This is a site dedicated to celebrating the life of Travis Engstrom. Pictures, stories and information about this great friend, father, son and husband can be shared here.

If you would like to make a donation to a fund setup for Kelly and Kaden, please click on the donate button. When you donate, if you would like to leave a message, I will do my best to post them on the site.

Hits since Jan 22nd, 10:00 a.m. MST

Pay Pal does charge a 2.9% + $0.30 USD fee, per transaction. To avoid transaction fees you may visit any First Interstate Bank and donate to the Travis Engstrom Fund, 100% will go directly to Kelly and Kaden.

The mountains of Cooke City Montana took Travis Lee Engstrom home last Saturday evening, January 17th. ( 5/9/1973 - 1/17/2009 ) It was a day blessed by the gods, crystal clear, the sun shining; he lived the day to the fullest surrounded by close friends and his loving wife.

Travis was brought into this world in Mohall, North Dakota by his proud parents Joan Hundley and Larry Lee Engstrom. He graduated from Mohall High School in 1992 where he accelerated in all sports he was involved in. He attended the University of North Dakota for 5 years and received his degree in Criminal Justice. He worked briefly in the Juvenile System, yet the office could not contain Travis's free spirit. The Wildlife Fish and Game department brought Travis to Helena, Montana where he enjoyed working in the outdoors for 5 years. In 2002 Travis moved to Bozeman where he began working in the ski industry. This offered Travis the opportunity to 'work' in such places as the mountains of New Zealand as a Rossignol Representative. After wandering the world Travis was one of the lucky souls whom encountered his soul-mate. While in the peaks of Jackson Hole in June of 2005, Travis proposed to Kelly (Marudas) Engstrom. In the couples classic outdoor fashion they were married on July 29th, 2006, at the base of the Bridger mountains on a perfect Montana summer day. One of Travis's dreams was to become a father, and his dream came true on August 19th, 2008 when his beautiful baby boy Kaden Lee Engstrom was born.

All who knew Travis were warmed by his caring and loving manner. He drew people in and touched the hearts of all whom he encountered with his huge heart. Travis was the kind of person you did not need to ask for anything, he just did everything he could for everyone he knew. If you needed it, you could have the shirt off of his back. Travis was a protector of all whom he knew and cared for. The the mountains ran deep in the essence of Travis. The summers were an agonizing waiting period until the first winter snowflakes began to fall. Travis loved the winter so much he had a snowflake tattooed on his right arm, and a quote saying "Without the possibility of death adventure would be impossible" on his left. He lived his life full throttle and 100%, he inspired everyone around him. He was an animal lover who was accompanied by his faithful black lab companion Riley for the last 13 years. His last moments were spent doing what he loved, with whom he loved. He will be missed always by all who knew him. We love you Trav!

Travis is preceded in death by his grandparents Arlo Wanda Hundley, Melton and Cecilia Engstrom. His legacy is continued by his beautiful wife Kelly and loving son Kaden. Travis is survived by his parents Joan and Larry, 2 half brothers and 2 half sisters, his in-laws Lynn and Denny Marudas, and their son Nick Marudas whom Travis considered a brother.

To contribute pictures and stories, please email John "Fatty" Shankland at admin@travisengstrom.org

http://www.mtavalanche.com/

A second ceremony celebrating his life will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Mohall, North Dakota on January 31st, at 2:00 p.m.
Here is a map.

http://www.roundhouse-sports.com/articles.asp?id=134

http://www.roundhouse-sports.com/Travis_Engstrom_Memorial_Fund_s/47.htm

Hi, I am Larry Engstrom's sister. He wanted me to try and have this letter put on Travis' website. It was a letter written by his aunt and read at Travis' funeral. Thanks so much for doing this website for Travis and his family! It is so greatly appreciated, and is helping Larry slowly heal. He loves reading everything on there! Again, thank you so much for this site! Carol Arden

Dear Travis,

I never got the priviledge of being around you the last few years of your life. When I saw the pictures of you, I cried at seeing what a beautiful young man you grew to be. And even though they were only pictures, I could still see your wonderful character shining through.

