Henry Erwin

Henry James Erwin, 24, of Georgia, and also of Montana, Alaska and anywhere else he collected rocks, died on Sept. 21, 2007. He lived in Whitefish up until a year and half ago.

Henry was born on Oct. 24, 1982, the proud son of Paul and Marcy Erwin and loving brother of Spence and sister Meggie Beth.

This free-spirited and hard-working young businessman owned Henry's Smoke Shack. His passion for cooking made it the best barbecue in town. Previously he had succeeded in his other two passions, nature and helping others. He captured nature's essence in his paintings, inspired by his time in the wilderness.

Henry completed a 200-hour course with Aerie Back Country Medicine in Glacier National Park and received his certification as a wilderness emergency technician. He also completed a 10-week program at the National Outdoor Leadership School in Alaska.

But he did not stop there. Next, he earned his Swift Water Rescue Certification with the Forest Service in Montana in 2006.

Those who knew Henry would say that of all his accomplishments and services, the greatest service he provided was giving pieces of his enormous and loyal heart to everyone who stepped into his life. That great accomplishment and service will last forever in countless hearts.

Survivors include his mother and father, Marcy and Paul Erwin; brother Spence Erwin and wife Mary; sister Meggie Erwin; and John Harley Erwin, his baby nephew.

Henry's family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Darlington Learning Center, c/o Darlington School, 1014 Cave Spring Road, Rome GA 30161.