Gregory John Ellman, 51

Gregory John Ellman 'reached the end of his journey on Earth" on Jan. 28, 2009. He was born March 27, 1957, the youngest child of Margaret and James Ellman.

Greg graduated from Columbia Falls High School and went on to work in a variety of different fields. He was a guide at Uncle Bud and Aunt Marylou's horse concession in Glacier National Park. He fought forest fires in California and Montana. At one time he cared for "Chief," the horse mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs. He worked in Oklahoma for Don Thornton Ford and on tree farms here in the Flathead.

Greg was afflicted with muscular dystrophy and while it did disable him, it did not define him. Greg was an example of courage and dignity. He never complained of his illness or the hardships he endured.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dug; and his father.

He is survived by his mother; his brother, Dennis; his sister, Connie, and husband, Rocky Ramey; nieces, Mandy and husband, Jesse Einarson, Jessica and husband, Brandon Rice, and Amy Ellman; nephews, Josh Ramey, and Matt and Ryan Ellman; one grandniece, Cassandra Herman; and one grandnephew, Trey Rice. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He will remain forever in our hearts and will be missed dearly.

The Mass of the Resurrection will be held for Greg at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, at St. Richard's Catholic Church in Columbia Falls.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Grace Hospice or the Muscular Dystrophy Association.