Alan Dale Raddatz

Alan Dale Raddatz was born to Kurt and Helen Raddatz on Jan. 21, 1938, in Dillon. 

His life story began in the small railroad town of Lima. Life in Lima wasn’t easy, however, that is what helped make him one “tough little bugger.” He would steal cigarettes at the age of 4 and go behind the shed and smoke. It was a habit that stuck with him for many years. At the age of 11, he started hunting in order to help provide food for the family. At 16, he spent a summer in the Lima peaks tending to a flock of sheep. He loved the hills and said that he found himself that summer and decided to walk a different path in life.

He was a natural athlete. He played high school basketball and helped the team win many games. He graduated in May of 1958 and began working ranch hand jobs in Montana and construction work in Cheyenne, Wyo.

He married his high school sweetheart Doreen Lynn Harper on July 14, 1959. He said that he loved the way the sun would shine on her red hair. They resided in Lima and he drove long haul truck from Montana to California. Daughters Jackie and Diane were born during this time.

Al was an equipment operator and helped with cleanup work after the big earthquake in 1959 near Hebgen Lake-Madison River. Running equipment was a seed planted for a God-given talent that would be birthed later on in his life. The family moved to Lakeview, in the middle of the Centennial Valley.

Life in Lakeview was fun but also tough. Jack rabbits were sometimes hunted at night so the pelts could be sold for money to buy food. In the winters the snow piled high, and they had to drive 50 miles down a one lane road, following a jack rabbit in order to reach the nearest hospital for Sandra’s birth. Al loved Sheep Mountain and 4x4ing up rough roads and trails, and often would terrify his family on the way to the top.

While living in Lakeview, Al worked for Wayne Montgomery as a ranch hand and equipment operator. A decision was made to build a chalet and ski run. Al began skiing down the hills of the cow pastures which were full of cows and manure. This was another seed that was soon to be birthed. He eventually took ski lessons in Sun Valley which became the foundation for his first ski instructing job in Whitefish in 1967.

It was during that winter than Al began instructing on Big Mountain, now known as Whitefish Mountain Resort. Skiing became one of his main passions. He taught ladies and mens day ski lessons, private lessons and junior racing. Many long lasting friendships were made while skiing down those beautiful snow covered slopes. From building new ski runs in the summer, to instructing in the winter he helped change the face of Big Mountain as we know it now. In 1996, he was nominated as one of the top ski instructors in the nation. He retired from ski instruction in the late 1990s, but continued to ski with friends and family.

In those summers, Al worked for the Forest Service piling brush and clearing land. He loved nature, even caring for the smallest of animals. One day he accidently destroyed a rabbits’ nest while piling brush. One baby survived, which he put in his T-shirt pocket and brought home to his daughter Sandy.

In the summer of 1972 Al decided to quit smoking. He shook the habit of smoking three packs a day, and he never strayed from the vision at hand. He was always so focused.

In March of 1973, he started a new adventure working for Chris Berg Inc., in Alaska. His jobs included all areas of the state, from the tip of the Aleutian Islands chain on Amchitka Island to the coast of the Bering Sea in Dillingham, to the Inside Passage of Sitka, the Resurrection Bay in Seward to the far north interior of Fairbanks. He also worked in Anchorage, helping remodel the airport. He loved going to the beaches and hiking the mountains. He loved the scenery and wildlife, but never understood how anyone could live with the elements or the darkness of winter. His adventure is what inspired his daughter Jackie to live in that beautiful land.

He worked from spring to fall in Alaska so he could ski instruct in the winters. In the late ‘80s he retired from Alaska and started his own business with the purchase of a D4D Cat. Clearing the land and building roads from the valley floors to the top of the mountains was the birthing of his successful business, Raddatz Custom Cat. Al’s ability to see the vision not yet seen is what made his work so special.

Life took on a whole new meaning when he fell in love and married Laura in 1999. She was the woman who brought him peace and joy. They resided in Columbia Falls with his stepchildren Krista and Brandon. As a family they enjoyed skiing, riding horses and motorcycling.

Al was never one to sit still. He had always worked hard to make others visions come to life. Eventually the time came for him to make his own dreams come true. Together, he and Laura spent many years developing a raw piece of land into their own “Glacier National Park.”

Al had a simple appreciation for the seasons. Each season gave its own passion. Spring brought the anticipation of green grass, wild flowers and the sound of the birds. Many summers brought the birth of foals. His love for those babies began to make one think, “Where is the logic in this? How many horses does one person need?” Fall brought the hard work of finishing projects before the onset of winter. Winter in his latter years changed. His love for skiing was becoming more difficult. His determination required placing oxygen tanks on his back, even after his doctors strict “No!”

Al passed away on March 7, 2016, on the hills of Haskill Mountain doing what he loved most, running machines. He started his life at the bottom and kept climbing hills and following roads right into the next phase of life. He was a hard worker, strong provider and visionary. Using his God-given talents is what allowed him to bring beauty to the land. He was a loving husband, father and a good friend to all. You will be greatly missed. We love you!

He was preceded in death by daughter Diane, parents Kurt and Helen, and siblings Harold, Larry and Betty Lou.

He is survived by his wife Laura; children, Jackie and husband Jeff Risch, Sandy and husband Tim McCracken, Krista and husband Earl Sanders, and Brandon Colonna; six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and sister Marilyn Stevens.

“Thus says the Lord, Stand in the roads! See! Ask for the old paths, where is the good way? Then walk there and you will find rest for your soul.” Jeremiah 6:16