On the evening of February 4, 2016, Gary passed away peacefully, succumbing to a hard-fought battle with Alzheimer’s. He was being visited and comforted by family members at Sheridan Manor in Sheridan, WY at the time of his passing. Gary was 78 years old.
Gary Eugene Bull was born in Miles City, MT on May 17, 1937. He was the second child of Harold and Anne (Thex) Bull.
Both Gary and his sister, Carol, were in a hurry to make an appearance in this world. Carol was born in the car while on the way to the hospital. Gary was a bit more patient, giving his mother a chance to arrive at the hospital, but not so patient as to get to the delivery room. He was born in the elevator.
Gary spent his elementary school years at the Otter Creek Country School. He went to high school at Broadus, graduating in 1954. He attended two years of college at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, before returning to the family ranch on Otter Creek to work alongside his parents.
Gary was friends with his future bride since childhood, but he didn’t begin dating Carolyn Carlat until 1956. Gary wasn’t the most romantic man throughout their courtship. Carolyn relates that she felt as though she were in constant competition for Gary’s affection with his close friend, Jack Fletcher. When Gary would come to visit her at college in Billings, he would show up with Jack at his side. Much to her dismay, Jack would ride along with them on their dates. She laughs, thinking about driving up to the rimrocks to “neck” with Gary, as Jack patiently sat in the backseat, waiting for the date to end.
Gary and Carolyn were married on August 29, 1959 in Broadus and moved to their current home on Odell Creek, south of Ashland, MT. Carolyn always said, “I chased Gary until he caught me.”
It was at their ranch on Odell Creek where Gary and Carolyn raised their three children. Christina Kim was born August 4, 1960. Lisa Annette arrived on December 21, 1962. Gregory Harold was somewhat of a surprise, making an appearance twelve years later on November 11, 1974.
One of Gary’s true joys in life was flying airplanes. He bought his first plane, a Cessna 180, at a time when they couldn’t afford such a luxery, but the happiness it brought him made it worth the sacrifice. He acquired a Piper Cub in later years and spent countless hours flying his beloved aircraft.
Every hunting season, Gary would join two longtime friends, Jack Fletcher and Dan Kraft, to guide hunters in the hills of Custer National Forest. Carolyn dreaded the fall, as Gary would be gone every day, leaving before daylight and not getting home until well after dark. However, Gary loved this time of year, not only for the hunting, but also for the opportunity to spend time with his pals. At the end of the day, when the sun would settle behind the hills, the three men, along with a passel of hunters, would gather at Jack’s house to play cards, tell stories, and engage in general shenanigans until the wee hours of the morning.
Gary was a talented musician. He played piano with The Otter Creek Boys orchestra at countless country dance halls. Family gatherings were filled with music as he joined his uncle, Clifford Thex and aunt, Evelyn Bell on the piano. Gary never learned to read music. Rather, he played by ear, pounding out toe-tapping tunes to the enjoyment of anyone within earshot.
In later years, Gary delighted in spending time with his grandchildren. As the kids roughhoused and played, he would sit in his recliner, quietly chuckling at their antics. It was when he spoke of his grandchildren that Gary would become sentimental. They provided in him a great sense of joy and accomplishment.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Anne Bull, and his sister, Carol Wash.
Gary is survived by his wife, Carolyn, two daughters, Christi (Ken) Lovell and Lisa (Roger) Gaskill, and his son, Greg. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren, Amber (Seth) Mathews, Steven Gaskill, Kenny Lovell, Courtney Lovell, Michael Gaskill, Nancy Gaskill, Trevor Lovell, Andrew Gaskill, Rebecca Gaskill, and two great grandchildren, Lauren and Patrick Mathews.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 12:00 noon at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus. Interment will follow at the Bull Family Cemetery south of Ashland. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Powder River Manor.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 10, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Thursday February 11, 2016
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
Graveside Service
Thursday February 11, 2016
Bull Family Cemetery
20 Miles South of
Ashland, Montana 59003
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 10, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Thursday February 11, 2016
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
Graveside Service
Thursday February 11, 2016
Bull Family Cemetery
20 Miles South of
Ashland, Montana 59003
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Wanda Bixby says
Sorry for your loss keeping you all in my prayers
Pat Smith says
Caroline and family,
Sorry to hear of your loss of Gary, may your memories bring you comfort at this sad and difficult time. Keeping you in my thoughts. Please let me know if their is ever anything I can do for you.
