George 'Ted' Van, 95

George "Ted" Van, 95, passed away peacefully on Jan. 16, 2026, in Kalispell.

Born on March 16, 1930, Ted was raised in Kalispell with his sisters, Gladys and Gertrude, and his brother, John. They descended from the Lewis family, who were among some of the first European settlers of Bad Rock Canyon.  

While working at the Kalispell City Airport in high school, Ted earned his pilot’s license. Following his graduation, he left Montana to pursue his dream of becoming an airline pilot. Based primarily at JFK Airport in NYC, Ted flew for Pan American World Airways for 34 years, retiring in 1990 after flying his final four years with United Airlines. Over the course of his career, Ted saw more of the world than most could ever dream of.

When Ted married his wife, Carolyn, she was a stewardess for United Airlines. They raised their two children, Greg and Heidi, primarily in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Following his retirement, Ted and Carolyn split their time between San Jose, California and Kalispell. They developed a keen interest in Western art, attending many auctions and becoming friends with a number of the artists.

Throughout his life, Ted was a caretaker. After his father died when Ted was a teenager, he did his best to help his mother and his younger siblings. As a husband, Ted took care of Carolyn throughout the 53 years of their marriage, especially at the end of her life. And as a father and grandfather, he gave significant support to his children and his grandchildren.

Ted is survived by his children, Greg Van and Heidi (Ed) Fallone and by his grandchildren, Emma Fallone and Andrew (Clare Spangler) Fallone. Ted is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed. 

Services will be held at a later date.