Barney James Laing, 29

Barney James Laing, 29, passed away Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at home in Kalispell. He was born Sept. 7, 1980, in Whitefish, to John and Shelley (Mandel) Laing. Barney grew up in Kalispell, attending schools and graduating from Flathead High School in 1999. He received his Associate of Arts degree from Flathead Valley Community College. From a young age, Barney always maintained a unique perspective on life. He held strong personal views of the world and was true to his beliefs. He enjoyed snowboarding, reading and hanging out with his friends. A gamester extraordinaire, Barney was fun, sensitive, smart and mischievous, especially as a child. He volunteered within the community, helping several nonprofit organizations with his time and energy. Barney is survived by his parents, John and Shelley (Mandel) Laing, of Margate, Fla.; brother, David, of Kalispell; grandmother, Helen Mandel, of West Orange, N.J.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. A celebration of Barney s life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Outlaw Inn. Barney s family requests you bring your stories and memories to share. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Barney s name to Violence Free Crisis Line, P.O. Box 1401, Kalispell, MT 59903; or Ray of Hope, 46 Fifth Ave. W., Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Barney s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Barney s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.