Robert “Wayne” McFadden

Robert “Wayne” McFadden, 84, passed away early April 2 at his home in Kalispell due to complications of Parkinson’s disease.

Wayne was born Oct. 4, 1928, to Robert H. and Jennie (Wangen) McFadden at the family home on Fir Avenue in Whitefish. He joined sisters Eva Marie and Alda Pearl as their only son. 

Repeated bouts of rheumatic fever interrupted his education, so Wayne graduated from Whitefish High School with the class of 1948. He began his long career with the Great Northern Railroad while still in high school, calling crews in the yard office in Whitefish. Forty five years later, he retired as crew chief from the same office in 1990.

In 1952, he spent two months in training with the U.S. Army at Camp Roberts and Camp San Luis Obispo in Calif., but was honorably discharged due to a back ailment.

Wayne was married and divorced four times; first to Norma Hankins, of Whitefish, then to Dorothy Conat, of Whitefish (he was step-father to her two sons Griff and Greg Stevens,) to Cora Hannon, of Sunburst, and finally to Delorise “Dodi” Case, of Anaheim, Calif.

A devoted son and brother, Wayne enjoyed fishing, and later became a motor home enthusiast.  In his senior years as a snowbird he spent summers in Whitefish and winters in Yuma, Ariz., or Sun City, Calif. He was always accompanied by a few cats and dogs, his beloved pets.

Since 1969, Wayne was a ChildFund International (formerly Christian Children’s Fund) sponsor, and always looked forward to letters and pictures he’d receive from those he supported.

Thanks to excellent private and hospice care, Wayne remained at home until the end of his life.  He is survived by niece, Janis Olson, of Hebron, N.D., and nephew, Jeff Zerr, of Boulder, Colo.; two grand-nephews, Jeremy Olson, of Belgrade, and Lt. Glen Olson, of San Antonio; cousins, Mary Bauer, Bob McAtee, Nita Doty, Larry McAtee, all of Kalispell, and Winnie Jones, of Polson; also, special friend and caregiver, Tim Coleman, of Kalispell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Flathead County Animal Shelter (1035 First Ave. W; Kalispell, MT 59901) or ChildFund International (2821 Emerywood Parkway; Richmond, VA 23294).

Arrangements are being handled through Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish. Services will be held at Austin’s Chapel at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1 with prior inurnment at Whitefish Cemetery.

Go to www.austinfh.com to share memories, offer condolences, and view Wayne’s tribute wall.