Greg Ellman

Gregory John Ellman, 51, reached the end of his journey on earth Jan. 28, 2009. He was born March 27, 1957, the youngest child of James and Margaret Ellman.

Greg graduated from Columbia Falls High School and went on to work in a variety of fields. He was a guide at his Uncle Bud’s and Aunt Marylou’s horse concession in Glacier National Park. He fought forest fires in California and Montana. At one time he cared for “Chief,” the horse mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs. He worked in Oklahoma for Don Thornton Ford and on tree farms here in the Flathead.

Greg was afflicted with muscular dystrophy and while it did disable him, it did not define him. Greg was an example of courage and dignity. He never complained of his illness or the hardships he endured.

He was preceded in death by his brother Doug and his father. He is survived by his mother; brother, Dennis; sister, Connie and husband Rocky Ramey; nieces, Mandy and husband Jesse Einarson, Jessica and husband Brandon Rice, and Amy Ellman; nephews, Josh Ramey, Matt and Ryan Ellman; grand niece, Cassandra Herman; and grand nephew, Trey Rice. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He will remain forever in our hearts and will be missed dearly.

The mass of the resurrection was held for Greg on Monday, Feb. 2 at St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Columbia Falls. Officiating the service was Father John Miller, and Reverend Bill Baumgarten. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Grace Hospice or the Muscular Dystrophy Association.