Kelly N. Gilson died on January 25, 2022 at her home in Pablo.
Kelly was born on 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 Polson’s full-service gas station, then for Don Smith when he took over. When Don created Beacon Tire, he was also working there. Kelly went to truck and heavy equipment driving school. He loved trucking and later taught Two Eagle’s heavy equipment class. He worked as a freelance trucker and also for Lonnie Haack at Sod Busters. He transported 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 did not become a friend. He had a good heart and would help; he was also an advocate for abandoned animals, adopting or helping find homes for anyone who strayed.
Kelly liked to talk politics and reveled in the fact that he was in jail on Facebook most of the time and eventually got kicked out completely for pushing Zuckerberg one too many times.
Kelly was predeceased by his parents and leaves behind one brother, Charlie Gilson Jr.; nephew Charlie Gilson III (Angie); great-nephew Marshall; great-niece 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. Remembrances and condolences can be sent to the family at www.shriderthompson.com.
Arrangements are the responsibility of Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home.
