Michael Howard Ellis

Michael Howard Ellis, 19, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 21 after a long battle with Epilepsy.
Michael was born on October 17, 1994 in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Although Michael was born in Canada, he lived the majority of his life in the United States and had dual citizenship. Yet Michael never considered himself as just a Canadian nor as just an American. Rather, with his trademark sense of humor, he always described himself as a "Canerican".
Epilepsy struck this healthy 12 year old boy while he was in the 5th grade. Unfortunately, Epilepsy had the upper hand in this battle for the rest of Michael's life in that his seizures were never able to be fully controlled. However, Michael showed the heart and strength of a lion by never giving in to the affliction. He would fight everyday to live his life as full as he could. We can all gain strength and learn from his conviction and heart.
Despite Epilepsy robbing him of daily gifts we take for granted like active memory, driving a car, and riding a bike to name a few, Michael was determined to live a full life. Just in the past year, he graduated from high school at Sentinel High in Missoula. Through bowling, one of his passions, he earned enough scholarship monies to pay for his first full year of college. In fact, just the week prior to his passing, he had finished his first semester at Missoula College and was looking forward to his next one in January. Despite not being able to drive, he had begun to find ways to independence by walking or taking the bus all around town.
However, the one place Michael was happiest was the ballpark. The Missoula Osprey lost a member of their team this week. Michael was a longtime fixture at the stadium. He evolved from a young 12 year old working on the promotional team delighting fans who labeled him "Disco Boy" to a young adult serving as the reliable batboy of the Missoula Osprey. He never lost his enthusiasm for the game of baseball. He always longed to play it. He dreamed of a career in it.
Michael was taken too soon from our world, but he was a gift. He was a gift to everyone who was lucky to have known him. We were just that. We were lucky to have experienced his loving nature, quirky sarcastic sense of humor, blunt and honest thoughts, and his quality high moral stature. We have truly lost a gem. But God has his way and it is obvious to us who knew him, that God needed a batboy in heaven. He is now a member of God's team.
Michael is survived by many family and friends including his parents Matthew and Michele Ellis, his grandparents Michael and Judith Ellis and Michael Siegmund, his Aunt and Uncle Andrea and Greg Vasile, his Aunt and Uncle Aimee and Bob Valencour, and cousins Lauren and Kaitlyn Valencour. He is preceded in death by his grandmother Mary Siegmund.
Michael's service will be on Saturday, December 28 at Missoula Alliance Church, located at 100 E Foss Ct in Missoula, beginning at 2 p.m. A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael Ellis Memorial Fund at First Interstate Bank in Missoula. All monies collected in Michael's name will be used over time to either benefit charities that impacted Michael's life or for individuals who faced the same challenges Michael did in his life.




Read Michael Ellis's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.