The world became a little less bright on December 8,2022 when the spark that was Edward John Chebul was extinguished after a lengthy battle with kidney disease. Ed was born November 2nd,1948 to Joseph and Melodie Chebul on the Richest Hill on Earth: Butte, America.

Ed was active in baseball through high school and always had a strong work ethic. After graduating from Eastern Montana College on the Dean's List, Ed went on to attain his master's degree in Education and worked with special needs children for many years. He had a certain disdain for authority figures, striking out with an entrepreneurial spirit, leaving teaching behind to start a business gathering and selling firewood. This was only temporary before starting his own lawn fertilizing business, which led to forays into landscaping, screen printing, and a wood and neon sign business. Later in life, Ed was the proprietor of the Bale of Hay Saloon in Virginia City, MT and drove trucks for USPS, FedEx, and various other delivery companies.

One passion that Ed manifested was that of a hot air balloon pilot. He bought his first hot air balloon and used it to promote his lawn care business. He was soon flying for ReMax and then advanced to earning his certification to license pilots and inspect balloons in the State of Montana. He successfully started and operated Dragons Breath Balloon Adventures and attended many balloon rallies around the country. He culminated his hot air balloon career commercially flying balloons on the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, Africa for several years.

Ed had a joke for any occasion, usually inappropriate, and his biting sarcasm might not have always gained favorable attention. When you got to know him, you realized that deep down inside, he was a champion for many that were down on their luck, and he truly had a caring soul.

He was very creative and developed into a talented artist that never fully realized his true potential. He enjoyed woodworking, acrylic pours, painting, leather work, pottery, cooking and most recently was learning quilting.

He befriended many dear pets including Seamus, Mr. Chips, Shizah, Ralph, Sally, Molly, and his most recent best friend and beloved, Spooky the cat.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Melodie. He is survived by his brothers Bob and Penny, Charlie and Cheryl, Mike and Tammy, and his daughter Annissa and Jerry.

Ed will be missed by his three grandchildren, five nephews, and many, many dear lifelong friends, and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the dialysis unit at St. Pete's in Helena, MT