Ryan Smith

Ryan Marshal Smith, 30, a Whitefish resident, passed away at his home Feb. 9, 2006, after a long fight with sarcoma cancer.

Ryan was born Jan. 31, 1976, in Houston, Texas, the son of Charles W. Smith and Helen Faye Ward. Ryan was raised and attended schools in the Houston area. He graduated from high school in 1994 and then attended Sam Houston University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business.

Ryan belonged to the Flathead County Search and Rescue. He enjoyed playing guitar, hiking and the outdoors, fishing and hunting. He enjoyed soccer and his faithful dog, Jed.

Ryan will be remembered as a man of God and full of faith and a believer in the Lord, Jesus Christ. He will be remembered as a loving son, brother, husband and friend.

Survivors include his wife Melissa, at the family home in Whitefish; parents Helen Smith, in Whitefish, and Wayne Smith, in Temple, Texas; brother Jason Smith and wife Stacey, in Whitefish; and three nieces and nephews Kyley, Greg and Michael Ryan.

A memorial service was held Feb. 15, 2006, at the Whitefish Assembly of God, with Rev. Curtis McDuffee officiating. A graveside service was held at the Glacier Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kalispell.