Darrell S. Clothier, 93, passed peacefully “from this life to the next” surrounded by his family at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017.
Darrell was born in Kalispell to Asa and Leah Clothier. He grew up in Lakeside with five brothers, Keneth, Stan, Don, George (Eldon) and Neal, and his only sister, Emma Lu.
Darrell met Delores Dietrich in Cody, Wyoming. They were married for over 60 years. They had a son, Stanley Clothier, who preceded them in death. They have a daughter, Geri Malberg, in Kalispell. Delores died in Kalispell in 2010.
Darrell was a hard worker, a visionary, who could fix any piece of equipment, and invented many things, including the Puzzle Packer, which he marketed successfully for several years. He was a woodcarver, and his carvings are in many places throughout the states. He was proud of being an ironworker for so many years, helping to build bridges and the Hungry Horse Dam. His family heard many stories of growing up in Lakeside, working on the dam, and lots of other episodes in his life. He and Delores owned Spruce Park Mobile Village and RV Park for over 30 years.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Asa and Leah Clothier; and his brothers, Keny, Don, Eldon and Neal.
He is survived by his remaining brother, Stan Clothier, of LaQuinta, California; and sister, Emma Lu (Allan) Reed, of Sumner, Washington. He is also survived by his daughter, Geri Malberg, and husband Robert; his three granddaughters, Amity Malberg, Cadie Bailey and husband, Ethan, and Jessica Malberg-Fiftal and husband Jeffrey. He is also survived by the four Bailey great-grandchildren, Ezias, Azalea, Abby and Matt.
The family will have a time of remembrance and visiting at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in the Fellowship Hall at Calvary Lutheran Church in Evergreen.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts to Flathead County Animal Shelter in Kalispell.