He was willing to help at home or with friends, whether it
was clearing brush or fixing a problem computer. He had many answers on how to
solve the problems of the world and put those into action, not just ideas or
words. Pete volunteered at food drives, raising money for the band and other
projects.
He drowned on Thursday, July 28, 2011, in the Kootenai
River, giving his life to save another's.
Pete had a soft and generous heart for those less fortunate
and fought to correct injustices done to any. Faces lit up whenever he entered
a room. He lived life to the fullest and had little patience for those who
talked but did not act.
He was known for his wicked sense of humor and careful
observation. On a trip to Washington, D.C., with his parents at age 8, he
noticed homeless people sleeping on the building heat grates. He quipped,
"Who are these people anyway? Did they used to be congressmen?"
Pete was an Eagle Scout with a Silver Palm and a Bronze
Palm. As an Eagle Scout, he was selected to give the annual report to the
governor. He was also elected into the Order of the Arrow. He helped with
younger people in Scouts for many campouts and activities.
Music was a passion of Pete's. He played the trumpet
throughout middle and high school and especially enjoyed Pep Band, even playing
with the Loggers when he came home for college breaks. He was selected for the
2005 National Jamboree Band, where he got to shake President George W. Bush's
hand. He played in the Montana Tech Pep Band in college for two years.
His love of music and information technology led him to the
KMSM Radio station at Tech, where he had a regular weekly DJ show and converted
the radio station to online streaming for listeners around the world to enjoy.
He was a troubleshooter for the staff and an important part of their
fundraising. Pete enjoyed being a chef at many of his friends' gatherings.
Cyber security was another passion. He competed in the
National Cyber Defense competition as a member of Montana Tech's team in which
they placed seventh in the nation, beating major universities. Pete graduated
from Montana Tech in May with dual degrees: a Bachelor of Science in network
technology (cyber security) with a minor in medical informatics, and an
associate of applied science in web development and administration. Pete was
ready to make his mark on the world!
Pete is survived by his mother Jenny, father Frank and
brother Ryan of Libby; his maternal grandmother Elva Blaz of Anaconda; and
paternal grandmother Betty Votapka of Oceanside, Calif. His grandfathers Bill
Blaz and Carl Votapka preceded him in death.
He is also survived by his very special Kammi McClain,
several aunts and uncles, and cousins from both sides of his family as well as
so many people he helped and his friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the
Peter Votapka Automation System Fund, KMSM Radio, 1300 W. Park, Butte, MT
59701; Boy Scouts of America Melita Island Camp Committee, c/o Chris Roberts,
1534 Tamarack St., Missoula, MT 59802; or the Shriners Hospital for Children.
Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home
in Libby.
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