On the morning of February 3, after an adventurous outdoor life, Jeffrey S. Pallister passed away, leaving his family wishing to have one more day with him.
Jeff was born April 25, 1944 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Philip David and Blanche Willa Pallister. He grew up in Boulder with his 12 brothers Greg, Steve, Rick, Chris, Jon, Jay, Josh, Zach, Adam, Seth, Luke and Amos, and his sister Andrea. Jeff graduated from Jefferson High School in 1962, and attended Montana State University, completing a degree in physical therapy. He also attended Baylor University and was a physical therapy intern for the Dallas Cowboys football team.
For 35 years, Jeff served as a physical therapist at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls. Jeff’s devotion to his career improved the recovery and health of countless people in his care. Jeff loved to see the progress that his patients made during their recovery and found immense joy in knowing that he was able to help return them to productive lives.
Jeff’s soul was energized in the outdoors. He spent most of his free time golfing, hunting, fishing, or simply connecting with nature in any way he could. He was taught to love and respect wildlife, nature and wild places at a very young age. Jeff had many outdoor adventures with his many brothers, sister, sons, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and friends. Although Jeff was a bit of a lone wolf, he passed on his love and knowledge of golf, hunting and wildlife to many people including his son Jeff Jr.
Jeff loved felines. He found happiness with his many cats throughout his life and often could be found cuddling with Blue, Josie, and Brody. Jeff volunteered at Montana Wild and found connection and affection from the wild bobcats he worked with there.
Like his father, Jeff had very few filters when he spoke, and prided himself on being honest with those around him. He was well known for telling amusing stories of his many adventures with family, friends and lovers. He would even reveal the juicy details that no one expected to hear. He never missed an opportunity to tell of adventures with his friends Doug Livingstone and Keith Buckles. No matter the ups and downs of family life, Jeff had unending love for all his siblings, his father, and especially his mother.
Although Jeff loved golf and felines, what he loved most of all was being with his soulmate Anne Seliskar. Jeff and Anne spent their childhood years as neighbors and school mates in Boulder, but it wasn’t until late in life that they sparked the fire of their love for each other. It was obvious to all who knew him that Anne and her love brought great happiness to Jeff. Jeff cherished all his time with Anne. Just being together, caring for wild animals, and trying to be loving and spiritual with each other.
To say Jeff will be greatly missed is an understatement, as he was much loved by the many lives he touched. He is proceeded in death by his brother Jay, mother Willie and father Phil. Jeff is survived by Anne Seliskar, son Jeff Pallister Jr., granddaughter Trinity Sage, son Brandon (Vic) Anderson-Arora, son Colin (Gail) Anderson, granddaughter Echo, grandson Jaxon, son in-law Bob (Kati) Seliskar, grandsons Judson and Joey, granddaughter Katryn, son in-law Jeff (Candace) Seliskar, granddaughter Jodee (Jake) Prevel, great granddaughter Collyns, son in-law Greg Seliskar, grandson Isaiah, granddaughter Lily, daughter in-law Johanna Seliskar, grandson Chance, brothers Greg (Darlene) Pallister, Steve (Joan) Pallister, Rick (Cynthia) Pallister, Chris (Micah) Pallister, Jon (Janet) Pallister, Josh (Kim) Pallister, Zach (Jean) Pallister, Adam Pallister, Seth (Danielle) Pallister, Luke Pallister, Amos Pallister, and sister Andrea (Martin) Greenslade. Jeff is also survived by ex-wives Jeanne Chiovaro and Terry Ann Anderson.
A celebration of life will be held for Jeff in Boulder in early summer. More details will be provided as the date approaches. Memorials in Jeff’s name are suggested to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Wild, or the charity of the donor’s choice. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jeff.
“The mountains are calling and I must go.” – John Muir
