Delbert James Gilchrist, 87

On Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, Delbert James Gilchrist, loving husband and father of four children, passed away at the age of 87.

Delbert was born on the farm near Four Buttes, Montana, on Sept. 3, 1931. He graduated from Peerless High School.

For many years, he was a wheat farmer at the family homestead near Scobey. Delbert was a true handyman, building the family farmhouse himself and tinkering with his beloved yellow Mercedes.

An early devotee of jogging and fitness, he strictly eschewed cigarette smoking and drinking. He was an avid biker, hiker, cross-country and downhill skier who enjoyed the beautiful mountains surrounding Whitefish. Delbert loved to travel, including visits to Germany and Italy. He was proud to obtain his pilot’s license and often flew a small plane around the Flathead Valley.

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Martha Gilchrist, a sister Lorraine, a brother Douglas, and by his beloved granddaughter Krystle.

He is survived by his wife Theresia; his four children, Klaus (Jacque) Gilchrist, Steven Gilchrist, Mindy (Greg) Sisk, and Krista (Tony) Dalpiaz; his grandchildren, Katie, Ava and Eli; great-grandson, Fox; and his sister, Alice Halvorson.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Whitefish, with a reception to follow. Condolences may be sent to Theresia Gilchrist, 1001 River Lakes Pkwy., No. 122, Whitefish, MT 59937.

Austin Funeral & Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for the family.