Wesley W. Lynch, 52

Wesley W. Lynch, 52, passed away Thursday, Jan. 27, 2005,

at his home in Columbia Falls.

He was born on July 2, 1952, in Kalispell, to Dan and Florence "Bess" (Lund) Lynch. Wes grew up in Kalispell. He was actively involved in Scouts and as a member of Troop 48, became an Eagle Scout. He went on to graduate from Flathead High School in 1970. From an early age, Wes loved airplanes and knew what he wanted to do in life. During high school, he received his private pilot license. Wes continued his interest in aviation, earning all his ratings to become one of the youngest qualified commercial pilots.

In 1981, Wes married Dorothy Smolik. They lived in Alaska where Wes spent many years flying for the Wien Air Alaska and for Southwest Airlines, flying throughout the United States. They later moved back to Kalispell, to raise their two sons.

Wes loved the outdoors and spent many hours hunting, boating, camping, and rafting with his family and many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of Columbia Falls; two sons, Justin Daniel and Dawson Jayde Lynch of Kalispell; his parents: Dan and Bess Lynch of Kalispell; two sisters, Wanda Hinzman of Columbia Falls, and Charlene Lynch of Seattle; along with numerous other relatives.

Funeral services for Wes Lynch will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 31, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalispell. Burial will follow at C. E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church prior to services from noon to 2 p.m.

The family suggests donations be given to the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 102, a sponsorship program for youths going to the E.A.A. Flight Academy. Donations can be mailed to First Interstate Bank,1325 S. Nucleus Ave., Columbia Falls, MT 59912, or to the Trinity Lutheran School Scholarship Fund, 400 West California St., Kalispell, MT 59901.

Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Mortuary and Crematory.