Elwood McClarty, 79

Elwood McClarty, born Oct. 30, 1927, in Kalispell, passed away Oct. 27, 2006, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Beryl McClarty; sister, Bonnie Craft; and brother, Dr. Jack McClarty.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley; his loving children, Bill and Sandra McClarty of West Palm Beach, Fla., Karin and David Sullivan of Las Vegas, Gary and Mary McClarty of Kalispell, and Robert and Jana McClarty of Hutchinson, Kan.; and grandchildren, Chelsea McClarty, Kirk and Kelley Kimbrell, Kara Humphreys, Jessica Gilchrist, Ryan McClarty, and Justin and Alycia McClarty.

Having lived all his life in the Flathead Valley, he began working at a young age, eventually learning the butcher trade from a favorite uncle, Glenn King. Subsequently, he purchased McClarty Well Drilling from his father which he operated for 37 years. He also owned and operated the Merritt Motel for 10 years.

Elwood and Shirley never missed an opportunity to travel, having traveled the world and all 50 states. After retirement, winters were spent in West Palm Beach, where he negotiated the traffic of big-city freeways with care and precision as with everything he did.

Every day was a blessing for Elwood. A meticulous and conscientious man, his greatest love was helping his fellow man, whether it was a customer or someone in need. Every day was filled with hearty laughter and work even though he was retired. He will always be remembered and missed for his generosity, which included literally giving the coat off his back to someone in need more than once.

"Some say that love equals time. In that respect, the greatest legacy he leaves may be the time, sincere interest and undivided attention he gave to every person whose life he touched. His approach to life was simple and the lessons of character he leaves have not been wasted."

Vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, at Buffalo Hills Funeral Home. Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, at St. Matthews CatholicChurch. Burial will follow at Conrad Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the building fund at St. Matthews are suggested.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.