Jess and Mary Bandy says
Carolyn and family,
We are sad to hear of your loss. Sorry we haven’t kept in touch more the last couple years.
We still have memories of you folks when we worked for Natalie at Birney. We pray for God’s comfort in your time of sadness.
“In times of sorrow: God weeps with us, He sees our pain,
He feels our broken Hearts!” By Pastor Bob Atteberry
Linda Cook Nybakken says
Carolyn & family,
I remember when you and a friend taught our Bible School at the Big Powder School not long before you and Gary got married. I was really taken by you and your beautiful big brown eyes and thought you were the nicest Bible School teacher ever. Want you to know that you and your family have my condolences, prayers and thoughts during your time of great sadness. Sincerely, Linda (Cook) and Don Nybakken
Donald and Mary Rose Kolka says
Carolyn and family So sorry for your loss.It is so hard to watch our loved ones suffer, yet we are never readt to loose them. Keeping you in our thoughts. Donald and Mary Rose Kolka
lucille ottesen says
i didnt know gary but don always spoke highly of him. i’ll keep you in may prayers.I
Michael Speelman says
Sorry for your Loss . Prayer for the Family of Gary
Jerry and Joyce Strobel says
As i enjoyed reading the fun things about Gary in the obituary, I had to sit quietly and remember my first memories. It was the first summer after my freshman year in college. I was asked by the pastor at the Congregational church in Broadus if I would teach vacation Bible school at many country communities. They gave me a student who had had some years at a seminary to teach with me. She was from Chicago and had no experience in the country.
She was nearly petrified when we got out into the country communities like it was at Gary and Carolyn’s. Most nights we stayed with the Howards. One night we were invited to the Bulls for supper and for the night: my first memory of meeting Gary and Carolyn. What a delight! What a delicious supper! What thoughtful, caring people who visited with interest these two vacation Bible school teachers. I remember being totally comfortable as we two gals went to the bunk house to sleep. Having grown up in Volborg community and with a bunk house in my family’s yard that was often used was not new to me.
We got into bed and I was instantly asleep. Sometime during the night, my Chicago friend woke me with a most anxious shout. Sure enough, it did stink in our bedroom but it was only a skunk smell—not to worry. “Oh no, we should wake up the Bulls and find this varmint.” I convinced my friend that it was not unusual for a skunk to spray and for us to smell it inside a building. I could sleep. I am not sure if she did or not.
We were due for breakfast at 7:30. My panicky friend shared with Gary and Carolyn about our night. I remember so well how patiently Gary told us that a skunk will crawl under a building or be out at night and squirt a powerful aroma. Both he and Carolyn tried to console my new Chicago friend and encourage me to stand strong in my country beliefs.
What a fun day we had that day as the Bible school kids told their skunk stories. SMILE!
We are remembering and praying as you share sweet memories with one another.
Blessings to each of you in the Lord, Jerry and Joyce Strobel
Carl & Pat Phillips says
Our prayers to the family
Carl & Pat Phillips
We danced to many a miles to his music
David Georgen says
Thoughts and prayers to Carolyn and family.
David Georgen
Mary Jane Robinson says
Hugs and condolences to the Bull family. Wishing you comfort and warm memories.
Skin and Betty Collins says
Carolyn and family. Sending sympathy and hugs to you. It is hard to give up a father and husband. But he is at rest now in the arms of his savior. May he rest in peace and his family cling to his memories. Prayers to all.
Mandy Good says
He was such an amazing man. My heart aches for you guys. Our family would be there with you to help you celebrate his life, but I just had a baby and I’m not allowed to travel that far yet. Mom and dad are here with us. We will be thinking of all of you!
Audrey Snodgrass & Shane Wheeler says
Our prayers go out to the Bull family.
