Riley Gordon Childers, 73
Riley Gordon Childers, 73, of Bigfork, Mt, passed away on Tuesday, February 14 th 2017 in Kalispell, Mt.
Gordon was born February 15, 1943 in Shelby, Mt to Riley and Nell Childers, the oldest of their three children. He was raised in Shelby and Bigfork, and graduated from Bigfork High School in 1961.
He was married in 1964 to Aneda Skiftun, and they lived in the Flathead Valley until they moved to Spokane in 1973. Gordon and Aneda were married for 21 years, and he was the proud father of two children, Steve and Lori.
Gordon loved spending time with family and friends, playing his guitar, and singing songs from his fathers book of favorites, “Sing along with Riley”. He was an avid cribbage player, never giving up the opportunity to challenge a player, no matter their level of ability. As a young man, he enjoyed the valley for snowmobiling in the winter and water skiing in the summer. In his later years, he enjoyed when his buddies would drop in to take him hunting. Anyone who knew him, knew that he was quite the “Do it Yourself-er”, and could wheel and deal with the best of them. He was also, in his sister Donna's words, a Good Samaritan who would come to the aid of a friend or stranger alike. Gordon knew no stranger, and could be found telling many a tall tale, and sharing his love of jokes and one liners.
In his younger years, Gordon was a volunteer firefighter with Bigfork Fire, as well as being a member of the local Jaycees. While in Spokane, WA, he was a part of the Spokane Executive Association (SEA). Furthermore, he was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Bigfork as well as Spokane.
Gordon was a born salesman. He started at age 12 selling Christmas cards up and down the lake shore, moving on to selling Corey Coffee, and then he became one of the youngest real estate brokers in the area at age 21. After moving to Spokane, he took up with his love of automobiles and managed Divine Auto Corporation for several years, then owned and operated Gordon's 2 nd Ave. Auto.
Gordon was preceded in death by his father Riley Childers and his mother Nell Childers.
He is survived by his son Steve (Kristin) Childers of Couer d'Alene, Idaho; his daughter Lori (Jeff) Cormier of Kalispell, Montana; Grandsons, Cody Childers, Post Falls, Idaho and Garrett Cormier, Kalispell, Montana. He is also survived by his brother Vern (Marla) Childers of Bigfork, Montana; his sister Donna (Jack) Ganiere, of Bigfork, Montana, and brother Cecil Childers of Evansville, Wyoming and numerous nieces and a nephew.
Services will be held Saturday, February 25 th , 11:00 am at the United Community Methodist Church in Bigfork, MT. Fellowship luncheon will follow the service at the church, and for those who wish to attend, there will be a short graveside memorial at 2:00 pm, Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell, MT.
Memorial suggestions: Community United Methodist Church of Bigfork, Mt. or a charity of your choice.