Sam Ellman, 84

Sam Ellman, 84, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Aug. 26, 2016. 

Sam was born in Columbia Falls on March 15, 1932 to John and Barbara Ellman, the youngest of 12 children. He graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1952 and spent several years as an ironworker, helping to build the Hungry Horse Dam and the Anaconda Aluminum Plant, where he then worked for several years. He finished his career, retiring as director of maintenance for Columbia Falls School District 6. 

Sam married Marlene Schenoffer of Calgary, Alberta in 1958 and they had three children: Dawn, Susan, and Charlie. Marlene passed away in 1999. He then married Frances Fish Boucher Johnson, adding her four children Connie, Cathie, Charlene, and Charles and their children to his family. 

In his younger years, he was a charter member of the North Valley Search and Rescue Team. He was a retired member of the Columbia Falls Fire Department. He also served on the Columbia Falls City Council. He was active in Columbia Falls Jaycees and was a lifelong member of St. Richard’s Catholic Church. After retirement, he enjoyed volunteering at the Columbia Falls Food Bank, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Sam is preceded in death by Marlene and 10 of his 11 siblings. He is survived by his wife, Frances Ellman; his sister, Francis Gardner; children and grandchildren, Dawn and Rob McCleland, Kaylie, Parker, and Aria Bashe; Susan, Kurt, Kyler, and Logan Blades, Shelby, Rob and Eleanor Culp, Blaine Edens; Charlie and Anita Ellman, Chad Downen; Connie Boucher, Craig Bergstedt, Carver and Caelen Boucher-Bergstedt; Cathie, Scott, and Brittani Sollman, Catrina, Tyler, Amelia, and Will Sutton, Randilyn and Jesse Heldstab; Charlene Boucher-Mari, Rick, Keri, Sawyer, and Alexa Mari; Charles, Laura, Miranda, and Patrick Boucher. He also had many nieces, nephews, and dear friends, all who brought him immense joy. 

Sam’s memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, at St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Columbia Falls. A private burial will take place later this year. 

Memorial donations may be given to the Columbia Falls Volunteer Fire Department.