Russell T. Geldrich, 45

Russell T. Geldrich, 45, 'went to be with our Lord' on Monday, July 23, 2007, from natural causes. He was born Sept. 11, 1961, in Coeur d'Alene, to Edward Russell and Leona Geldrich. He moved to Kalispell with his family in 1964, where he attended school before joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1979.

As a youth he enjoyed snowcatting, hunting, fishing and camping with his family. He was an avid outdoorsman.

As he grew up, if you knew Russell, nothing changed except he added coaching baseball, joining the Society for Creative Anachronism, owning a painting business, breeding Labradors and finding the best friend he ever had, Smokey Chaffin. They did everything together, good or bad. They were joined at the hip. Smokey was the brother he never had. Russell loved him very much.

He married the love of his life, Sandy. They had a beautiful daughter, Keara, whom he loved and cherished more than anything.

Russell was a very special son, brother, husband, father and stepfather. He loved us all.

Russell had many friends and he loved all of you in his special way.

Russell is survived by his wife, Sandy of Kalispell; his parents, E. Russell and Leona Geldrich of Arizona; sisters, Kathy and Lloyd Hagadone of Eureka, and Susan and Wes Owens of Las Vegas, Nev.; his children, Amanda, Ryan, Jason, Smokey and Keara Geldrich of Kalispell; his stepchildren, Corryn, Chelsea, Jon Schock, Jacob Lewis and Brad Davidson; his 'supposed to be' brother, Smokey Chaffin.

'Russell you were a beautiful person and you will be greatly missed. We all loved you!'

There will be no public services.

Condolences may be sent to Sandy Geldrich at 227 Fourth Street West, no. 1, Kalispell, MT 59901