Mark Arthur Agather

With heavy hearts but deep gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Mark Arthur Agather, who left us peacefully on June 23 at the age of 76. 

Thanks to his strong Christian faith, we know he is now walking with God, and shooting baskets with perfectly functioning, pain free joints.

Mark was born on Nov. 26, 1948, in Libby, Montana, after his brother Max kicked him out of the womb to do a little recon of the outside world before venturing out 30 minutes later. After that, the two were the best of friends and he deeply cherished his relationship with his twin brother.

He grew up in Libby surrounded by his loving family of five brothers and sisters, countless aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He spent his young years in the shadows of the majestic Cabinet Mountains, along the banks of the pristine Kootenai River where he grew and developed an avid love for anything outdoors. 

He could always be found with a fishing pole or hunting gun in his hands and managed to create very memorable, and sometimes very scary yet later very entertaining stories of adventure and mischief.

After a successful athletic career at Libby High School, where he and his brother Max will to this day be remembered as the notorious “Agather Twins,” he went on to the University of Montana where he continued his basketball career, was active in the Sigma Nu Fraternity and graduated with a degree in physical therapy.

After many adventures on land and sea with his wife Jean, they came home to Montana where they raised their two daughters, Lara and Carolyn. They owned and operated Glacier Insurance from 1977 to 1999, along with Lynn St. Pierre, not only a business partner, but lifelong friend. 

Mark spent as much time as possible on the beautiful waters of Bull Lake at the family cabin, fly fishing on as many rivers and creeks he could find, picking huckleberries, hunting for morels and just generally exploring. He was always willing and excited to share his expertise with anyone who showed any interest, mainly fly fishing, golfing and basketball. He loved to take people hiking along his favorite trails and even shared with the lucky few his best huckleberry patches. 

He loved music and could often be found playing piano, singing or strumming on his guitar or bass. He had the biggest heart and was always there to lend a hand, an ear, or a shoulder to cry on to anyone in need and will be truly missed as a rock and a role model to so many.

Mark is preceded in death by his father Allo Agather, mother Isabel Agather, brother Jay Agather and brother Michael Agather. 

He is survived by his daughters Lara Porrini (Nick) of Missoula, Montana, and daughter Carolyn Agather (Dale) of Troy, Montana, his brother Max Agather (Linda) of Kalispell, Montana, sister Andrea Haugen (Ray) of Portland, Oregon, sister Martha Jordan (Jeff) of Seattle, Washington, Jean Agather of Lakeside, Montana and Pam McCormick (Joe, Carson, Colin) of Hayden, Idaho. 

He immensely enjoyed being a grandfather to Andrew, Cruse, Sierra, Savannah and Rocco, and an uncle to countless nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of his life will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalispell, Montana. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.