Alan L Mulkey

Alan L. Mulkey, September 16, 1937- December 19, 2016
Alan L. Mulkey died on December 19, 2016 of natural causes. Alan was born in St. Maries, Idaho on Sept. 16, 1937 to Charlotte and Delbert Mulkey. He grew up an only child and spent his childhood working with his dad, as a hunting/fishing guide and enjoyed the outdoor life, as he helped with the pack strings and hunting camps. He graduated from St. Maries High School In 1955, while working in the timber industry, as a logging truck driver. He attended the University of Idaho, and completed his education at Spokane Community College, in Spokane WA.
After attending Spokane Community College, he moved to Missoula in 1958 to work for Mission Homes, a manufactured home company, as a designer and project manager. He later opened Design and Drafting, Inc., an architectural office, where he designed many commercial buildings and private homes in Missoula, such as Century Plaza, Terrace West and Circle Square. Along with his good friends and business partners, Alan also designed and helped develop such varied projects as Edelweiss Condominiums at Big Mountain in Whitefish, MT and Union Square Apartments, in Missoula. Later in his career he managed hotels, restaurants, and businesses all over western Montana. After briefly trying retirement, he went to work at the University of Montana as a Senior Project Manager, contributing his management skill to new construction projects such as the Skaggs building on campus, and several historical restoration projects at the Dailey Mansion in Hamilton. After fourteen years of public service, Alan left the University of Montana to enjoy retirement with his wife, Betsy.
Alan was an avid photographer, and along with the many buildings he designed leaves an astounding legacy of photo memories for the enjoyment of family and friends. He also loved sailing and enjoyed his place on Flathead Lake for many years. Racing sailboats as part of the Big Arm Racing Fleet and the Montana Sailing Association, were a source of great joy and lots of good times. He loved playing racquetball competitively, cross-country skiing, bowling, and his pets, dogs and cats alike. He was a skilled woodworker and made many lovely things which are still enjoyed by family and friends.
Everyone will remember his exuberant laugh and great sense of humor.
Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Charlotte, an older brother, Gordon, his youngest stepson, Jay Gilder, and a granddaughter, Lauren Powers.
Alan is survived by his wife, Betsy, of Missoula, son Chris Mulkey of Missoula, daughter, Carla Maxwell, of Reno, NV, stepdaughter, Terry Cumpton, of Seattle, WA, step-son, Mark Job, of Missoula, grandson, Matthew Mulkey, of Missoula, granddaughter, Nicole Kendall of Reno NV, grandson, Jeremy Powers of Reno, NV, granddaughter, Emma Cumpton of Seattle, WA, and great grandchildren, Bria and Mason, Kendall, of Reno, NV.
A memorial service and reception will be held for Alan, at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, at Garden City Funeral Home, in Missoula. All are welcome to join us and celebrate Alan's life. It is requested that donations given in Alan's memory, may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association.