Skylar Marcus Belstad, 23

Skylar Marcus Belstad, 23, passed away Dec. 11, 2015, unexpectedly.

He was born July 16, 1992, in Kalispell, to Melissa Fenger and Steve Belstad. He was the second born of five siblings.

Skylar lived in Kalispell for most of his life except for three years which he spent in New Town, North Dakota. During this time he had the opportunity to learn a new trade doing something he loved, got to spend time with family and make many new friends who have grown into family.

At an early age, Skylar developed a love for baseball; he was mentored by some amazing coaches in the valley and developed strong friendships with his teammates. He loved the outdoors and spent many weekends fishing and hunting with his Papa, Grandpa Mark and close friends. You could say the outdoors were Skylar’s happy place. If Skylar wasn’t out hunting or fishing, you would be sure to find him working on his truck or tearing something apart to see how it worked. He was a great mechanic and his dream was to fix up his 1973 Chevy three-quarter ton otherwise known as “his baby.”

Skylar was currently working as a gunsmith/fabricator at McGowen Precision Barrels. He loved his job and the people he worked with. Guns were another passion of Skylar’s and he was very proud of the work he did. While living in New Town, he was able to learn a lot about vehicles while working at Rensch Chevrolet. Also while in North Dakota he learned a lot about the ranch life and felt right at home while taking care of numerous chores and animals around the Belstad homestead.

Skylar was preceded in death by his grandfather, Jerry Belstad Sr., and cousin, Kyle Linrude. Jerry was a very influential person in Skylar’s life and he taught him many things. He even gave him a favorite nickname “Rock” which stuck with Skylar throughout his whole life. “Skylar has also been reunited” with other numerous family members who have preceded him.

Skylar leaves behind his beautiful yellow lab Bertha who was his best friend and love of his life. He is survived by his parents, Melissa and Darrin Fenger and Steven Belstad, all of Kalispell; brothers, Steven Hanson, along with his sons Talan and Cole of Columbia Falls; and Douglas Belstad of Kalispell; sisters, Kelsey Belstad, along with her boyfriend, Kyle Howell, and their daughter Kynlee; Lexi Longtin, Amanda Fenger, Tia Fenger, and Talese Fenger, all of Kalispell; grandparents, Kenneth Perry of Dupuyer, Carleen and Mark Hutchings and Joyce Belstad, all of Kalispell; many aunts, uncles and cousins to include, Cristin and Nicholas Kynett and son Deegan of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Ashley Maloney of Abilene, Texas, Tanya Belstad and family of Kalispell, and Jerry Belstad Jr. and family of Kalispell. He is also survived by many great friends — too many to list.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, at Canvas Church in Kalispell. In true Skylar fashion, feel free to wear your cowboy boots and flannel shirts to celebrate his life. Please join the family for a reception immediately following the memorial at the Rainbow Bar and Casino.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Skylar’s family.