Jedidiah Arthur Salyer, 31

Jedidiah Arthur Salyer, 31, died in Kalispell on June 17, 2018.

He was born in Wasilla, Alaska, on March 30, 1987. When Jed was 2 years old his family moved to Kalispell and he enjoyed growing up here. Jed was all boy and loved the outdoors. When he was young he made homemade spears, fishing poles, bows, etc. When he was older he continued his love of hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He and his best friend Zach Hanson spent many hours outside and were planning to be “mountain men.”

When his younger brother Zane was old enough they hunted and fished together. A yearly hunting trip was always looked forward to, and traveling to hang out together on the Fourth of July was a yearly tradition.

In his teens Jed was able to visit Puerto Rico and China, and seeing their poverty made a real impact on him. He was homeschooled and involved with basketball, choir, speech and debate, and youth group, as well as working various jobs during the summers. He attended Flathead Valley Community College for two years, pursuing a degree in criminal justice. He worked in landscaping, carpentry and as an outside sales representative. He was a huge Seattle Seahawk fan (12th man).

He was especially close to his siblings, each one, and the bond between them was unbreakable, never ending, and they always had each others’ backs. His two nieces were one of his greatest joys in life. He was the best uncle to them, and spent countless hours showering them with love and unending giggles. Stories of their antics always brought laughter to his voice and a smile to his face.

He was intelligent and extremely competent in so many areas, and music was a huge part of who he was.

Throughout his teen and older years, Jed dealt with depression. He hid, suppressed and channeled it in a way that much of the time those who loved him and knew him didn’t see it clearly. In the end it became too much for him to bear. He ended his story but his life will forever enrich ours.

Jed is survived by his parents, Bud and Sharon Salyer; sisters, Rebecca Stafford, Sherri Larson and Joanna Salyer; brother, Zane Salyer; nieces, Jalynn and Chanelle; grandmother, Jonell Salyer; and grandfather, Werner Reimers. He also leaves behind his four-legged comrade, his dog King; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 24, at Canvas Church in Kalispell. Private family burial will be on Monday, June 25.