Jon Marchi, 76
Jon Marchi, 1946-2024, passed away peacefully on Aug. 13, 2024, at the Springs in Whitefish following a long journey with Alzheimer’s.
Jon Marchi was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Aug. 6, 1946, to John Robert Marchi, and Joan Trimble Marchi. The family moved to Helena, in 1948 when Jon’s father, a WWII veteran and naval aviator, became Montana’s first oil and gas commissioner.
Jon’s love for ranching began when the family moved to the Hogan Creek Ranch in Luther. Jon bought his first angus bull in 1955, beginning his lifelong love of cattle. Jon was an Olympic hopeful skier and traveled to Zermatt in Junior High to ski race. He attended high school in Red Lodge, and Sante Fe, New Mexico, graduating from Red Lodge High School in 1964. He attended Claremont Men’s College for two years and returned to his beloved Montana to graduate from the University of Montana with a bachelor’s degree in finance. Jon joined ROTC and served as a US Army Second Lieutenant in Korea during the Vietnam War as a combat engineer. Jon often spoke of what an honor it was to serve in the US Military. He returned to the University of Montana to earn a master’s in finance and then began as an account executive for DA Davidson where he advanced to chief compliance officer, head trainer, and head of marketing. Jon left DA Davidson in 1985 and with his first wife Mary Sale bought his ranch near Polson, where he continued Marchi Angus Ranches which was founded by his parents in 1955. Jon and Mary and their two children, Aphia and Jacob enjoyed ranch life. He taught his children to care for animals at an early age, a skill they hold dearly. He served in many roles for various businesses, including CEO of Big Sky Airlines for 29 years, as a general partner in Glacier Venture Fund, as a cofounder of Development Corporation of Montana, and treasurer of Great Northern Drilling. He was also an original founder of the Bank of Montana.
He strongly believed in contributing to his community, state, and country. President Bill Clinton appointed Jon to his Small Business Advisory Committee. Jon served as Chairman of the Montana Facility Finance Authority for 12 years under two Governors. He received many awards and honors during his life including the Outstanding Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Montana. One of the greatest joys of his life was serving as President of the American Wagyu Association twice and proudly carrying member number seven.
Jon married Elizabeth Conner in 2005. They shared a rich life of travel, friends, ranching, and a wonderfully blended family. Jon ranched as long as he could and never lost his love for it. He loved to travel and read books of all kinds. Most of all he loved to spend time with his family, whether it be on the ranch, Flathead Lake, at a Griz game, or on the golf course. He had a unique and special relationship with each one of his children and stepchildren. His grandchildren always made him smile and he loved them dearly. He and Liz had a lot of fun with their many close friends and Jon treasured his friendships. Jon will be missed by all who knew him for his strength, kindness, advice, good humor, and wonderful conversations.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Conner Marchi, Bozeman; his daughter, Aphia Marchi Fisher, Polson; his grandsons, Jaspin and Landin Fisher; his son, Jon Jacob Marchi (Adele), Billings; and his granddaughter, Alaina Marchi. His stepchildren, Palmer Poutre (Marc) Belgrade, Cece (Joey) Renick, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Annie (Matt) Hamilton, Belgrade; and his step-grandchildren, Liam and Charlie Hamilton, and Jones Renick. Along with numerous nephews and nieces for whom he cared deeply.
He is survived by seven siblings including, sisters, Jael (Mike) Prezeau, Whitefish; Charis Hautzinger, Daisendorf, Germany; Dana Toole, Helena; and brothers, Peter (Cheryl) Marchi, Martinsdale; Ken Toole (Nancy) Cascade; David Toole (Nancy) Durham, North Carolina; Nicholas Marchi (Michelle), Seattle. He looked up to and spoke fondly of his father, John Marchi, and his stepfather, K. Ross Toole, both of whom greatly influenced his life.
The family would like to thank the staff of Loyal Care and Footsteps at the Springs for the care they provided for Jon over the last five years.
Memorials to Jon’s memory may be directed to The McLaughlin Institute in Great Falls online at www.mclaughlinresearch.org and go to "give securely" or to the address: McLaughlin Research Institute Research Dean (Touro COM-Montana), 1520 23rd St. South, Great Falls, MT 59405.
A celebration of life will be held at the Shoe in Polson on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 3 p.m.