Cody Van Heel

Bryan Cody Van Heel was born in Conrad Montana on March 18, 1949 to Harry and Winnijean Van Heel. He died on August 26, 2016. "Cody", as he was known, enjoyed his time spent in his youth at his aunt Carrie's,("Coocoo"). He often spoke of running up and down the prairie hills on her place loving the land. He loved his memories of those days at his Aunt's. After schooling in Conrad, Cody enlisted in the Marines and did a tour in Viet Nam. Upon returning home he met and married Kathleen Linn on Dec 9, 1972. They lived in Great Falls MT, Craigmont ID, Kalispell MT, where Cody graduated from Flathead Community College, Conrad MT, and in 1997 they moved to Cut Bank MT where he resided at the time of his death. Cody and Kathleen had two sons, Bryan and Casey, and one daughter, Jalayna. Cody had various fields of work, some including working in the oil fields and carpentry including beautifully crafted pieces with perfect detailing in intricate designs. Cody could do anything he set his mind to. He was known in Conrad for years as the mailman who ran like the wind, coat-less even on the coldest of days, delivering mail. Forever happy and known by all the neighbors.  He always had a few seconds to greet a little child who knew "Cody the mailman".

It was in Conrad 1973 that Cody became interested in studying the bible with Jehovah's Witnesses, and shortly after moving to Kalispell, he and Kathleen began to attend their meetings and he dedicated his life to the one true God of Peace, Jehovah.

As Jehovah's Witnesses, he and Kathleen enjoyed their door to door ministry, and conducting Bible studies. He loved the days he shared Gods word on the Blackfeet reservation. He was known for his enthusiasm and love for Jehovah. Aside from his ministry and secular work, Cody loved his horses. He treasured the time he could spend with them.

Preceding him in death are his parents, one infant grandson, Dylan, and his brother-in-law Dick Winchell. Survivors include his wife of over 43 years, Kathleen of CutBank, his sons BryanVan Heel of Cut Bank, Casey (Jennifer) Van Heel of Shelby, his daughter Jalayna (Chris) Hartman of CutBank, his grandchildren Danielle, Michaela, Melanie, Shyanne, Jack, Xander,and Destiny. His Brother Rod (Donna) Van Heel and his sister Linda Winchell both of Great Falls, many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends too many to count.

Cody was a laughable, lovable character, a loyal friend and family man, and a very well groomed gentleman. He was a cowboy at heart who had a great appreciation for God's word. He did not fear death for he believed wholeheartedly that Jesus, the son of his God Jehovah, will wake him up to live on earth again. When paradise will be restored, and where the last enemy, death, will be no more.

Memorial services will be Saturday, September 3, at 11am at Kingdom Hall in Shelby.