William Alexander ‘Lex’ Blood, 91
Lex Blood, 91, set off on his final great adventure on Feb. 13, 2025, in Kalispell. Born to Constance Lesher Blood and Alexander P. Blood, Lex was raised in the east and attended Yale University but left to realize his dream of becoming a Marine. He was proud of his service, training with the 10th Mountain Division in Japan and in Korea. Upon return, Lex earned a BSc in Business Administration from the University of Virginia and a DSc in Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines.
After his early career in the mining industry, Lex and his then-wife, Alice Fisher Blood and four children moved to Montana to try their hand at ranching. Lex brought his children up to work hard, be strong, resilient, independent, and responsible and instilled in them a deep sense of place and community. The family went on many epic hiking and canoe trips and learned to respect and care for the world around them.
Lex later divorced and married his soulmate, Judith Pressmar, who shared his love of travel, the outdoors, deep philosophical discussions and passion for social justice. From backpacking and kayaking in the Alaskan wilderness to international travel, they shared many adventures throughout their 35 years.
Lex was many things: husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, exploration geologist, drill instructor, triathlete, ardent adventurer and consumer of outdoor gear, passionate conservationist, mentor, champion wood splitter, visionary and gifted educator. He retired after 26 years as Professor Emeritus from a distinguished teaching career in Geology/Geography/Earth Sciences at Flathead Valley Community College and adjunct professor of Natural Resources at the University of Montana. Geology was never boring with Dr. Blood, and his field trips were legendary. Who else could drive a van over the Going to the Sun Road geologizing with both hands—who needs hands when you have a knee? After retirement from academia, Lex and Judith were privileged to perform geologic assessments for conservation easements in remote locations throughout Montana, savoring the best of the Last Best Place, accompanied by their faithful geo dog, Taz.
From sailing as a teen to teaching his granddaughters the fine art of bridge jumping, Lex loved the water and was one of the first to jump into the icy water of Lake McDonald in early May. An accomplished paddler, Lex won the solo Lake to Lake Race in 1983, and his kayaking exploits encompassed the entire Pacific Northwest. Lex was also an avid hiker, skier, cyclist and mountaineer who was known to out hike men half his age. A voracious reader of history, Lex enjoyed exploring distant lands and cultures under the patronage of a dear friend. He loved to socialize over coffee or bourbon and was known for initiating lively conversations with his probing questions. Lex made many daily rounds of Ceres, Insty-Prints and Rocky Mountain Outfitter, sharing his stories and infectious smile.
In 1984, Lex co-founded the Glacier Institute, serving as president, executive director, and instructor for many years. He was a founder or founding board member of conservation and nonprofits too numerous to list. He loved Glacier Park and served on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nomination Team.
Lex is survived by his wife, Judith Pressmar, daughter, Lisa Flowers, and sons, Tom, Peter (Tricia) and Nathaniel; siblings, Margie Collins, Trish Brierly, Constance Blood, Sam Blood (Lorrie), and Kathy Blood; grandchildren, Caitlin (Julio), Anne (Alan), Emily (Cameron), Meghan and Reilly, as well as three great-grandchildren. No services are planned.
Special thanks to Melanie and Joe of Logan Primary Care and Sara of Logan Palliative Care who cared so well for Lex in his last days. Donations to honor Lex may be made to the Flathead Land Trust.
Semper Fi!