Ed J. Hula, 83

Ed J. Hula, 83, passed away at his Columbia Falls home Thursday evening, Oct. 27, 2005, only a few feet from where he was born on Dec. 3, 1921 to Barbara and Joe Hula.

He has touched the lives of many. A very accomplished man, living a full, rich life. Ed was not one to sit back and let the world go by. He took charge of it. He was a logger alongside his father, a member of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), a National Guardsman, a volunteer fireman, and a World War II veteran of the 163rd Division serving in the South Pacific (teaching us to always thank a vet.).

He was a writer. His letters to the editor will be greatly missed.

But its more than any of the things he did, it was who he was that made him so loved and respected in both the community and at home. As husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Ed taught each of us, as no other could, to fight for the small guy, laugh at life, and stand up for what is right. We will leave this earth better people for knowing Mr. Edward J. Hula.

Ed is survived by his wife, Lu (this was their 64th year of marriage and a lifetime of love); his son, Ed Jr. and Joan Hula; three daughters, Bonnie and Harvy Caroll, Barbara and Jim Wallace, and Marna and Ron VanLoo; nine grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Monday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.

A funeral service will be Tuesday, Nov. 1, at p.m. at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.

The family has suggested that memorials be made to Veterans Stand Down.