Lyle Bruce Showen, affectionately known to everyone as “Brucie,” passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 29, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy defined entirely by joy, love, and a booming laugh that could fill any room. Bruce spent his life proving that everything should be made fun and exciting. He was an adventurous, genuinely caring soul who welcomed everyone he met with open arms, a great story, and an unmistakable sense of humor.

Born on September 19, 1942, Bruce grew up in Great Falls, Montana, where he later graduated from Great Falls High as a proud Bison, Class of 1960. His childhood was shaped by the care of his older siblings and a deep adoration for his influential stepfather, Jim. Some of his fondest early memories were woven during golden childhood summers spent on his grandparents’ farm in Coffee Creek, where his love for Montana's wide-open spaces first took root.

As a young man, Bruce’s life changed forever on a blind date in Seattle. It was absolute love at first sight when he met Sheri, the woman who would become his soulmate and beloved wife for nearly sixty wonderful years. Together, they built a life centered entirely around devotion to family.

Bruce graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in Education and a minor in History, which fueled a lifelong passion for reading, old westerns, and Montana history. He channeled his natural charisma into a highly successful 30-year career as a regional sales manager for Xerox, where he took great pride in mentoring many young people into successful careers of their own. While respected professionally, if you asked Bruce what his absolute greatest achievement was, he would answer without hesitation: his daughter, Stephanie.

Bruce was a handsome gentleman who took pride in looking nice, but his true beauty lay in his playful, silly spirit. He was an avid fan of cars, cards, and his beloved Montana Griz. A lifetime sportsman, he filled his days with skiing, fly fishing, boating, and shotguns. He also had a fondness for jewelry, cashews, slingshots, and marbles. As a generous, fun-loving uncle, Bruce delighted in dragging his nieces and nephews along on every wild adventure he could conjure up.

Early retirement only amplified Bruce's zest for life. He dove headfirst into spending every waking moment at his favorite place on earth: his cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake. The cabin became the ultimate hub for togetherness. There, Bruce could be found blissfully soaking in the hot tub, teaching generations of family and friends how to water ski, and taking his grandkids inner tubing. He was a natural teacher who constantly encouraged everyone around him to try new things and embrace life's adventures.

Bruce seemed to know someone where ever he went and had a special memory to share. He truly never met a stranger.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sheri (Marsh) Showen; his daughter and adored son in law, Steph and Jerry Chambers; his grandchildren, Jim Chambers and Kelsey Vance (and husband Brandt); and three great-grandchildren, Braden, Charli, and Josephine. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vera and Lyle Showen; stepfather, Jim Merlo; sister, Sherry Marko; and brother, Clyde Showen.

The family expresses deep gratitude to Headwaters Hospice and St. Peters Cancer Center for their exceptional care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Historical Society.

“Perhaps they are not stars. But rather openings in Heaven. Where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know that they are happy.” – Eskimo Proverb