Arnold W. Jarvie

– Arnold Willard Jarvie passed away Monday, Feb. 17, 2014, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula from heart failure at the age of 81. He spent his last week surrounded by his very large, loving and loud family.

Arnold was many things to many people during his life. He had a work ethic like no one else, and he never asked for or needed help. He lived for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchild and, of course, his beautiful bride of 60 years, Helen. Arnold was born Jan. 27, 1933, in Meadowbrook, Ore., to Willard and Aila Jarvie.

Arnold graduated from Red Lodge High School in 1951. He married Helen Wallila on July 7, 1953, in Red Lodge. He joined the Army and the couple moved to Washington, where he was stationed. After his discharge from the Army in January 1956, he worked as a surveyor and for a lumber company before attending telegraphers school in Salt Lake City. Arnold went to work for the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1958 and over the next 11 years they would live in nine different towns spread from Livingston to Mandan, N.D.

Arnold and Helen had four children: Debra, Larry, Danice and Gary. In December of 1971, the family moved to Florence and opened the King's Hat Drive In in April of 1972. The restaurant was a family affair and brought with it many trials and tribulations, but more than anything, it brought joy and memories. The couple retired in 1996 and spent the next 17 years traveling the Northwest attending music concerts, sporting events, birthdays, graduations and weddings, never missing one. Arnold was a true friend and "Grandpa" to many in the community that he called home for 42 years.

Arnold is survived by his wife Helen; children Debra (Fred) Hayes, Larry (Janice) Jarvie, Danice (John) Person and Gary (Cindy) Jarvie; grandchildren Willard (Roni) Hayes, Cody Person, Lisa (Tim) Bakker, Cassidee Jarvie (Casey), Katelin (Steven) Graham, Tess Jarvie (Ryan), Kristin Person (Joe), Abby Jarvie and Lena Jarvie; and one great-grandchild, Graham Bakker.

Please join us for a memorial to remember and celebrate Arnold's life at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, at Garden City Funeral Home. There will be a potluck luncheon following the service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane or the International Heart Institute of Montana Foundation.
Read Arnold Jarvie's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.