Kelly N. Gilson, 60

Kelly N. Gilson passed away Jan. 25, 2022, at home in Pablo.

Kelly was born July 13, 1961, in Missoula to Charles and Marjorie Gilson. He graduated from Two Eagle River High School in 1979.

Kelly worked for Bill Jones at the full-service gas station in Polson, and later for Don Smith when he took it over. When Don started Beacon Tire, he worked there, too. Kelly went on to truck driving and heavy equipment school. He loved trucking and later went on to teach at Two Eagle’s heavy equipment class. He worked as an independent trucker and also for Lonnie Haack at Sod Busters. He trucked or drove farm equipment all over the United States.

When his health forced him to retire from trucking, he had a small wrecking yard where he bought and sold parts and vehicles. Kelly rarely met a person who didn’t become a friend. He had a kind heart and would help anyone who asked. He was a great mentor/big brother to his nephew Charlie and niece Adrienne when they lived with him. He also was an advocate for abandoned animals, adopting or helping find homes for any that wandered in.

Kelly liked to talk politics and revelled in the fact that he was in Facebook jail most of the time and finally kicked off completely for poking at Zuckerberg one too many times.

Kelly was preceded in death by his parents and leaves behind a brother, Charlie Gilson Jr.; nephew Charlie Gilson III (Angie); grandnephew Marshall; grandniece Skylynn; niece Adrienne Croft (Sam); sister Sharla Talsma (Neal); and nephews Levi Talsma (Sam) and Ryan Talsma (Shelby).

Kelly was cremated, and a memorial service will be held for him in July. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.shriderthompson.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home.