George L. Hilling, 61

George L. Hilling, of Bigfork passed on Jan. 7, 2011, while on the job in Carlin, Nev., working for Gold Canyon Mining.

George was born Sept. 18, 1949, in Great Falls, to John "Jack" and Nina "Lou" Hilling. He graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1967. After graduation, at age 17, George enlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam.

George met his future wife, Shelley Roth, at the Bar Stool Ski Races in Martin City in January of 1982. They were later married on Jan. 21, 1987, at the Candlelight Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas.

George was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 400 and the Labors Local 1686 unions. Like his father, he traveled throughout Montana working heavy highway construction for most of his life.

George was an avid sports fan in general and a fan of the Griz, Seahawks and Bigfork sports in particular.

He is survived by wife, Shelley; sons, Josh, 22, Dillon, 15, and Sam, 13. He is also survived by sister, Jackie Lewis, of Missoula; mother-in-law, Vera Roth, of Bigfork; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at the Community United Methodist Church in Bigfork. A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bigfork Booster Club, P.O. Box 204, Bigfork; or to the Community United Methodist Church, 750 Electric Avenue in Bigfork.