Roy G. Lucas, 73, formerly of Libby
Roy George Lucas peacefully left this world on Dec. 21, 2012, dying of natural causes.
He was born on April 28, 1939, to Mildred and Glen Lucas in Libby. His father, Glen, was killed in a logging accident when he was less than a year old and always knew and called his stepfather Duane Whitehouse dad. Soon, a brother and sister joined the family, Sara Ann and Kent Whitehouse.
Roy was involved in sports during his childhood and high school years and earned the distinction of captain of the football team and MVP several years running.
Roy received his engineering certificate from Northern Montana College in Havre after high school and was promptly employed by the U.S. Forest Service as a drafting engineer, designing many roads and campgrounds in Northwestern Montana, one among many that is well known in the Eureka area is Terriault Lakes campground.
Roy met and married Bonnie Walker in 1960, and they had two daughters; Jackie and Heidi. The family resided in Libby until 1965 during which time Roy was involved in the Jaycees. Roy was also an avid classic-car enthusiast.
Roy loved Montana and Idaho where he lived all of his life with the exception of a brief three-year period from 1965 to 1968 when he moved his young family to San Rafael, Calif., where he worked at Pacific Gas and Electric.
Roy loved to camp and be outdoors as much as possible, enjoying hunting, fishing and any activity that took him into the mountains to see God’s glorious creation. He also had an immense love of animals, especially dogs, of which he rescued several, giving them loving homes.
In 1968, Roy returned to Montana and the Forest Service working at Murphy Lake Ranger Station, Raven Ranger Station and Eureka Ranger Station. Roy and Bonnie were divorced in 1972.
After taking a Forest Service transfer to Orofino, Idaho, he met and married Karen Carlson. He was overjoyed to have Karen in his life, along with her five wonderful children: Terry, Rick, Mike, Rob, and Dena.
Roy also met lifelong friends John and Peggy Haight, whom he always considered family and were truly a blessing to him more than they could ever know. The couple resided in Idaho for about 20 years, but they did return to Columbia Falls after Roy’s retirement from 25 years with the Forest Service in 1990.
Roy then took an engineering job in Whitefish at WMW Engineering until his heart attack in 1998 when he was forced to retire.
Roy is survived by his wife, Karen Lucas of Columbia Falls, his mother Mildred Whitehouse, brother Kent Whitehouse and sister Sara Ann Whitehouse all of Libby. Also surviving are daughters Jackie Lynn (Lucas) LeBlanc and husband Robert Joseph LeBlanc of Fortine, Heidi Jo (Lucas) Freemantle of Jimboomba, Australia, Rick Carlson of Columbia Falls, Mike Carlson of Clarkston, Wash., and Dena Carlson of Clarkston, Wash.
Roy also is survived by 14 grandchildren, Robert, Aaron, Hannah, Maya, Kelly, Mikeal, Kendra, Dylan, Trevor, Wyatte, David, Johnny, Jeffery and Ashley. Roy also leaves behind many wonderful aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by is stepsons Terry Carlson and Rob Carlson and his father Glen Lucas and step-father Duane Whitehouse.
Roy was a wonderful man always putting others needs before his own. He had an infectious laugh and a wonderful sense of humor.
He brightened the lives of all who came into contact with him. The void he leaves in our lives is immense, but we rejoice that he has flown away to be with his Lord and savior Jesus Christ and is free from the pain and sickness of this world.
Goodbye our brother, son father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend we will miss you.
Services were held Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, at Christ Lutheran Church in Libby.
Arrangements were by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.