I've always believed if you really want to get to know who somebody truely is, you only need to listen to the words of the family, the friends, the co-workers, and even the strangers who bump into you for just a few minutes, but walk away with lifelong impressions. And I know if you could see all who are honoring you, you would be humbled and then bugged that we are all gathered together instead of out doing something

You, Trav, were oddly out of character for someone of your generation. As society has grown, so has the attitude of "What about me? What's in this for me? What are you going to do for me?" Yet you were a young man who, if one studied closely, of how God wants us each to approach life. You seemed to wake up each morningwith a heart set with "What can I do to make this day better for someone else. " You took your responsibilities as son, husband, and father seriously, but also knew how to live life, embrace it to the fullest, and never ever forget others who cross our paths in this short journey. The testimonies from so many people have spoken of how you were a man who thought constantly of others.

In John 15:13 Jesus taught "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." Every day you seemed to fill a need in someone else rs life. You did it without effort, with just a simple smile and a no big deal attitude, because that was your nature.

You taught your father how to enjoy life and play again. You taught your mother how to shake off the past, live in the present, and to laugh till it hurts. You taught everyone how to live life fearlessly, butresponsibly. You had the heart that always made sure everyone else was safe. You worked and volunteered in positions where you knew you may lose your life to bring others to safety and you did it without hesitation, for to you it was the natural and logical thing to do. While others ran from situations, you went in headfirst. It wasn 't second nature to you, it was first.

When I look at little Kaden, I see a little boy who in the few short months he had his father, experienced more love and security than most of us experience in a lifetime. And Kelly, you became the other half of Travis' heart. With him you found a love, a committment, and an adventure, though short, and lessons you will embrace and carry with you the rest of your life. With Kelly and Kaden, Travis, you found the answers and completion to your life that you had been searching for.

Because of my beliefs, Trav, my struggle was where was your heart with God. But as I listened to the words of your mother and father and to the Holy Spirit, you found God in the prayers for your child to live, and when you held him for the first time. You and Kelly committed yourselves to raising your son in belief and trust in the One who has always loved you both so deeply and gave up His Son for you. In doing so, God started preparing you for the toughest trial of your life, to trust Him in calling you home and to believe God would take care of your wife and son. Once again, as so many would see this as cruel, you saw and found Someone bigger than yourself who died to give you hope. And in the few days before your accident, you displayed a peace that few others would have shown. That's how I know you encountered God, because you would have taken on the devil himself to fight for your family, but you walked in peace.

You said your goodbyes in your heart in the few days you had left so as not to upset anyone, and on January 17, 2009, you met with God on a mountaintop, looked down at your wife and friends, then closed your eyes and told God "I'm ready." And before God allowed anything to touch your body, the angel of the Lord came and removed your spirit. You only remained long enough to make sure your wife and friends were alright because that was who you were. And though the body was swept down the mountain, you were entering the gates of heaven with that smile that always made us wonder what you were up to, and met the Son of God face to face to hear the words, "Well done, Trav, well done!"

"Yes, we will hurt for a long time, be angry at times, laugh at times, and wonder why. But now we will take the lessons you taught us and create a legacy for your son as many wil be there to raise him and comfort Kelly and everyone will keep telling your wonderful stories.

And one day in God's time and God's way, we, too, will walk through His beautiful gates. We will pause and look up at the beautiful mountains, hear the sound of an engine and laugh as a young man with his hat on backwards comes roaring down, pulls up, and says,

"I've missed you - what took you so long?

I've been waiting - let's ride!"

I am so sorry to read about the loss of your good friend Travis. I watched the video you put together and it was such a great tribute to a seemingly wonderful person and more importantly, husband and father.

I did not know Travis but I am a father of two young children and I lost my dad when I was 3. It is always difficult for me to see these things happen as I know more than anyone how important it is for a son to have a father.

