Bernard P. 'Barney' Rice, 35

Bernard P. "Barney" Rice, 35, of Kalispell, and president of North Country Automotive and Marine, Inc., died Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2006, in Panama City, Fla., of injuries sustained while participating in an Ironman Triathlon on Nov. 4. Barney was born in Great Falls on Aug. 25, 1971, to Peter C. and Patricia A. Rice.

He attended schools in Great Falls and graduated from C.M. Russell High School. After graduating from the University of San Francisco he worked in his family's automotive and marine businesses in Billings, Great Falls and Kalispell. At the time of his death, Barney was co-owner of North Country Automotive and Marine, Inc., in Kalispell.

Barney was an outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed fishing, boating, hiking and biking with family and friends. Barney was an adoring husband and loving father. His whole universe revolved around his wife and children - "Barney is her penguin." He lived for the moments spent with his family. Whether you met Barney for a minute, or had known him for years, his outrageous sense of humor and incredibly generous heart left an everlasting impression. Barney loved his family and friends with his whole heart. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

When he wasn't organizing everything in the house, or color coordinating the closet, Barney enjoyed golfing, scuba diving and shooting trap. Most recently, he had discovered the joys of hunting with the boys. Barney's appetite for life led him on incredible journeys with friends and family. His dream was to have explorer Boyd Madsen's job on "National Geographic." He had already summited Mount Rainier and led his son, Hunter, to the top of Heaven's Peak in Glacier Park. He also loved canyoneering and backpacking with his best friend Brian.

Barney and Michelle loved to travel to exotic places. Swimming with the sharks was all in a day's fun for them. They had many more grand adventures planned. Barney was also a fierce competitor and a winning triathlete. He is a true Ironman.

Barney is survived by his loving wife, Michelle, and his three sons, Hunter, 9, Asher, 2, and Atlas, 5 months, all of Kalispell; his mother, Patricia A. Rice of Great Falls; his father and stepmother, Peter C. and Stella M. Rice of Bigfork; two sisters, M. Elizabeth Rice-DeBrae of Great Falls, and Katherine A. Ray of Gig Harbor, Wash.; stepsister, Carrie Simchuk, of Seattle; and stepbrother, Jason Eliason, of Kalispell; also numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service for Barney will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the A.L.E.R.T. Foundation, 210 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901; QRU (Quick Response Unit), 810 Grand Avenue, Bigfork, MT 59911; or to The Children's Hospital Foundation: P.O. Box 50020 mail stop S200, Seattle, WA 98145-5020.

Cremation has taken place. Johnson Mortuary & Crematory is caring for Barney's family.

This paid obituary is being run again at the request of the family.