Roger Gowdey
Roger F. Gowdey, 81, died May 10, 2005, at the Bitterroot Valley Living Center in Stevensville.
He was born Nov. 23, 1923, at Judith Gap, the middle son of Alex W. and Naomi (Edmonson) Gowdey. The family moved to the Flathead Valley in 1924, where they farmed in the Whitefish Stage area. Roger continued to reside in Whitefish most of his life. He attended school in Whitefish and while still in high school enlisted in the Army, serving in the Pacific during World War II.
Following his discharge, he returned home to Whitefish, and while carpooling to work in Kalispell, he met Gayle (Bergan) Shefloe. He was persistent in his courting of Gayle, and after several years of dating they were married in the fall of 1949.
He and Gayle moved to the Bitterroot Valley Living Center in 2000. Gayle preceded him in death the summer of 2000.
His entertainment and greatest joys in life were having family and friends gathered around for one of his meals, eating fresh baked cookies or tasting the latest cake recipe he was trying. The family tradition of cooking and eating continues to be the topic of most memories. His kitchen expertise was dispensed to everyone who wanted to learn and many of his recipes have found their way to reaches of the country he was never inclined to visit. Many people shared in the bounty of his garden or treasured a piece of his woodwork that he so freely gifted. Roger's season in the kitchen and his time as the main storyteller has passed, but the traditions will be carried on by his surviving family and friends.
He is survived by his son Brad Shefloe and wife, Teresa Torgerson, of Missoula; daughter Susan and husband, Pat Hartman, of Missoula; grandchildren and great grandchildren Scott Shefloe, of Missoula, SSG Kara and John Cassidy, Robert and Maura, of Fairfax, Va., Naomi and Lee Garrett and Jackson, of Missoula; his two brothers and their spouses, Robert and Frances Gowdey, of Everett, Wash., and John and Eva Gowdey, of Spokane; and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.
A memorial service to remember Roger and celebrate his life will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, at the Presbyterian Church, 301 Central Ave., Whitefish. A luncheon will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Private interment of Roger's ashes will follow at a later date.
The family suggests memorials to the Glacier Presbyterian Camp, P.O. Box 384, Lakeside MT 59922 or to a charity of choice. Cards for the family may be sent to Susan Hartman, 261 Half Circle Way, Polson MT 59860.