I challenge you and his other friends and family to do two things for Kaden...Let him know his father through your eyes. Tell him stories as he grows up about the loving person he was and how proud he was to have a son. Kaden will NEVER get sick of these stories. Travis' words and feelings must live on through his family and friends always letting Kaden know how important he was to him. The final thing I ask of you is to try to take the time to do "man things" with Kaden as he grows up. He will need someone in his life that is willing to take the time to do the things Travis would have done with him. IT is I am forever greatful to my fathers friends who did those things for me. It certainly couldn't replace my father, but it helped me become a man.

This may sound simple, but trust me, it is not. I lived it and have seen too many people make the same mistakes my mother and family did after my dad's death.

I wish my donation could have been more. I know how tough it will be for Travis' wife. You are doing a great thing by taking this step to help her and you should be proud of yourself.

God bless you and good luck.

Troy Gilbert
Spring Valley MN

I am sure this to be true for all Travis' friends, but the more you hung out with him, the better the stories became. You always had more fun the next time and the next time and so on and so forth... What saddens me the greatest? Our best stories will be left unwritten.

He is treasured, respected, and loved by all.

Lets shower Kelly and Kaden with are love, prayers, and gifts of help for years to come.

Greg Heys

We only knew Travis through our daughter, Robyn and her husband Josh. How fortunate for all of you to have had someone so kind and loving in your lives. The pictures show that he was a devoted Dad and husband who was loved by all that knew him. I'm sorry we missed out on knowing him. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Liz and John Patefield
Kalispell, MT

I went to high school with Travis. When I think of him, I think of him playing basketball. He was always one of the skinny guys with gangly arms and legs just sprinting to the other end of the court! Small schools are like a family, and he will be remembered fondly by not just his classmates but by all of those in the surrounding classes as well.

Randi Heller

I met Travis and Kelly on my last vacation to visit my brother, Chad Wiley, in Montana. We invited a few friends to come play around the cabin in Pburg and alot backed out but like my brother predicted, Travis and Kelly showed up bright eyed and grinning as well- ready to go snowmobiling. I remember what a beautiful couple they were and how happy they seemed. Not like they were just husband and wife, but best friends. Kelly had just found out she was pregnant and they both were extremely excited, glowing actually. We spent the whole day riding around the mountains and having a great time. Travis and Kelly didn't know me from a stranger on the street but they were both two of the most friendliest people I have met as well as two of the funnest people. I recall skiing beside the truck with them by holding onto the door and laughing till I almost peed myself. They also both repeatedly offered me their gloves because my hands were cold and were never reluctant to share their beverages or snacks. They seem to be both very giving and unselfish people. Going with them that day was really the only time I have went on a snowmobile excursion and it was one of the memories I hold dear. It broke my heart to hear this news. I can't explain why bad things happen to good people but I'm do know I am truly thankful I had the honor of meeting them both. The family is in my thoughts and prayers, especially you Kelly.

With love-
Katie Wiley

I am so sorry for your loss.

Mary Rand, Nate's mom.

Thank you for setting up this fund, my thoughts and prayers are with Travis and his family as they go through this most difficult time.

Kelly Nehring

What a beautiful video and site. Travis will always hold a special place in my heart, even if most of my memories of him make me laugh out loud! I have been trying over the past few days to keep my thoughts about him positive, and not allow my sadness to get the best of me. I have found strength in two things.

First, if he did have to go, I am thankful that Travis left this earth doing what he loved. He lived life to its fullest and was well aware of the risks associated with his fun-filled lifestyle.

Second, I am thankful that Travis' spirit will live on in the miracle that is Kaden. We will never look at Kaden without seeing a bit of Travis too. We will tell him our favorite stories and make sure that he always knows what an incredible man his father was.

And for you, Travis, just know that your favorite little redhead will always love you!

Margo Humphries

I am so sorry for your loss. My son, Zack, went to the same day care as Kaden.

