Ely J. Gelinas, 27

Ely J. Gelinas, 27, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008, in East Glacier. He was born on Aug. 18, 1981, to Matthew and Wendy (Olson) Gelinas in Kalispell.

Ely was a graduate of Flathead High School.

He served proudly in the U.S. Army for seven years.

He loved the outdoors, but his passion was for fishing, hunting and snowboarding. The way Ely put his heart and soul into everything he did is an inspiration to us all.

He was preceded in death by Grandma Sylvia and Grandpa Ray Gelinas; aunt, Lori, and uncle, Raymond Gelinas; as well as grandpa, Jim Wehr.

He is survived by his mother, Wendy Olson, stepfather, Adam, and a sister, Madison, all of Lakeside; dad, Matthew Gelinas, and stepmother, Kathy, stepsister, Breanna Stewart, and her husband, Ashby, a brother, Seth Gelinas, and his wife, Tova, all of Kalispell; girlfriend, Amanda Burt; grandmother, Laurel Wehr; great-grandmother, Florence Ladd; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many close friends.

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral chapel in Kalispell.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Ely's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Ely's guest book.