Mitchell Allen Kopczyk, 50

Mitchell Allen Kopczyk, 50, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2009, near Bigfork, as the result of a motor vehicle accident. He was born on Nov. 4, 1958, in Elyria, Ohio, to John and Carmela (DiMichele) Kopczyk.

Mitchell received his early education in Elyria, but graduated from Midview High School in Grafton, Ohio. He went right to work for Harshaw Chemical Company shortly after high school.

He met and married Carolyn Kolodey in February 1979 in Fairview Park, Ohio; they later divorced. Mitchell eventually moved to Charlo, where he started a farm implements company. He made his way to Bigfork in 2001 and opened the Montana Artisans Center where he created custom Southwestern style furniture that was sold all over the world.

Mitchell was a self-made man, working for himself and making his own. His passions included fast cars, motorcycles and the friends he made all over the country. He was a member of the Montana Legends and had many brothers at heart.

Mitchell was preceded in death by his parents; and is survived by his son, Bradley John Kopczyk; as well as two brothers, Jaime and Robert Kopczyk.

Memorial services for Mitchell will be in conjunction with those of Richard Fliehler at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 29, at the Crossroad Christian Fellowship in Bigfork. Friends and family are invited to the Rocky Mountain Roadhouse for a potluck gathering at 4 p.m.

A benevolent fund has been set up in Mitchell's name at Flathead Bank, 800 Grand Ave., Bigfork, MT 59911.

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