Joel Ashley Bridger, 35

Joel Ashley Bridger was born Nov. 27, 1977, in Kalispell to James and Wilene Wallis Bridger. 

He passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2013, at HealthCenter Northwest after a lifetime of fighting post radiation necrosis from a brain tumor he had in 1980, as well as kidney disease and multiple other cranial complications.

Joel was an amazing and courageous young man in spite of being legally blind and disabled from his brain tumors. He was game to try anything with an enthusiasm that brought joy to others. He loved people and no one was a stranger, giving his encouragement to all and never complaining of his own pain or disappointments. He would do anything within his power to help others. 

Joel attended kindergarten at Hedges School. Then he went to West Valley School for the next eight years where he was helped by his special aide, Shelley Mower, who remained a much loved and important part of his life.  

He was the “Barbeque King” and his dream for the future was to become a chef. But in 1994, surgery for another brain tumor robbed some of his skills.

During high school Joel began to ski with the DREAM Adaptive Program as well as Special Olympics. He continued with the Special Olympics program until 2008, participating in weightlifting, race-walking, snowshoeing and skiing. He also participated in Ski for Light which is cross-country skiing for the blind. He loved volunteering at the hospital and became a clown with his sister Paula, wandering the hallways spreading laughter and joy to all.  

4-H was a big part of Joel’s growing up years. He loved it all, especially taking chicken and market hogs to the fair. The fair became one of his favorite places; he fit right in with his big cowboy hat, boots, Wrangler jeans and big belt buckle. Joel was known for his love of Dodge trucks and the Montana Grizzlies. He really got going if you teased him about the Cats or a Ford truck. 

In January of 1997, he graduated with honors from Flathead High School. He moved into Fernwell Apartments and worked as a laundry attendant at Summit Health and Recreation Center. He remained at the Summit until they reorganized and the position was eliminated. Later he worked at Target until one health crisis after another forced him into an assisted living called Beehive Home in 2003. He worked at Flathead Industries until 2006, when he moved to Beehive in Missoula. He worked for ORI until the fall of 2008. That winter three brain surgeries resulted in him having to learn to walk, talk and eat again. They did not discourage him. In 2010, a brain stem stroke robbed him of the ability to move and he was totally helpless. In June of 2012, he moved to Kalispell where he resided at Immanuel Lutheran Home until the time of his death.

The most important part of Joel’s life was his faith. He loved to read his Bible which he did lying on his stomach with his nose pressed against the page because of his poor eyesight. He loved music, especially the hymns and even in his dying days he would try to sing along. Quoting Joel, “I wish to be a righteous man.” 

Joel was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Edna Bridger, Allen, and Gen Bridger; maternal grandfathers, William Wallis and Carl Soderberg; uncles, Fred Wallis and Irvin Moen; and Aunt Peggy Bridger.

He is survived by his grandmother, Pauline Soderberg; parents, Jim and Wilene Bridger of Kalispell; his “Sister” Paula of Helena, and her fiancé, Christopher Jones, and nephew-to-be, Kayven; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and beloved friends too numerous to count.

Joel gave one last gift in death. His corneas were harvested so that two fortunate people might have the gift of sight. He would be ecstatic to know that others could see through his almost sightless eyes.

The Bridger family would like to extend sincere thanks to the communities of Kalispell and Missoula for helping Joel find his place in the community. We would also like to thank Beehive Homes, Immanuel Lutheran Home, Intermediate Care and Hospice for your compassion, care and love towards Joel.

Memorials for Joel may be sent to the Ronald McDonald House or the DREAM Adaptive Program. 

Joel’s funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1 at the Northwest Montana Fairgrounds in the Expo Building. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. There will be a potluck immediately following the service.   

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Joel’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Joel’s tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.