Keri Hayes

My friend Tom manages Chalet Sports, this is how I met Travis all those years ago. Many times I’d stop in the shop looking for Tom. Often, instead, I found myself talkin to Travis and just marveling at all the great things he had done over the weekend….the last 24 hours……4 hours…….heck, the last 10 minutes even…….it was always something outstanding! Travis was a “true” person. He lived his life the way he wanted and never seemed to waver from his convictions, thoughts and dreams. It takes a strong individual to do that. It is a tragedy that he is gone. Wherever he is in heaven, I’m sure he’s there with his hat backwards, certainly making it more lively and going about it his way. My deepest condolences to Kelly, Kaden and to all of Travis‘s family and friends. Seth Millington

Jennifer Rink Millington
Formerly of Bozeman

I graduated from Mohall before Travis, but looked forward to and enjoyed our countless hours that we played basketball in the summers. Many evenings Travis and I played one-on-one games or just shot hoops while talking about what we wanted to do years down the road. Travis was a person who was up for any challenge and was a very likeable person.
I'm saddened to hear of Travis's death. We are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers!

Ned Strand and Family

Trav always had this smirk on his face that made you wonder just what the heck he had been up to. I loved trying to catch him trying to snow one over on me because he could never keep a straight face. That's what I loved about him, he would laugh and it would brighten up a room. You couldn't help but laugh with him.

I cherish all the times he aggravated my brother because then I finally had a 2 on 1 situation where I had a fighting chance of winning. Good ol Trav was always there helping out the underdog.

Unfortunately I lost touch with Travis after the first time he moved to Montana. I will always think of Travis fondly, as a younger brother who provided me with such wonderful memories that I will hold dear to my heart.

Peace to you Travis..
Love Always - Monk

In the whisper of the wind,

In a soft rain that falls from Heaven,

In each sunrise,

In every single star that lights the night sky and

In every single memory we hold within our hearts.

- Mary Chandler Huff

And Trav, you will always be in my heart.

I first met Travis at Chalet Sports, I started working at Chalet in 2005 and he instantly made me feel at home. As everyone knows Travis' genuine fun-loving attitude makes everyone around him feel at home. Over the next two years I got to know Travis and he taught me many things. I learned to tune ski's in the basement of Chalet, learned to love the smell of the snowmobile exhaust in the garage during movie nights, to live life to the fullest, and to have fun. Have fun in everything you do and make to most out of the cards your dealt. Travis always had a way of spicing things up and I always had a blast hanging out with him. It's hard to imagine Bozeman with out you.

Thank you Travis for being an great friend, you will truly be missed in this life and I am thankful for being able to know you. My prayers and thoughts are with you Kelly and Kaden.

i don't think it has hit me that Travis is gone, or maybe i just cannot bring myself to face it. When i heard about what happened, i felt sick. i still feel sick. All i can do is shake my head, look up, and ask why...

i feel like i knew Travis well enough to say he would not want to see people crying. He would want people to smile and think about so many good times they shared with him. So i guess i will try to smile through my tears as i think about how much i will miss him.

Without Travis, the gangsta rap pulsating from the ski shop basement will not sound quite as hard. Six packs of Bud Light tall cans will not taste quite as good, and the Cannery will never be quite the same.

Travis, it truly breaks my heart to say goodbye. But i know that you are in Heaven, sitting on your sled and sipping a tall boy, with that "dirty little secret" smile beaming through a cloud of exhaust.

im really gonna miss you, dude.

Unfortunately I only met Travis at Shanti and Ian´s wedding and didn´t get a chance to get to know him any better. But since I had a couple of big losses in my live I think I know how the most of you must feel like. I want to share a poem with you which always helped me a lot in similar situations. I translated it into English and I hope it didn´t loose its meaning.
My deepest sympathy to all of you.

Death has no weight. I just went next door.
You don´t see me but in my thoughts I am with you somewhere.
Very nearby just a couple of roads aside.
Don´t stand at my grave and cry. I am not there. I don´t sleep.
I am in the thousand blowing winds.
I am the diamond which sparkles in the snow.
I am the sunshine over the ripe grain.
I am the gentle rain in fall.
When you awake in the silence of the morning, I am the bird which arises in the air and chirps.
I am the star which sparkles at night.
Don´t stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there.
I am not dead.

