Tanner Robert Kolodejchuk, 22, died on the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007, at the Columbia Falls home of his Aunt Brenda and Uncle Dave Stewart, from medical complications.

Tanner was born on Jan. 3, 1985, in Whitefish to Shirley and Arlen Kolodejchuk. He attended grade school at Canyon Elementary School and graduated from Columbia Falls High School with top honors in 2003. He attended the University of Utah for three years, majoring in mechanical engineering, and was loved by his Aunt Paula and cousin Emily Daniels while in Salt Lake.

Tanner loved to learn and had a passion for knowledge. He jumped full throttle into everything he attempted, including perfecting catching 10 buoys on his favorite water ski course, working on his trucks and bodybuilding. Tanner was Mr. Junior Big Sky, winning the first bodybuilding contest he entered in 2003; he loved to show his muscles.

He loved to build things, from his LEGO creations as a little boy to his most recent passion, construction. He loved spending hours learning from his Uncle Dave, learning about building while living with Dave, his Aunt Brenda and cousin Cody.

Tanner had many friends and loved spending time going out and enjoying their company. He especially loved planning and taking trips with his Aunt Kathy where his dreams came true. He looked up to and admired his older brother Timber, who thought the world of his little brother and loved to brag about him to all his friends.

Tanner endured a life battle with diabetes and had suffered many close calls with his health this past year. Like everything he ever did he worked as hard as he could to overcome the disease.

Tanner was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Izzy and Eileen Kolodejchuk; and his cousin, Jake Davis.

He is survived by his parents, Shirley and Arlen Kolodejchuk; brother, Timber and Katy (Yost); his maternal grandparents, Jerry and Eleanor Bell; his adopted sister, Caitlan Woods; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins whom he loved dearly.

Tanner will be greatly missed by everyone whose life he ever touched, especially his family.

A viewing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. today, Oct. 12, at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Canyon Elementary School Multi-Purpose Building in Hungry Horse.

The family would especially like to thank the Three Rivers Quick Response Unit and the Flathead Valley ALERT for all their efforts over the past year in helping Tanner.

Anyone wishing to make a contribution please do so to either the Three Rivers QRU or the American Diabetes Association.