Gary “Mac” “Red” Eugene McDanold
On the morning of April 22, 2018 Gary passed away peacefully of natural causes at home, with his wife of 45 year at his side. Gary was 69 years old.
He was born in Glendive, MT on February 28, 1949 to Gene and Lucille (Schultz) McDanold. Gary was the oldest of 6 children.
Gary developed an interest in the outdoors at a very young age. He loved fishing and hunting with his family and friends. Farming was his second love and every chance he could escape from school in Glendive he headed to Beach, ND to help his family on the farm. This is when his wild streak was born and the shenanigans started. Gary enjoyed going on family picnics to several different stock ponds so much as a child; this became a tradition he continued with his own family. As Gary became a young man his independence grew when he enlisted in the Army in 1969, his first stop away from home was Thailand. He was a heavy equipment operator in the Army, this was the start of a life long enjoyment of running machinery.
Gary and Helen began corresponding with each other while he was in the service and she was attending college in Dickinson, ND. They were married June 24, 1972 in Beach, ND and spent over 45 years together. With this union two children were born Rebecca in 1976 and James in 1979.
Gary started working for Burlington Northern Railroad in 1971 as a heavy equipment operator. This position bounces the couple around for a few years but ultimately they settled North of Fallon, a place Gary loved. In the early years of their marriage they spent their time chasing kids. One event Gary never missed was the annual Christmas tree hunt with several families from the community.
As Gary’s children got older it was important to him to instill a strong work ethic. They always had a “weekend project” or a potato patch to attend to. They helped neighbors with farming, calving and branding, feeding cattle or any other project a neighbor called on them for help with. A place that is special to Gary and his family is the saw mill in Knowlton, MT…..oh the stories. Gary’s love of the outdoors helped make time for a little fun too, those memories always seemed to revolve around fishing, camping, or playing cards with family.
As Gary ended his 38 year career with BN, he had more time to enjoy helping neighbors farm, Buffalo Rapids with ditch work, and fishing and camping with Helen. Gary really enjoyed family get together and watching the kids play. Gary liked visiting with others and could tell a great story. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. in Glendive and American Legion of Terry.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Gene and Lucille McDanold. Gary is survived by his wife Helen, his children: Rebecca(Roddey) Zinda and James (Jessica) McDanold. His Grandchildren Devin and Autumn Zinda and Layton and Jaren McDanold. His siblings; Melvin(Ricki) McDanold, Loretta (Charlie) Miller, Paul(Juanita) McDanold, Dave McDanold, Denise(Carl) Richards and several, aunts uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and beloved friends.
A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church in Terry. Gary’s ashes will be spread in an area he enjoyed farming near the Fallon Flats. He can be remembered graveside at Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive. Condolences may be sent to www.stevensonandsons.com or mailed to P.O. Box 83 in Fallon MT.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 28, 2018
Community Presbyterian Church
Terry, Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 28, 2018
Community Presbyterian Church
Terry, Montana 59349
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Kelly, Dulcy and Family says
Helen, Becky, JD and Families –
So very sorry for the loss of Gary. He was such a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. We were so very proud to cal him a friend. Please let us know if there is anything you need. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Greg, Cindy, and Doris. says
So sorry to hear the loss of Gary. Prayers to all of you. May he rest in peace.
Tristy Bond Schroeber says
So sorry to hear of the passing of G’pa Mac! He was a great person and a wonderful friend to all of us! We will miss him dearly! He was the best guy to come over and help whenever we needed and be there for the kids! To us, he was a Grandpa! If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call! We love each and every one of you! Love, Tristy, Trevin, and GennaBug
Barry and Del LInda says
Dear Helen, Becky, JD & Families, Truly sorry to hear of Gary’s passing, he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
jerry and Donna Buxbaum says
Helen ,Becky,JD and families sorry for your loss.Gary will be missed by many.Prayers for peace and strength.
Jerry and Donna
Troy and JoDee Hess says
So sorry to see if Gary’s passing. Our prayers are with all of your family. Troy and JoDee Hess and family.
Becky (Chouinard) Tipton says
Becky and Family I’m so sorry for your loss! Cherish your Memories and hold them Close they will help get you through the difficult days ahead! If there is anything I do please let me know!
Becky
Jamie and Trent Hess says
To all of the families…. our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karen Frank says
Helen and family, so sorry for you’re loss. May he rest in peace. Your cousin Karen, Merlin and Mae’s daughter.
Tom and Darlene Hess says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gary’s family.
Dion & Trisha Henry says
Helen and Family – We are so sorry to hear of your loss. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Buzard says
Paul and all family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers as you share the loss of your Brother, Paul.
Darlene Erickson says
Gary was always so friendly when we were in Fallon at Kelly & Dulcy’s bar!
He will be missed!!
Bob & Dar Erickson (Dulcy’s parents)
Connie Brown says
Paul and family,
Sorry for the loss of your brother Paul, his memory will be kept going by the memories you share!
Delphine Coon says
Helen and family, so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Keepo the fond memories close. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time.
Delphine Coon
Kris Ruddy says
Helen, Becky & JD…I’m sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Dan thought the world of him and we have great memories of fun with your family. Remember the pig roasts? Just take it a day at a time it does get a bit easier.
Brenda Parker says
So sorry for your loss. Today and always, may loving memories of Gary bring you peace, comfort, and strength.
Brenda (Merlin & Mae’s daughter)
Walt Lloyd says
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Gary’s psssing. I worked with him on BN from his start until I left the company.
Please hang onto the good memories,I know it will be hard to get through this time.
Keith Sadowsky says
Helen and Family,
We are sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I noticed Kris mentioned the pig roasts. I remember the days when we would go out burn a building or two in a pit most of the night followed by dropping in the pork and covering with dirt only to have one of the most wonderful meal the next day. Gary was always involved with many lives. Our prayers are with you!
Greg and Naomi Burbach says
Helen and family we will miss “Red” and will always remember his gentle approach from such a giant of a man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dennis Geiger says
Sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I worked with him many times during our railroad career, mostly during derailments and other mishaps. He was a great and knowledgeable person. He will be missed by many.
Shasta Bridges says
JD and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Peuse says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Diane Jandt says
Helen & family –
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort at this time. With love,
Diane (Merlin & Mae’s daughter)
Grace Larson says
Paul and Juanita, I am sad to hear that your brother has passed away, Paul. With Prayers for both of you and the McDanold Family. Grace
Darlene L Strobel says
Helen and families,
May God give you strength and understanding in these difficult times. I share your loss and what you are going through. You are strong and God will be with you.
Darlene
Jane Huber says
Dear McDanold family, So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. You all are in my prayers. God’s Blessings.
Cheryl Stevenson says
Sorry for loss an prayers to Gary’s family
Jody Haidle says
Dear Helen and family,
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Gary. He was always friendly and loved to talk farming especially the taters! He will be missed in our community.
Brad and Jody
Ellsosa says
Our family was so saddened to hear of the passing of Gary. We hope that many fond memories will lift you during your sad times and comforting words will give you the strength to cope with your thoughts in the days, months, and years to come. During our recent loss, we took to heart encouraging information found at jw .org. (Search: loss of loved one video) There you’ll find answers as to why we lose our dear loved ones and the hope of our reunion soon to come; something we can all look forward too. May the God of comfort be with you during your time of sorrow.