Christopher Jay 'Chris' Schmalz, 21

Christopher Jay "Chris" Schmalz, 21, of Kalispell, formerly of Thompson Falls, "went home to be with the Lord" as the result of an avalanche Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006.

He was born Jan. 31, 1984, in Whitefish, the son of Tim and Billie (Burnside) Schmalz. Chris attended Kila Elementary School until the sixth grade, when he and his family moved to Thompson Falls. He is a 2002 graduate of Thompson Falls High School.

On Sept. 18, 2004, Chris married Megan Goodrum in Kalispell.

Chris loved the outdoor activities of Montana and was an avid snowmobiler. He loved to hunt and swim, as well as both pitting and driving in demolition derbies. Chris also enjoyed movies and music; he especially loved to play the drums. He often even wrote his own lyrics.

Chris was funny; he loved life and will be remembered for his unique character. He loved his family and, in fact, considered everyone family. He was loved by just about everyone who came to know him; his gentle, kind spirit and wonderful sense of humor drew people to him.

He died doing what he loved most - snowmobiling - and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Chris was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ellen Cecilia Powell.

He is survived by his wife, Megan, of Kalispell; his parents, Tim and Billie, of Thompson Falls; two brothers, Jacob and wife, Corinna, of Kalispell, and Hartley Shawn of Thompson Falls; maternal grandparents, Roy and Marie Burnside, of Thompson Falls; paternal grandparents, Frank and Mary Schmalz, of Plains; a great-grandmother, Mary Cole, of Thompson Falls; two nieces, and three nephews; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and he also leaves behind his and Megan's beloved pets: their dogs, King Arthur and Sketches, and cat, Lykin.

Services will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at the Assembly of God Church in Thompson Falls, at the far west end of Preston Avenue.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bunch-Toews Funeral Chapel of Thompson Falls.