Todd Allan Smith, 45, died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2006, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

He was born Oct. 1, 1960, in Williston, N.D., the son of James and Jean (Ator) Smith. Todd lived in Plentywood before moving to Choteau in 1961, where he was raised and received his education. He graduated from Choteau High School.

After graduating, Todd started learning his electrical trade from his father, as well as attending several seminars for his trade. Todd worked throughout the United States during his life and desired a better place for his son to be raised, so they moved back to the Montana area in about 1998, making their home in the Flathead Valley.

Todd worked for Kalispell Electric and Nelson Electric, retiring from Nelson Electric upon his diagnosis of ALS in July 2005. Todd had a knack of seeking and seeing quality in all he did, and was very proud of his work. In August, Todd and his son, Lance, got to enjoy a lifetime dream of a trip together fishing in Alaska. This trip was afforded them by all of his co-workers and employer. Todd was thrilled when he caught the largest halibut at 40 pounds.

Some of his interests included hunting and fishing with his sons, and he had spent several summers guiding in the backcountry of Montana. Todd was a member of the IBEW electricians union and the Whitefish Rifle Club.

Todd married Kathy Emmert Hedeen on May 23, 2003, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. She was the love and soulmate that he had always been looking for and was able to make the last years of his life the happiest with her. Todd tried to protect his family by masking his ALS symptoms, and fought a valiant fight until his passing.

Todd was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Bertha Ator, and Buster and Rena Smith; also his father and mother-in-law, Mike and Katie Emmert.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Smith, of Kalispell; four children, Tonya, of Missoula, Allison, of Jordan, Mike Smith, Lance Smith, and stepdaughter, Danielle Hedeen, all of Kalispell; his parents, Jim and Jean Smith, of Choteau; four sisters, Ruth Smith of Browning, Kaye Esther and husband, Jim, and Carol Strandbakke, all of Great Falls, also a special sister, Celia Emmert, of Kalispell; a very special lifetime friend Sharla Hinman, of Kalispell; his friend Bullet, and all his buddies at 'Two Bear'; with aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and a great-niece he adored.

At his request, a memorial service and celebration of Todd's life will be held at a later date.

The family suggests that memorials be sent to: American Heart Association, Montana Division, 600 Central Plaza No. 304, Great Falls, MT 59401; or Hospice Home Health Options, 175 Commons Loop, Ste. 100, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Todd's Family.