Charles Burton Ibey

Charles Burton “Chuck” Ibey, 67, of Missoula, Montana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

Chuck was born on July 16, 1959, in Hamilton, Montana, to Ernest and Inga Ibey. He attended Washington Grade School and Target Range School through eighth grade before graduating from Hellgate High School.

From an early age, Chuck made it clear that an ordinary life was not going to be enough for him. He had a need for adventure and adrenaline that followed him throughout his entire life. His love of motorcycles and extreme four-wheeling in his brown short-bed 4x4 eventually led him to snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, whitewater rafting, hunting, fishing, and just about anything else that could reasonably be described as “edgy.”

Chuck was a proud member of the Silver Tip Skydivers and could only be described as an extreme snowmobiler. He loved spending time surrounded by family and friends at the family cabin at Seeley Lake. He loved floating the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and the Lochsa River, spending time in the mountains, and finding the next adventure. He enjoyed hunting camp at Lost Trail Pass or the Big Hole or hunting in Alaska. If there was a little danger involved, Chuck was probably interested.

Chuck started life with a non-functioning kidney, but he never allowed that to define him or hold him back. He embraced it as a challenge rather than a disability. Some of his earliest adventures were skiing, tobogganing, and digging snow caves at his parents’ ski area, Lost Trail. Those early years helped shape the adventurous spirit that would become such a defining part of his life.

In the 1980s, Chuck worked alongside his parents building Ace Storage, which he eventually managed. He later went to work with Bitterroot Motors, where he met Rich Lamb. The two shared the same aptitude for fun, excitement, and adventure, beginning a lifelong friendship.

In the 1990s, Chuck and his father started Ibey Sprinklers. What began with a pickup truck and a pipe puller grew into what is now Ibey’s Sprinkler, Landscape and Nursery, one of Missoula’s longest-running family businesses. Chuck’s hard work, determination, and willingness to take on whatever challenge was in front of him helped build a lasting family legacy.

But for all of Chuck’s adventures and accomplishments, his greatest joy came from his family.

In December 2014, Chuck was blessed with twin sons, Charles and Burton. “The boys,” as he lovingly called them, became the love of his life. He was immensely proud of them and cherished every moment he had with them.

Chuck also discovered later in life that he had another son, Brandon Davidson. True to Chuck’s nature, he immediately dove in, wanting to know his son and inviting Brandon to come visit him in Montana. The two quickly discovered that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. They got along famously, shared a love of adventure, and looked forward to every future rendezvous.

There could probably be an entire book written about Chuck’s life. Although, as those who knew him would agree, it might have to be shelved in the “fantastic fiction” section. Chuck lived life on his own terms, with a broad smile, a quick laugh, and a story that was almost always better than the last one.

He will be deeply missed by everyone fortunate enough to know and love him.

Chuck is survived by his sons, Burton Ibey, Charles Ibey, and Brandon Davidson; his siblings, Dolly, Eric, Doug, and Tim; his stepchildren, Kashayla, Megan, and Jordan; his step-grandchildren, Everett, Hadeley, Becket, Abraham, and Eleanor; his granddaughters, Lauren, Ellie, and Maryk; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Chuck leaves behind much more than memories. He leaves behind a family, a business, friendships, and countless stories of a life lived boldly and without hesitation.

Services for Chuck will be held at Outdoorsman Church at 12208 Pulp Mill Rd Missoula at noon. A gathering celebrating Chuck’s life will follow at the Sunrise Saloon at 1805 S Regent Missoula at approximately 2:00 p.m.

Come ready to share a story, raise a glass, laugh a little too loudly, and remember Chuck the way he would want to be remembered—with adventure, laughter, and a life lived wide open.