Frank ?Bud? Ellman, 82
Frank ?Bud? Ellman, 82, passed away June 4, 2008, at Heritage Place in Kalispell. Bud was born April 22, 1926, in Hinsdale, the son of John and Barbara (Cambell) Ellman. He attended school in Charlo and Columbia Falls High School.
Bud joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed on the USS General Omar Bundy where he served both in the Pacific and Asiatic Theatres of World War II. Five of his brothers and sisters were serving in the military at this same time.
On Nov. 5, 1955, Bud married Marylou Toelke at the old St. Richard?s Church in Columbia Falls. They were married for 52 years before Bud?s passing.
After the war, Bud worked in the woods, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Union Natural Gas Company. Bud also worked for Glacier National Park as a horse concessionaire for over 20 years. During the fall months, he would work as an outfitter for the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. During the winter months, Bud worked for Art at the Glacier Park Boat Builders.
Bud was a charter member of the Saddle Club and the Rocky Mountain Riders. Of the original charter members, only six remain today.
Bud held positions on the Area Planning board (We would call this a doughnut area now), Weed Control board, and the Animal Shelter board. The animal shelter had been closed but through Bud?s board work, the shelter reopened. He continued this endeavor for a short time after the reopening.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jack, Ray, Pat and Jim; and sisters, Mary, Lorene and Donna.
Bud is survived by his wife, Marylou, of Columbia Fails; two sons, Scott and wife Sara ElIman of Kennewick, Wash., and Brian ElIman of Whitefish; sisters, Marge and husband Stan Sklodo of Aberdeen, Wash., twin sister, Fran and husband Dale Gardner of Valley Spring, Calif., and Katie Lundstrom of Columbia Falls; brother, Sam and wife Frankie Ellman, and sister-in-law Margaret Ellman of Columbia Falls; brother-in-law, Bob, and wife, Donna, Toelke of Ronan; oldest and special friends Don Doane and Pat McVay; also many nieces and nephews whom Bud cared for very much.
Memorial Mass will be said for Bud at 11 a.m. on Friday June 13, at St. Richard?s Catholic Church in Columbia Falls.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Columbia Falls Food Bank in Bud?s name.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family. Please visit www.buffalohillfh.com where you may post condolences to the family.