Kent Roger Ellison, 69

Kent Roger Ellison, 69, died peacefully in his sleep on Sept. 16, 2007, at the Brendan House in Kalispell, after a four-year battle with amyloidosis, a rare disease, he battled with great strength and courage. He was born July 15, 1938, in Minneapolis.

He is survived by his forever loving wife, Joan M. Ellison, of Bigfork; son, Todd Ellison, of Minneapolis; daughter, Lisa Ellison, of Dallas; son, Eric Ellison, and Carrie, of Kalispell; and daughter, Elizabeth Ellison, of Bigfork. He is also survived by his sister, Kay Ellison Stoltman, and Cyril, of Devils Lake, N.D.; a granddaughter, Katie Susan Ellison; stepchildren, Fred Hamilton of Washington, Maile Baures of Portland, and J.R. Dean of Reno, Nev.; stepgrandchildren, Nani Hamilton, Adrien, Loic and Sylvie Claire Baures; and his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar 'Duke' Ellison and Juliette Ellison.

Kent was the founder and owner of Ellison Meat Company in Minnesota since 1962. Even though he retired in 1996, he remained active in related businesses and consulting until his death.

He was an avid golfer, fisherman, bird hunter and traveler. His love of life exuded wherever he went, meeting people from all over the world in his travels.

Kent and Joani built their dream home in Mexico together and Kent's Peterson Creek pond project was a labor of love, completed before his death, with lots of help from his friends.

He spent a lot of time with his family and friends this last summer.

To hold his new baby granddaughter, Katie Susan, was the highlight of it all.

Kent was a true warrior against the disease, amyloidosis; he tackled it head on like everything he did. His faith in God and a great appreciation for life kept him going until the end. He will be missed by many and loved by all who knew him well.

It was Kent's request that any donations be made in memory of Kent R. Ellison c/o Northwest Health Care Foundation, 310 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell, Montana.

The doctors and staff of the hospital, along with the staff and nurses at Brendan House and the crew of the ALERT helicopter, were very caring and professional to Kent. He spent a lot of time over the years in virtually every aspect of the hospital and related areas.

Also at Kent's request there will be no funeral service. A celebration of his life will be at their home in Mazatlan, Mexico, this winter.

Bigfork Funeral Home is caring for the family.