To his beautiful wife and son, my thoughts and prayers are with you both....

And to our go big or go home attitude..... I guess you were right, sometimes you really do get both.

He was my roommate in college.

I stood next to him at his first wedding.

I could tell you a lifetime of stories between those three lines and still not do him justice. Life took us in separate directions a few years ago and I have never wished so badly for that time back as I do right now.

I am glad he found such caring friends along his way that got a chance to know what a good person I knew him to be.

Today I lost a friend and a brother.

My prayers and best wishes to you all.

Hanna Carey

My thoughts and prayers are with Kelly and Kaden, as well as his family and all friends who will miss him.

Thank you Travis, for touching our lives with your spirit.

I lost touch with Travis after I graduated and was so excited to re-connect here on Facebook. Unfortunately he was taken away soon after that. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Good-bye, Travis. You'll be greatly missed.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~From a headstone in Ireland

Lets shower Kelly and Kaden with are love, prayers, and gifts of help for years to come.

If your speechless, throw a quote up or something. Lets get this board filled

To Travis: Sorry buddy I couldn't make it to Cooke, thanks for the offer, I should have been there.... :(

Our Condolences,
Ben, Melissa and Cole Fisher

I met Travis many years ago through Jeremy. I ended up moving to Montana and was able to become a close friend to Travis. Though we had some rough times and lost touch with each other, he has always had a special place in my heart. Travis went with me to buy my first set of skis. He also got me into mountain biking. It truly means a lot to see that Travis found happiness with Kelly and was finally able to fulfill his dream of being a father. Travis, though you are gone, you will not ever be forgotten.

Bobbie Jo

Ryan Henry Family
Bottineau, ND

I really appreciate that you have set this up online and made it so much easier for people like me to donate. Beth
It's a beautiful website, the black and white family portrait is painfully beautiful at this time and the black and white of Travis working on skiis, those are my skiis, for which he gave me what I'm now calling "The Travis Discount" they were only cosmetically damaged, were demos, once, the woman crashed, and you can see how much care he took in his work. He was a wonderful person. Allan worked with him, Allan is 17, and took it so hard he came down with a bacterial infection and missed all his finals this week.
He's better now.

My son Allan Jungst told me there was a photo of Travis working on my skiis, it's the black and white photo... What a handsome guy. We will miss Travis; Allan worked with him at the Chalet. He helped us, including Allan's brother Sean, a lot. I haven't used these skis yet, when I do, it will be on a very special day; it will be snowing and the sun will be out.
Travis was an exceptionally compassionate person, he was consistently kind, a good listener, caring, funny and a hard worker. If there was something that needed to be done, especially if it was for someone else, he took care of it until it was done right. I'm so sorry he's gone.My heart goes out to his beautiful wife and son and family...he will never be forgotten and many prayers are going out for him on his journey. I hope his parents can be comforted knowing they raised such a wonderful son who touched so many people with his loving warmth and kindness.
Beth Hickok
Bozeman

It just breaks my heart to write this note. I still cannot believe that this has happened to Travis. My heart goes out to Kelly, Kaden, Joan, Larry, and Kelly's family. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.
Travis was an amazing person, someone that I was very close to in high school. We shared many memories together; memories that will live on in my heart. He was loved by my family, because it was just so easy to do. Yes, he made me laugh, smile, and scream (if driving too fast!), but he was also my best friend. There is one thing that I am sure of---if Travis loved you, you truly felt the enormity of his heart and the goodness of his intentions. For this reason, I cannot begin to imagine the depth of sadness that fills the hearts of those that he is leaving behind. Even though Travis and I parted ways many years ago, I have been deeply saddened by knowing that he is no longer here; that he is no longer with his family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Ann Wiper Gerber & family

Cory & Holly Albright