George Melvin Colby, 97, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2009, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. He was born Jan. 16, 1912, in Kalispell, to Walter E. and Hattie Lelia (Clothier) Colby.

The family moved to the Kila area when George was about 6 years old. He attended Kila schools. Working with his dad, they owned and operated the Colby Log & Lumber Co. for many years. He later worked for the O'Neils at the Forest Products Co.

George married Rose Shewey on July 24, 1939, in Kalispell. They lived in the Kila area until 1948, when they moved to Kalispell. They lived at 1306 Eighth Ave. E. until 1964, when they moved into the new house next door at 1312. They were blessed with three sons, Melvin George, Robert Dale and Clayton Loyd.

George was a member of the Central Christian Church in Kalispell. He loved it and the people there. He called it "his church." He was a charter member of the Local EAA No. 102 and a member of F.O.E. Aerie No. 234. He liked going to Sykes' for "coffee with the boys."

George learned to fly in 1939 and had enjoyed it ever since. He always spoke proudly of the Curtis-Robin, a 1928 plane he and his son Bob put back together. He and his sons had a good many projects, and got along like all good fathers and sons should! They enjoyed just being together.

George loved to pack into Blacktail and Haskill Mountain lookouts before there were any roads leading in. He was always interested in hunting and fishing. George took many trips to Alaska for moose hunting. He really enjoyed the Copper River Country. A good friend, Elmer Elzig, lives in Anchorage, Alaska; George always enjoyed spending time with Elmer at his cabin in Seldovia. George loved that area and was always happy to be there.

George kept busy after retirement, helping the boys and removing snow at the airport. He was a quiet man, and loved his family above all. He will be missed by all who knew him.

George was preceded in death by his parents; a brother; Loyd, who died in World War II; two sisters, Tana and Vera; and a half-brother, Walt.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Colby, of Kalispell; three sons, Melvin Colby and wife, Laural, of Kalispell, Robert Colby of Bigfork, and Clayton Colby and wife, Randi, of Kalispell; seven grandchildren, Steven, Keith, Mark, Adam, Karin, Joshua and Caleb; two great-grandchildren, Kiel and Kayla; and one great-great-grandchild, Zane; two sisters, Marie Sterner and Queveene Talley, both of Kalispell; with numerous cousins and a host of friends.

The family requests donations be made to Central Christian Church, 240 Second Ave. E., Kalispell, MT 59901; or the Experimental Aircraft Association, 325 N. Ferndale Drive, Bigfork, MT 59911.

A memorial service for George will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 2, at the Central Christian Church, with Pastor Jan Van der Poll officiating. A private burial will be at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

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