Kalil David Barkie

Kalil "Kelly" Barkie, born May 22, 1950, in Williston, North Dakota, passed away on November 4, 2025, doing what he loved best. Kelly was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who touched the lives of many with his warmth, humor, and zest for life.

Kelly’s life was marked by a great love for family and a passion for unique hobbies. He was a proud hot rod connoisseur. He found joy in tinkering with old cars. He was so proud of his 1934 Ford and his 1960 Corvette. He had a great love for tearing something apart and putting it back to together, or even building something from the ground up. He loved to stroll the classic car shows and check out all the different hot rods. You can bet that he never left a car show without a t-shirt or hat. He also loved the thrill of burning rubber on the highway. His mechanical skills and enthusiasm for hot rods brought excitement and admiration from friends and family alike. He spent many hours in his garage with his buddies, while his wife and kids patiently waited for him to come in for supper.

Professionally, Kelly was a dedicated oil field worker with Halliburton, where his career eventually took him overseas to Africa. He welcomed the experience by enjoying the local culture and the kindness of people who welcomed him into their homes for meals. We are sure glad they never cooked him up for supper. The travels broadened his world views, and we all loved to hear his travel stories. Sometimes we were not sure if we should really believe these stories or not.

Kelly was also an exceptional cook, often putting even celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse to shame. He always had a BAM and a little sprinkle of something while he was cooking. He always told everyone that Emeril stole his cooking sayings. He was so proud to prepare Lebanese dishes, and sharing his culinary creations generously with family and friends. Every meal with Kelly ended with his familiar question, “What’s for dessert?” — a moment eagerly anticipated by all who knew him. His love for Baklava and Turkish Delights was legendary, and these treats were always present at holiday gatherings.

Kelly's journey through life was one of adventure. He was never afraid to point at the map and say, “This is where we are moving to now,” embracing change with enthusiasm and courage. There were many times where he took the family on vacation in a U-Haul which resulted in the family moving over 15 times. Kelly and his wife finally made their last move to the Big Sky, otherwise known as God’s Country.

He leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories, family bonds, and a spirit that burned as brightly as the hot rods he so loved. Over the years he endured many struggles with his health. He never let these struggles in life get him down. Kelly always managed to stay upbeat no matter what life threw at him. He often ran circles around everyone else and never ceased to amaze us. There were many times he would get home from his hospital stays and head straight out to his garage to check on his cars and tools. He was on a mission to live life to its fullest.

Kelly, you will be deeply missed but forever remembered. Kelly is survived by his wife Bonnie, daughters Dawn (Scott) Johnston, Victoria (Randy) Brisko, and Kaleb (Brandy) Barkie; grandchildren Kinsey (Jaylen) Brisko, Annika Figaro, River (Nellie) Brisko, Nikolai Figaro, Coy Brisko, Jorunn Johnston, Gunder Johnston; great-grandchildren Brooks, Rowan and Harper. Kelly is also survived by his siblings Rebecca, Tami and Jodi (Lowell), brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and many good friends.

Kelly is preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Delores Barkie, brother Kenneth Barkie, and in laws Dennis and Neoma Vance.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 10th at 11 AM at the Polson Elks Lodge.