Hugh Hockaday, 80

Hugh W. Hockaday, 80, passed away at his home in Lakeside with his family at his side after a lengthy illness on Nov. 8, 2023.

He was born in 1943 in Missouri to parents, Hugh and Ethel Hockaday. His father worked as a commercial artist for Scruggs Vanderhorten and Barney department store in St. Louis, but in 1946 they made the decision to move and live full time at the family ranch in Lakeside, to assist Hugh’s grandparents Weight and Marguerite Hockaday. He grew up on the family cherry farm and attended grade school in Rollins and High School at Flathead High in Kalispell. 

He had a natural gift for archery and traveled to various shoots around the state and northwest. He retired many of the traveling trophies, shooting a recurve bow. He remained a state champion for many years, semi-retiring from the circuit after the birth of his children.

He was also a talented craftsman, building log homes, and crib docks around Flathead Lake. He took great pride in his work and anything he built you could count on being the best quality and being able to withstand the storms. 

He was an avid hunter and loved to hunt elk. He was happiest when searching for them and when he was out gathering firewood.  A good day for him was one spent in the forests. Whether it be hunting for huckleberries, scouting out the best places to find elk, or getting a truckload of firewood, as long as he was out in the woods, he was happy.

Hugh married Jacqueline in 1967 and they had two children together, Hugh Jr. and Kimberly. They would later divorce and in 2002 he married his long time love Rebecca.

Together they continued to live on the family ranch and run the cherry orchard during the summers. He especially loved taking her to the Bigfork Playhouse and dinner in Lakeside on the weekends. 

He loved being a grandparent and was even more delighted when he got to spend time with his great-grandchildren.  

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca; son, Hugh; daughter, Kimberly; grandchildren, Alexis, Bradley, and Austin; and great-grandchildren, Delta, Luke, Bear, Nova, and Egan. He is also survived by his constant companion and guard dog, Yogi.  

Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for the family.