Kevin Collom

Kevin Paul Collom passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 22, 2022, while hunting with friends. Living his life to the fullest, he died doing something he loved.

He was born on Nov. 8, 1963, in Helmet, California, to Pearl (Veuhoff) and Gerell Collom, the second of two sons. He spent his early years in Dillon, and moved to the Flathead in 1979, where he finished his school years. Kevin, his father and brother worked together to build their home in Kalispell. He was a wonderful husband, father, son and grandfather.

Kevin was a well-respected third generation plasterer who started his own company, Panelcrete Construction. His crew was family and he was a mentor to many. He was a local celebrity, achieving seven years as an undefeated Whitefish Oktoberfest Stein Holding Champion who went on to the National Championships, representing Whitefish at the National Championships in New York City three times. In addition, he mentored the National Champion of 2022 who is also from Whitefish. As an avid outdoorsman and hunter, he loved Montana in all her rugged glory. With two friends, he once floated the North Fork River from the interior of Canada to Polebridge, making him one of the few who made that international trip in a kayak.

In his endeavor to earn a pilot’s license, Kevin and Mike Whitehill, another pilot, formed the Bald Eagle Aviation Club, the Flathead Valley’s only aviation club. The club now has a membership of nine pilots who were written up in AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) as the 150th club in the United States.

He was known for his big smile, unforgettable dimples, infectious laugh and his gigantic, big hugs. His peers once voted him, “The Most Likely to Talk Your Ear Off.” He was an honest man with a solid work ethic who made friends effortlessly and will be remembered for his boisterous laugh and for how much he loved Jamee. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Jamee Cole Collom, of Whitefish, his son, Justin Collom, granddaughter, Teagan, her grandmother, Becky Collom, parents, Pearl and Gerell Collom, his brother, Bryan and wife Cathy Collom, and their sons, Joshua and Ryane, and daughters, Bryanna and Brandi, all of Kalispell.

He was preceded in death by daughter, Chelsea Collom.

A celebration of life will be held at the Great Northern Bar in Whitefish on Nov. 16 from 5 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please hug those you love and “Pay it Forward” giving a kind word or doing a kind deed as Kevin would have done.