Neptune Alexander Lynch IX

Neptune (Nep) Alexander Lynch IX, (98) husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully at Providence, St. Patrick Hospital, in Missoula Montana, on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

He was born on September 6, 1925, in Missoula, Montana to Neptune Alexander Lynch VIII, and Olive Beamish Lynch. He was welcomed by his two older sisters; Ruth Helen Lynch Stearns and Esther Frances Lynch Baron. Neptune was the great grandson of the pioneer Lynch family that settled Wild Horse Plains, now known as Plains, Montana in 1870. Neptune spent his entire childhood working on his father’s ranch that included 450 head of cattle and 50 head of horses.

Nep married the love of his life Mary Ellen Livingston on November 4, 1943. Their courtship included dances, an occasional movie, swimming, and roller skating. After some time, Nep was quoted as saying, “I took a real liking to her” and “I think she liked me too.” They welcomed their first child a son, Neptune Alexander Lynch X, on September 4, 1944, and ten years later, welcomed their second child, also a son, Jason Hollingsworth Lynch on October 13, 1954.

Neptune and Mary Ellen began their business adventures in the lumber industry. Successfully, they created together a sawmill in North Fork, Idaho called North Fork Lumber and continued to expand their businesses into Montana. They pursued more business ventures and brought forth two truss plants known as Intermountain Lumber and Intermountain Truss in Kalispell, MT and Helena, MT. After many successful years in the lumber industry, they proceeded into semi-retirement where they bought land along the Salmon River and built a hotel called The Stagecoach Inn in Salmon, Idaho. 

Upon selling all their businesses they spent their time flying, fishing, and traveling. He was hardworking, supportive, and loved his family dearly. Nep could be found eating his favorite snacks apple pie and Oreos. Neptune and Mary Ellen generously donated to many organizations and assisted financially to the Lynch Center in Salmon, Idaho. 

Nep is survived by his sons, Neptune A. Lynch X, (Katherine Elliott) of Portland, Oregon, and Jason (Jay) H. (Kristina Fisher) Lynch of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Four handsome grandsons, Alex XI, (Rebecca) Bradley, Jason (Sumerli) and Patrick (Gaby) Lynch and five great grandchildren Nolan, Alexander XII, Connor, Jaylee, and Nico. 

Neptune was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and wife.