Adam Rys-Sikora

Adam Rys-Sikora, was born April 21, 1961 in Lahore, Pakistan. He passed away suddenly on December 20, 2025 at St Patrick Hospital, Missoula, Montana. His parents, Johnand Kamila Rys-Sikora, were of Polish descent and worked abroad before immigrating to the US and settling in Bel Air, Maryland. Here Adam spent his formative years. He attended St. Margaret and John Carroll High schools, where he was a vital part of a group of friends who shared a love of adventure and the outdoors, learning to camp, kayak, and rock climb; as well as earning a Eagle Scout Badge. He was an independent and creative spirit at a young age; learning car mechanics, building kayaks for sale, as well as several other entrepreneurial pursuits. By the time he graduated from high school, he had developed life skills that take many people decades to acquire.

In 1980 he came to Missoula to attend the University, graduating in Zoology in 1986. Adam found his forever home, remaining in Missoula for the rest of his days. He loved Montana and explored and recreated in its beauty in all seasons. During college he worked for the Missoula County Health Department doing early air pollution testing. After college he started a company testing underground fuel tanks in Montana. His ability to apply science to practical technical problems was key to this work, which carried him all over the state. He later worked developing computer programs for tracking health data. Adam met Anne Kroeger during college, they married and shared a life pursing their careers. Adam had various business ventures, acquiring and renovating multiple rental properties, and raising their children Mariah and Cameron.

Adam saw the activities of daily life as a teaching/ learning opportunity, involving the kids in chores and projects of all kinds. As they grew he supported them in 4-H, debate, and rodeo. Adam volunteered with high school Rodeo and 4-H even after the kids were done, building a strong club with over 70 members. He spent countless hours at the Western Montana Fair in the livestock barn, helping kids “build confidence and life skills”. Mariah was named Miss Rodeo Montana, which involved Adam and Mariah traveling literally all over the state. Cam began to work with Adam learning construction, electrical and other skills, becoming a working partner with his father. Adam became involved in skijoring, and was President of the American Skijoring Association for a term. After almost 30 fruitful years, Adam and Anne’s marriage came to an end and they moved on to separate lives.

Eventually Adam would meet his “last chapter partner”, Bobbie Twite. By chance, they found themselves seated next to each other and struck up an animated conversation which would change the final years of his life. Bobbie and he shared a common spirit that fueled their years together, working hard and playing hard in real estate, remodeling, raising teenagers and traveling. Adam readily embraced Bobbie’s family, becoming another parent to her children, Max and Sophie, and adult child Casey. He became family to Bobbie’s parents, family, and friends. He traded horse trailers for toy haulers and traveled widely to support the kids Motocross passions. He added river rafting to their lives, taking them on camping trips to his beloved North Fork. He and Bobbie built special places and memories at their retreats on Flathead Lake and Salome, Arizona, planning to spend winters in the warm climate in the years to come. With Bobbie, Adam had found a new home, his final home.

Survivors include his daughter Mariah Gibson (wife of Jarid Gibson) and new grandson Taos James Gibson (born days after Adam’s passing) of Miles City, Montana; his son Cameron Rys-Sikora (wife Sarah Rys-Sikora) and grandson Marek, of Missoula; and his sister Krisia Rys-Sikora of Bel Air, Maryland.

A celebration of Adams life will be held April 18th at 3:00 PM at Montana Snowbowl Ski Resort. We remember Adam for his calm generous spirit and positive energy. ‘Positive thinking doesn’t always work, but negative thinking never does.’ No matter how busy Adam was, when he visited with you he had all the time in the world. Adam was an unassuming leader and a patient teacher, dispensing reassurance and encouragement along with his knowledge.

Second only to his family, rivers and the outdoors were his deepest passion; there he found a freedom and beauty he loved to share with others. A true original, he was an eagle scout/ hippie/ cowboy/river runner/ skier/ dog-lover/ family man and jack of all trades; he made life richer for us all and will be missed terribly. Adam “crossed the river” to the other side a little too early for us; but maybe that just means he will be waiting there for us, welcoming us, probably with a beer and a big Bonfire burning to warm us and bring us together.