it so lavishly to those who will wrestle with them that men love the mountains and go back to them again and again.

The mountains reserve their choice gifts for those who stand upon their summits”

We want to thank North Valley Hospital and Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion. Columbia Falls Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the family. A memorial service will be held this summer.