Ryan W. Heller was born Nov. 23, 1980, to Steve and Catherine Heller. On Nov. 8, 2008, Ryan "fell asleep" in death after months of battling an eating disorder.

Ryan developed an immense love for the outdoors growing up in Kalispell. He spent every spare moment of his years fishing, hunting, camping, woodcutting, and discovering more places to do so in Montana's vast beauty. This love extended to woodworking, and he would craft works accentuating the natural state of wood found on the forest floor.

Ryan's curiosity led him to read on a broad array of subjects, from construction to world history. Ryan believed in living life honorably, always sure to help out a stranger or support one in need. Ryan's gentle heart, honesty and indomitable spirit will remain an inspiration to all those who knew him.

Ryan was preceded in death by his father, Steve; his grandmother, Catherine VerCammen; aunt, Debbie Slack; and aunt, Nancy Clack.

He is survived by his mother, Catherine Whiting, and her husband, Bill, of Polson; his sister, Michelle Currier, and husband, Chris, and nephews, Chandler and Caleb, of Kalispell; his brother, Matthew Heller, of Golden, Colo.; grandparents, Ed and Catherine Heller, of Hamilton; grandfather, Lee VerCammen, of Helena; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Memorial services for Ryan will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Red Lion Hotel, Fireside Lodge, in Kalispell. There will be no visitation.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Ryan's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Ryan's guest book.