Another of the last of the “old-time cowboys” has made his way to heaven. Gary G. Gatlin passed away June 11, 2014 from complications related to a horse accident on June 3rd. He was born June 18, 1942, to Grant and Betty (Peterson) Gatlin at the Miller Hospital in Broadus, MT, the oldest of five children. His schooling began at the Mitchell school near Sonnette, and later he attended Hammond Valley School north of Forsyth. While the family lived in Decker, he began high school in Broadus, driving himself and sister Judy back and forth. During his freshman year his father broke his leg, requiring Gary to quit school and take over Grant’s ranch job to support the family.
In his younger years, Gary worked cattle and rode and broke horses for ranches across Montana and Wyoming. One of his first jobs began when he was barely a teenager, working for Burton Brewster at Birney, MT. He also worked a number of years for John Scott, both at the H-Cross-H and on the Scott Ranch near Billings. He enlisted in the Army in 1964, where he completed his high school education. He was honorably discharged in 1966. Other than a few forays into neighboring states for short periods, Gary spent his life in southeastern Montana.
After leaving the service he attended farrier school in Oklahoma City, a profession that served him well for the rest of his life. Gary joined the Montana Department of Livestock in 1968, where he worked in the Billings and Great Falls markets before transferring to Baker, where he met his future wife, Anita Kathleen (Kathi) Kochel. They were married on January 6, 1973, in Baker, and moved to Miles City where Gary was the District Inspector for many years. There, he became the proud father of Garryn Ellen in 1977, and Grant Tyler in 1982. The family moved to Broadus in 1989, where Gary was the District Inspector for that area, eventually retiring from the Department of Livestock in 2007.
Feared by some, loved by many, and respected by all, Gary was a true cowboy. Rodeo was always a big part of his life, but he was also a sheriff’s deputy, an accomplished sheep shearer, tended bar on occasion, and worked as a deputy coroner until he was elected to the position of Coroner in 2012. He never asked for help but he was always the go-to man when something needed to be done. He was a master at reading livestock, ran the scales and the landfill now and then, and did so many other things that it seemed he had keys to the whole county. Never idle, he hitched horse hair and was an accomplished rawhide and metal artist, creating many admired pieces. In the last few years he traveled to area events to sell his creations, although he donated or gave away more of his art than he ever sold!
Annual pack trips to the mountains to hunt elk were treasured events for many years, mostly for the time spent with his friends. Gary had a hard exterior but that did not define his character. He had a soft spot for dogs, outlaw horses and small children. When it came to kids, he never said no to building something to play with, or taking them on some kind of adventure.
Although Gary commanded a certain amount of respect, he didn’t do it with his badge or his gun. It was just part of his presence. Placing great value on his friendships, Gary made a lasting impact on the people he met. For a man of few words, his demeanor spoke volumes. His family coined the term “Gatlin-ized” to describe anything put together with duct tape, bailing wire, boot tops, rawhide, Saran Wrap, electrical tape, or plastic twine. On the rare occasion when he did have something new, he would “customize” it to make it better. Most all of the time, he could be heard whistling “The Red River Valley” or some other old tune.
Gary was a proud lifetime member of the Powder River County Tea Party, and was extremely disappointed that he wasn’t able to get home to vote the day of his accident. He was an avid reader, a member of the cemetery board and the Montana Peace Officers’ Association, and was recently appointed to the Montana State Board of Coroners.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Kathi, his daughter Garryn (Derrick) Tvedt, his son Grant (Kali Hayes); three grandchildren, Dalton and Deegan Tvedt, and Emory Gatlin; his sisters, Judy Badgett, Linda (Ed) Trimmer, Jeanne (Richard) Sparks; his brother Ward (Ronda) Gatlin, his uncle Don Gatlin, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins. Should friends desire, memorials in Gary’s name may be made to the Henry Malley Memorial Library or the Powder River Historical Museum.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Powder River High School Gymnasium in Broadus. Interment will be held in the Valley View Cemetery with full military honors.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 18, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday June 19, 2014
Powder River High School Gym
Broadus, Montana 59317
Interment with Full Military Honors
Thursday June 19, 2014
Valley View Cemetery
Broadus, Montana 59317
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 18, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday June 19, 2014
Powder River High School Gym
Broadus, Montana 59317
Interment with Full Military Honors
Thursday June 19, 2014
Valley View Cemetery
Broadus, Montana 59317
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Mary Alice & John says
Cathy, Garryn and Grant,
My heart goes out to you. He was a one in a kind fellow. I loved teasing him about being a grumpy old man. He would just look at me with that smile. You know the one. We will miss him. Remember the good times with him.
Barb Rolston says
Dear Gatlins,
So sorry to hear this. When Gary lived in Hammond Valley he was a larger-than-life cowboy hero to me, and he rode in the wild horse race here for so long I thought he would live forever. When we crossed paths in later years he always had a big smile (sometimes that mischievous one) and time to visit. Know that your sadness is shared with many people he touched.
John and Lana Smith says
Our condolences to all the Gatlin family. We thought so much of Gary. It was always interesting to guess what he was thinking , but beneath that rough and tough exterior it was always obvious there was a kind, generous man with a huge heart. We will certainly miss him.
Cathy & Joe Donnelly says
Garryn (& family) , Cathy and Grant:
Very sorry to hear Gary had passed away. They certainly “broke the mold” when they made him as he was truly one of a kind. No words can make it better, but know that you have loads of friends and family who love you and would do whatever you need so lean on us/them. Will be lots of stories being shared along with the laughter and tears.
Hugs coming your way.
