Edwin Elymar 'Ed' Stuart III, 86

Edwin Elymar “Ed” Stuart III, 86, residing in Whitefish passed away on Friday Aug. 5, 2022, from natural causes.

Ed was born on May 9, 1936, grew up in Anaconda and studied business at the University of Montana where he joined the Sigma Chi fraternity with his best friend Bill Lawton. While attending college Ed began his career in show business, in 1956, as a doorman at a local theater.

Ed served in the Army Battlegroup 3rd Brigade, Platoon No. 5 from January 1959 to December 1960 when he was honorably discharged. Always ambitious, Ed returned to the theater and quickly rose through the ranks in various managerial positions in Salt Lake City, Durango, Colorado, and Denver. In 1965, he was promoted to the real estate department and moved to the firm’s home office in Los Angeles. Shortly thereafter, in 1973 Ed was promoted to vice president of operations at National General Theaters, Inc.

On May 19, 1990, Ed was reunited with the love of his life Ruby Mae Lawton (Krizan). They spent the next 18 years together in Eugene, Oregon. After her passing, Ed found his way back to Montana in part due to his best friend Linda Roberts living in Whitefish where he got to pursue his love of genealogy and spending time with family.

Ed will be laid to rest with his mother, father, and brother in Anaconda. Ed is survived by his stepdaughter, Kathy Chapel; 10 grandchildren, Katelin Rose, Renee, Jessie, Chase, Casey, Jennifer, Jamie, William, Justin and Lindsey; as well as four great-grandchildren, Liam, Levi, Benson and Cooper.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.