Kristian Chauncy Rai

TOWNSEND - Kristian Chauncy Rains, 26, of Townsend, died in an avalanche near Townsend on Saturday.
Services are 3 p.m. Saturday at the Broadwater High auditorium. Connors Funeral Home of Townsend is in charge of arrangements.
Kris is survived by his parents, John and Lori Rains; his sister, Anya Rains (Brandon Olivier); his grandfather, Kris Skyberg; his grandmother, Vi Williams; and great-grandmother, Betty Riddle, all of Townsend. Other survivors include aunts Sharon Rains Potenza (Jim and Julian), Susan Rains Hunter (Randall, Michelle Sutter and Joely Meighan), Stephanie Rains Kaul (Tony, Sam, Tony Jr. and Michael), Sandi Rains Booher (Jim, Jace and Zach), Linda Hickman (Rocky, Frank and William) and uncles Mark Rains and John Bilderback.
Kris had his love of life swept away by an avalanche while snowmobiling in the Big Belt Mountains. His parents ask that his many friends and colleagues remember his kind and gentle spirit, and not mourn him for long, but to live life to its fullest.
Kris was born in Helena on March 27, 1980, to John and Lori Rains. He lived and played in Broadwater County his entire life.
Kris attended Townsend Elementary School and was a member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. He earned his Eagle Scout rank in October 1994. During high school, he participated in cross-country and basketball, graduating from Broadwater High School in May 1998. He attended Universal Technical Institute of Phoenix and graduated in June 1999 with a degree in Commercial Refrigeration Heating Air Conditioning (HVACR). The day after he arrived home from Arizona, he began working for Ted and Debbie Leckner. They were like second parents to him. He continued to work for them at Commtech Services, Inc., in East Helena until his death.
To know Kris was to know a true zest for life. Kris was a very independent individual who knew what he wanted. Kris worked as hard as he played, and never backed down from any challenge. Kris had a great sense of humor. His handshake was firm when you met him, and he looked you in the eye, while truly listening to what you had to say. Kris's heart was as big as he was tall. His real wealth in life came from his many close friendships and a large and loving family. Kris was an avid nature enthusiast and sportsman who could often be found with a mischievous grin and a pickup load of equipment ready for his next adventure. His love for animals was evident from day one and he treated them with kindness and respect.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Garrison and Lavina Rains.
George Bernard Shaw wrote one of Kris's favorite sayings: "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail."
The family request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Broadwater County Search and Rescue.