Victor Allen Wilbur Smith Guest
Victor Allen Wilbur Smith Guest, 88, passed away Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004 at his residence in Kalispell, Montana surrounded by his loving family and his dog, Inky. He was born on July 10, 1916 in Bengough, Saskatchewan, Canada the son of Monroe and Kate (Stover) Smith.
He moved to Whitefish when he was two years old. His father died shortly thereafter during the flu epidemic of 1918. His mother Kate married Russell Guest who formally adopted Victor. He grew up on Lupfer Street in Whitefish, moving to Kalispell during his high school years and graduating with the class of 1934.
On Nov. 19, 1935 he was united in marriage to Eunice "Dolly" Uehlinger. They moved from 223 Fourth Ave. East in Kalispell to a ranch on Valley View Drive, where they raised four children: Mike, Gary, Sandra and Linda. This ranch on Valley View Drive was where he spent his life raising his children and spending time with his family.
In 1935, Victor opened a photo engraving business in his basement and then partnered with Alice Tigan in this enterprise at 336 Main Street.
In 1936, he graduated from photography school in Winona Lakes, Ind. Then together, Dolly and Victor expanded to a photo shop at 227 Main Street in 1943, adding an art/book store during the war, calling the store Guest Photo Art and Books.
In 1945, Victor joined the U.S. Army attaining the rank of sergeant serving as a photographer stationed in Hawaii and Japan until 1947.
In 1967, they sold the business to their sons Mike and Gary. Not ready to retire, they opened the House of Hobbies. After retirement, Victor and Dolly became "snowbirds" wintering in Old Mexico, Baja and Yuma, Ariz. for over 30 years.
Victor enjoyed raising his ponies, snowmobiling, flying his airplane, and boating on Flathead Lake, where he and Dolly were known as the "vagabonds." Victor also served on the Coast Guard Auxiliary Patrol.
He was always very active in the community. He was a member of Christ Church Episcopal. He was an honorary life member of the Elks Lodge #725 for over fifty-five years where served as Exalted Ruler twice, State President and District Deputy of the Grand Exalted Ruler.
He was a charter and life member of the Kalispell Lions Club and was recently honored as the last living charter member. He was a life member of Masonic Lodge #42, member of Scottish Rite 32nd Degree, member of the Shrine Band and Shrine Club. He was also a charter member and first President of the Kalispell Jaycees. He served twice as president of the Montana Professional Photographers Association. He also served as Wing Commander of the Civil Air Patrol, touching the lives of many youth throughout the Flathead and the entire state. He was a volunteer for many years with the Sheriff's Posse.
Victor was preceded in death by his wife Dolly, his mother Kate, father Monroe, step-father Russell, son Michael, brother Gordon Smith and great-grandson Michael.
He is survived by his son, Gary Guest of Kalispell, two daughters; Sandra van Riper of Tucson, Ariz.; and Linda Guest of Kalispell; fifteen grandchildren, Brian, Tim, Terry, Barbara, Scott, Susan, Sheila, Jacqueline, Kimberly, Carena, Kale, Victor, Katie, Ashley and Cody; and eighteen great- grandchildren, Donnie, Christopher, Jacqueline, Crystal, Heather, Brittany, Allison, Amanda, Levi, Heidi, Kaylee, Victor Riley, Tyler, Alexis, Jaelynn and Ivee, and his faithful companion Inky.
Memorial services for Victor Guest were held on, Nov. 11, 2004 at Christ Church Episcopal in Kalispell, with The Reverend William Baumgarten officiating.
Urn burial was held on November 12, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the United Veterans of the Flathead. The family suggests memorials be made to Home Options Hospice 175 Commons Loop Suite 100 Kalispell, MT 59901.
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Mortuary & Crematory.