Roger Christopher 1951-2026

Roger Christopher died peacefully on March 18, 2026, after a long illness.

Roger was born in 1951, the sixth of seven children of Lauren and Lillian Christopher. His parents owned the Jocko Mercantile in Arlee, and Roger grew up behind the store in Jocko Hollow. He graduated from Arlee High School in 1970, and from University of Montana with a teaching degree.

Roger worked for the Forest Service from the late 1970’s through 2000, including almost a decade with the Lolo Hot Shots, and at Nine Mile Ranger District. After retirement he served on the Arlee School Board, Flathead Irrigation Project Joint Board, Lake County Weed Board, Arlee Volunteer Fire Department, Missoula County 4H, Jocko Rangers 4H, and Friends of Arlee Schools.

In 1980 Roger purchased his farm outside of Arlee where he lived the rest of his life, raised cows, and grew a big garden. In recent years his nephew Ron did his farming. In 1982, Roger married Elizabeth Reinhardt, and they raised two daughters, Kelsey and Caitlin. He was a tender and devoted father.

In 2002 Roger received a heart transplant in Spokane. The generosity of his heart donor gave him 24 years and allowed him to see his children grow into kind, hard-working adults. These qualities they learned from their dad, so that amazing gift of life is still giving.

Roger loved cutting firewood in the fall, making a campfire, flood irrigating, fussing over a new baby calf, travel, any kind of music, talking with strangers, and a cold beer on a hot day. He had a kind heart and a peaceful, cheerful spirit. He endured illness with patience and fortitude. He was a hard worker with a strong sense of stewardship and deep ties to the Jocko Valley. He planted dozens of trees on his place, and thousands on the Lolo National Forest.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, his daughter Kelsey (Arlee), his daughter Caitlin and son-in-law Justin (Kalispell), sisters Faye and Alison, and brothers Roy and Rick. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Linnea, sister Donna and brother George.

Our family invites friends to join us at our house on Saturday, May 16, at 4 pm to share food and remembrances, and to plant a tree in Roger’s memory. For directions email edreinhardt@live.com

Safe travels Roger. See you on the other side.