Ralph J. Barry, 93

Ralph J. Barry passed away Sept 15, 2017, in Kalispell.

Ralph was born Aug. 28, 1924, to Alfred and Elizabeth (Keller) Barry in Kalispell. He lived his early childhood years in the Flathead Valley helping his dad and older brothers on the farm. The family eventually moved into town where Ralph attended Flathead County High School, graduating in 1942. The following summer he learned to fly an airplane and always loved to see the world from above the clouds. In June of 1943 he joined the Navy and spent the next three years serving his county in the Pacific War Arena.

On May 5, 1948, he married Genevieve Gonsior. They built a home in Kalispell, and in 1951 their daughter Lorraine arrived.

Ralph hauled railroad tires until he bought his own logging truck. Logging took him to the Libby area where the family lived until 1981. Ralph and Genevieve moved back to Kalispell upon his retirement, but the opportunity arose to drive a gravel truck for McElroy and Wilkins which he was happy to do, re-retiring after another four years of hard work.

Ralph was an avid outdoorsman and many weekends were spent boating, skiing and snowmobiling. During the winter months Ralph and Genevieve would travel with other family members to the Southwest where they enjoyed boondocking, motorcycle riding, and exploring the desert. Ralph always loved geology, and there is a large collection of unique rocks decorating the yard at the Barry home from his wanderings.

Ralph was preceded in death by his son Ronald, brothers Ernest Barry and Alroy Barry, and sister Adeline Windle.

He is survived by his wife, Genevieve; daughter, Lorraine Busch (Tom); granddaughters, Charlene Hamilton (Scott), and Allison Brakefield (Nathan); great-grandchildren, Kristopher Lancaster, Corrina Biggs, Mirriam Biggs, Morgan Brakefield and Conner Brakefield; sister, Elaine (Wayne) Moothart; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Viewing was held Thursday, Sept. 21, at Johnson-Glochat Funeral Home. Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Sept. 22, at Johnson-Glochat Funeral Home with a luncheon to follow at the Eagles in Kalispell.