Neighbor Spotlight

BOB CHRISTENSEN, 1937-2022

Bob Christensen was one of the original landowners in what is now the GMPOA, buying his property and building a cabin on Chimney Creek in 1972 with Peggy, his wife of 50 years. He was one-of-a-kind, an original character who was a 12-year-old boy at heart, loving adventures, riding horses, Tannerite explosions, personal liberty, and huckleberry pie. Bob did not suffer fools and earned a reputation for gruffness, but his heart was soft and golden. He was a neighbor ready at any hour of the day to help someone in need.

Bob’s health declined over the past five years, but he still did excavations for his neighbors and plowed the road in the winter. On Saturday, February 12, while out plowing, Bob rolled his backhoe down a steep hill, turning over four times. He had a broken leg and ribs and had surgery for the leg in Missoula on Sunday. On Tuesday, the doctors told him his kidneys were failing and he had just a few days left. Even in those last days, Bob was in good spirits, visiting with friends, telling stories, and laughing at life. He lost consciousness on Friday evening and did not wake again, dying at 8:30 am on Sunday, February 20. He was buried on his beloved mountain next to Peggy, his wife of 50 years.

Bob’s son RJ will host a celebration of his life at the cabin on June 4 at 11:00. Lunch will be provided. All who knew and want to remember him are welcome. The world will be less colorful, interesting, and entertaining without Bob.

RYAN BROWN, 1980-2021

Adapted from an obituary by Katie Brown

Ryan Mark Brown died of a head injury due to an explosion on his property on September 26, 2021. He leaves behind his wife Shauna and four children: Jayne, Marion, Adelaide, and Ronald. Born in 1980, Ryan was the third oldest of eight siblings (Drew, Ken, Tricia, Jason, Katie, Matt, and Chris) born to Jerry and Janie Brown.

Ryan and his family lived on the mountain for more than 10 years. During that time, he operated heavy equipment for roadwork and excavating. Ryan was a craftsman who honed his skill through hard experience and force of will. His ability to assess, problem-solve, and see the importance of details made him a valuable resource to his family and neighbors.

Ryan and Shauna’s greatest pride were their children. Ryan loved seeing them becoming their own individual. Whether it was mechanical knowledge, animal husbandry, an inquisitive mind, intelligent question, or valiant bravery, Ryan had an experience to share about his children that left no question that he loved them and saw them. Ryan was invested in instilling high values, intelligence, and knowledge to each of his children.

Ryan leaves behind projects and plans, ideas and dreams. The day the accident took him, the family was planning to pour the concrete forms for construction of their new home. Ryan loved talking about plans for their home.

To  those devastated by this loss, know that Ryan was loved very much and doing what he loved with the people he loved. His was a life well-lived.