Mark McKinley, 70

Mark "Moose" McKinley, 70, a longtime resident of Columbia Falls, joined John Lennon and George Harrison to meet Jesus on Abbey Road on April 23, 2025.

He was born in Kalispell on July 16, 1954, to Charles McKinley and Eunice (Beller) McKinley.  

Moose put in 25 years at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company (CFAC) until they shut down. In his later years at CFAC, he and his wife ran Columbia Clock repair, a skill his uncle Alden insisted on passing down to him. He quickly became a well-known professional. He continued in clock repair until just a few years ago.

Moose was a hilarious comedian, always with a joke on the tip of his tongue or a new prank up his sleeve. In his younger years, he loved to ski at Big Mountain and camp in any of Montana’s beautiful forests. He also liked to hunt, ride ATVs, and build big bonfires.

As life went on, he spent more time wherever his kids and grandkids were. His family was his most important treasure, aside from his Beatles memorabilia. 

Moose is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Linda McKinley, daughters, Amy "Amoose" Wendler (Michael), Megan McCumbers (Sam), Amanda Herskind (Chris), Jessica Kaschube (Bryan), and Amber Wink, grandchildren, Mikayla Hill, Hanna Daubner, Sophia Hunter, Ashton Wendler, Mathew McCumbers, Teddy McCumbers, Chloe Kaschube, Cecilia Wink, Dillon Wink, and his first great-grandbaby still on the way. He is also survived by his sisters, Alice Adams (David) and Janice Tauscher, brother, Benny McKinley (Dorothy) and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Moose will be missed greatly because he was loved dearly. As we carry on with him in our hearts and memories, we must do as his favorite Beatles song told us and "Let It Be."  

Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.