Gary Victor Gravem, 44

Gary Victor Gravem, 44, died peacefully at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Tuesday afternoon, June 13, 2006.

Gary was born Feb. 12, 1962, in Cambridge, Minn., the son of Charles and Irene (Rinky) Gravem.

He was preceded in death by his father, who passed in 1966, and his older brother Bert, who passed in 1971.

He is survived by his mother, Irene, of Cambridge; two children, Jessica Hansen of Mora, Minn., and Jonathon Gravem of Cambridge; three grandchildren, Tyler Gravem, 4, Chase Hansen, 2, and MacKenzie Gravem, 3; two aunts, Vivienne Wentworth, and Kathryn Erion, both of Bemidji, Minn.; and his longtime companion, Kim Kusch, and her daughters.

He spent his early adult years in Eastern Montana, working in the oil fields before returning to Minnesota where he embarked on a career installing carpets. He returned to Montana in 1996.

Gary loved life, and lived it to the fullest. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and playing pool.

It was Gary's wish that he be cremated and his ashes scattered in the mountains of Montana.

A celebration of his life and potluck barbecue will be held at the residence of Jeanette Bowers, 61 Trails End Drive, Kalispell, on July 15, at 1 p.m. All who knew and loved him are invited to attend.