Randy Ray Belston, 74

Randy Ray Belston, who was born during a blizzard on Jan. 13, 1950, in Kalispell, passed away at home on July 28, 2024, at the age of 74 after a three-year battle with the debilitating lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis. 

He was a devoted family man, son, brother, and uncle. He was a loving husband to his wife, Betty — they shared an adoration and devotion to each other that was pure and rare. As a father, he was a wonderful teacher, supporter, and friend to his sons. He was a loyal friend to his buddies and willing to help out anyone in need. He was an honest man who spoke his mind and always kept his word. He lived a selfless life — he was much loved and will be missed dearly by his friends and family.  

Randy was raised in Martin City, during his early years until his family moved to Columbia Falls, where he graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1969. That same year he volunteered for the Navy, serving for four years. During his service, he traveled the world on the U.S.S. Sacramento, but Montana was always in his heart, and he returned home as soon as possible after his honorable discharge from the Navy. 

In December 1974, Randy married his true love, Betty Homan, and they spent nearly fifty years in marriage. Together they raised their two sons, Randy and Jason, in Columbia Falls. His work life followed in the footsteps of his father with a career centered in the woods. Randy worked as a logger, spending most of his six years in the woods hooking logs for Royal Logging, and in the 80s, he shifted to the Plum Creek MDF plant where he spent the remainder of his 32-year career in the timber industry. He was a man who could fix almost anything. When it came time to remodel the kitchen, rather than paying someone else, he learned the craft of woodworking and went on to build custom cabinetry and furniture for family and friends for years as one of his favorite hobbies. 

As an avid outdoorsman he felt most relaxed in the woods and on the water, growing up hunting elk and deer and fishing with his dad, brothers, and a whole cast of characters. After becoming a father himself, he treasured the time teaching his sons how to camp, hunt, and fish, and appreciate the family connection to the land through his storytelling. He loved camping, fishing, and boating with his wife, Betty, and spent countless hours trolling his lures on the Hungry Horse Reservoir (his favorite place), and many other Montana lakes and reservoirs with her. 

Following retirement, Randy and Betty drove their motorhome to Arizona for the winters, living the snowbird life. They also took three international trips taking in the sites of Europe and the Middle East. 

He is survived by his wife, Betty; his children, Randy C. Belston and partner, Caroline Rose, Jason Belston and his wife, Malena; siblings, Debbie (Bill) Kuka, Diane (David) Sample, Bill (Diana) Belston, and John (Doreen) Belston; his mother, June (Will) Belston Elliot; and his cherished grandchildren, Julian, Emilia and Auli. He also leaves behind many beloved cousins, nephews and nieces.  

He was preceded in death by his father, William "Bill" Belston. 

A celebration of Randy’s life will be held from 3-6 p.m. on Aug. 17, at the North Valley Eagles Club in Columbia Falls. 

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