Norman & Vonnie Shannon says
Carolyn and family, Thinking of you and our good, fun memories of years ago. Prayers for you all. Norman & Vonnie Shannon
Carmen Jablinske Knutson says
Carolyn , Lisa , and Family, My deepest sympathy on your loss. I so enjoyed seeing Gary with Carolyn and the kids at the Congregate Meal. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you say good-bye to this amazing man. Let your memories make you smile! Hugs to all!!
Bob Ebeling and family says
Thoughts and Prayers to Carolyn, Lisa, Christy, Greg and families!
With our deepest sympathy on your loss!
Pat Dennis says
I am saddened by the passing of Gary. My sympathy to the family. I had respect for this man. Listened to him play on numerous occasions when growing up on this area.
wayne & Anita Wetherelt says
Our thoughts & prayers to all the families. I remember far back, when Carol & I were such good friends in high school, tales she told on him. May he rest in peace & all your memories will help during this sad time.
Bill & Denice Hedges says
Our love, thoughts and prayers for strength to help carry you through the coming days and weeks without Gary. You all have such wonderful memories to help ease the pain! I remember Jody always had so much fun spending time with Greg at the ranch. He always returned home with great stories, laughs and he did mention the great food!! God bless you all.
Harry and Diana Goodwin says
Sending prayers to you all during this difficult time. Otter Creek won’t be the same without Gary. Heaven gained a wonderful angel!
Neil Thex says
I’m extra glad that we got out to Odell Creek in 2014. You never know what Time will deal you.
Carolyn Foran says
My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. Wish I was there to give you a hug!
Ray and Sandy Smith says
Gary was a wonderful friend. Ray and I always enjoyed our trips to the Bull Ranch on O’Dell Creek–great conversations and good food. Rest In Peace Gary.
June Persons says
My heartfelt condolences to Carolyn and family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Chad Anderson says
Chad Anderson..
Sad times are here indeed. The Bull Ranch was my home away from home as a hung fella. Greg Bull a long time friend. I tried my hardest to get Gary to like me and for some reason unbeleavable to both me and Greg at the time it worked. Even after all these years I can honestly say that I was never so scared in my life as when I dropped Gary’s brand new 4 wheeler through the ice of a cow pond and me and Greg could not get it out ourselves. Well not only did Greg have to go get his dad to come help us, I am positive that he took a hell of an ear beating for me and I am thankful to this day for his friendship. I hope the family can smile a little tonight or today. Smiling will help ease the pain of losing a great man. Carolyn you have my deepest sympathies for I know how much Gary meant to you. You to were both an inspiration to me as married couple. I can only hope I am as good a husband, father, grandfather and friend as he was.
Chad Anderson
Katie, Kevin and Max Lovell says
What a beautiful legacy this man has given us in the form of such an amazing family! He will live forever in our hearts. Know that a heavenly reunion awaits us all and may that be a comfort in the years to come.
Bert & Helen Woods says
Our prayers go out to the family. Gary and Danny must be visiting about old times by now.
May your memories make the coming days a little easier.
Helen Rogge says
Condolences to Carolyn and Family. You are all in my thoughts and Prayers. God Bless you.
Christina Schmid and Gil Powers says
We are so sorry. Our prayers and thoughts are surely with you. Your family is such a positive part of my childhood and teenage memories. I surely have enjoyed the music by the Otter Creek Boys and the talent of Gary. God Bless and keep you.
marcyes schmaus says
So sorry to read of Gary’s death. Leo and Gary really enjoyed their friendship and Gary was held in high esteem as a person and a rancher. Leo has been gone for 13 years now but I remember the respect he had for Gary.
Jim and Kathy Bowers says
Prayers to the Bull family. May he rest in peace.
Gerard Heffner says
Gerard and Karen Heffner
Gary was a great grandfather as a visitor to the Gaskill Family home every year around thanksgiving they would have a birthday party for Nancy and it was a great pleasure to be there to watch the interaction of Gary with the grandkids always a smile when around them you could just tell he loved them. Gary was a wonderful person and I for one will greatly miss him. My prayers go out to all the family.