Charles D. Kendall

Charles David Kendall of Livingston, Montana, passed away August 30, 2024, with his family and friends gathered by his side.

 Chuck was born in 1947 on the Montana highline, to Dick and Jane Kendall. He was the second of four boys. The family moved to Deer Lodge, Montana during Chuck’s youth. In Chuck’s young life he became a champion swimmer, competing for the school swim team and was also the star quarterback for the football team. In December of 1966 he ran away to elope with his high school sweetheart, Judith May Broughton. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Army’s special forces, becoming a Green Beret. He served in Vietnam for two years and was honorably discharged with a bronze star and a purple heart. Upon his return he enrolled in the architecture program at U of M. Struggling to make ends meet he and Judy moved to Big Sky, Montana. Chuck began work as a carpenter and built his parents a log cabin nestled on a beautiful hillside overlooking the Gallatin River. He also worked on Big Sky’s iconic Huntley Lodge among other buildings in the area. In 1975, Chuck and Judy brought their first child, Dustin, into the world and in 1980 welcomed their second child, a daughter, Amanda. When construction started to slow down Chuck decided to become a back country outfitter. Guiding people and hunters through the Montana wilderness on horseback, thus creating Diamond K Outfitters. He spent most of his adult life enjoying what he loved, riding horses and sharing the splendor of God’s country with people from around the globe.

Chuck is survived by his daughter, Amanda Kendall, son, Dustin Kendall, brothers, Dick, Tony and Rex Kendall and his ex wife Judy Kendall.

Chuck spent the remainder of his days in the gorgeous Paradise Valley and Livingston area. He will always be remembered for his kind spirit, his love of nature and animals and his perfect cowboy smile. 

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