Carmen and Brad Knutson says
We are so very sorry for your loss and extend our deepest sympathy. I so enjoyed working with Gary at the Sheriff’s Office. He was always the voice of reason there. Our community has lost a treasure and he will be deeply missed. Treasure your memories!
Tedi Jo Williams says
We need more men on our earth with his heart and character! Every person tries to fit in a mold, it is such a pleasure to have known a man who did not need to do this. He made the world a better place.
Kaylene Raschkow Danielson says
Very Sorry for your loss sending thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Phillip & Jane Huckins says
To all of Gary’s family; we are deeply saddened by your loss. He was a no brag, just facts, kind of person with a sense of humor. I count myself among the fortunate people to have shared several adventures with him including elk hunting and our days together with the Montana Department of Livestock to name a few. I know there are others that have countless memories of Gary. His name and reputation are recognized throughout Montana and Wyoming, (and far beyond, I am sure). That speaks of great character!
Kurt & Julie Collins says
So sorry for your loss. We will be praying for your family.
Kathy Biesheuvel says
I am so sorry to lose such a fine neighbor. He will be missed. My sincere condolences.
Judy Denson-Keller says
My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to the Gatlin family at this difficult time. Even though I never really got to know Gary, I know Broadus has suffered another tremendous loss of another good person. May God Bless all of you!
Sally Borla says
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE UNEXPECTED DEATH OF GARY. HE STARTED HIGH
SCHOOL WITH OUR CLASS SO I ALWAYS CONSIDERED HIM ONE OF OUR CLASSMATES.
HE WAS QUIET, KIND, CONSIDERATE AND HAD A NICE SMILE. I KNOW HE LOVED ANIMALS
ESPECIALLY HORSES AND WHEN I HAD CONCERNS ABOUT ANY ANIMAL, I WOULD
CALL GARY. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL THE GATLIN FAMILY. WE HAVE
INDEED LOST A VERY WONDERFUL PERSON IN OUR COMMUNITY.
Brett and Gina Tabolt says
Cathy Garryn and Grant and all the Gatlin family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He is going to be missed by many. A great one of a kind individual liked and respected by many. Always willing to help or just lend a hand. Tough exterior but generous soft heart. His quiet dry humor was unique to him and enjoyed by a lot of us.
Ed and Bev Schaffer says
To the Gatlin Family: We are thinking of you all at this sad time. We will miss that smile and twinkle in his eye! God be with all of you and give you comfort at this time and in the days to come.
Ella Mae and Allen Drane says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Gary’s family,he will be greatly missed. in our community and surrounding ones.
Bub Gaskill and family says
Condolences to all the Gatlin family, our community has lost an admired and respected figure of authority who will be impossible to replace. Gary always reminded me of Powder River Counties version of John Wayne, he said what he meant and he meant what he said. Rest in peace Gary, we’ll miss ya.
Julie Emmons Korkow says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Gatlin family at this time. Bless all of you and may you always have the greatest memories of Gary to enjoy.
Larry and Madge Pilster and family says
Our sympathy to the Gatlin family in your loss of Gary…he was such a great, honest, hard working guy for the Montana Dept. of livestock..He seemed to always have a gleam in his eye and we loved to hear him laugh…He will be missed by so many…No doubt, he will be greeted by many friends on the great divide…Go in peace, Gary…We miss ya…
Tom and Cheryl Larsen says
Our thoughts and Prayers go out to the Gatlin family. Gary will sure be missed. What a wonderful guy he was. Rest in Peace, Gary.
Floyd Huckins says
I have spent all day, since hearing of Gary’s passing, thinking about the Gatlin family. There are so many good stories; so much laughter, and Gary was an individual among individuals. I can not recall ever hearing anything spoken of him but with respect, admiration, and humor. My thoughts are with you all- the country will never be the same, yet the country is better because he was a part of it.
Chris and Diana Elwood says
Chris and I are so sad to hear about Gary, he was a genuine man with so much character, that is not easily found in this day and age. He will be missed by so many, Powder River county and the state of Montana lost a good man. Our condolences go out to the whole family.
Skin and Betty Collins says
To the Gatlin Family: words are never adequate to express our sympathy over the loss of Gary. One of the last of the real cowboys. May he rest in peace and blessings on all of you as you go through this difficult time. Hugs and prayers are sent your way.
Ken and Peggy Kolka says
We are so very sorry. The community lost a great man and a great cowboy.
Darold & Sylvia Zimmer says
This is really, really hard to accept… Gary was suppose to be one of those “cowboys” that stayed on this earth forever, but I guess God needed him to help take care of things in heaven. Prayers and love to comfort all you guys.. Garryn and Grant just remember all the good memories and laughs you have had with your Dad.
Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich says
To the entire Gatlin family. Gary was the rock solid foundation for the family. We have lost a great diamond in the rough! So much integrity, so much humor, so much talent and such a good man, all carefully disguised as a rough-tough cowboy. We will treasure our memories of Gary and I know there will be a huge hole in our community at his passing. Let your memories sustain you and remember there are so many of us who care and will share your burden.
Helen Rogge says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all Gary’s family. I think of the quiet Gary who was always there to help out when needed. He will be missed by all.
Gerald & Janet Himelspach says
Cathy and family and all of Gary’s family, our deepest sympathy. We mourn the loss of our friend.
Linda Merchant says
so very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing.One of the true cowboy’s this county ever had.His mischiviou’s smile and great sence of humor will be missed by everyone that knew him.God gained a great man and cowboy to ride the range in heaven.gone but never forgotton..
Bill Canon says
Gary was one of the true cowboy’s of this time.prayer’s to the Gatlin families,he will be missed by all that knew him.
Tom & Ann Emmons says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dan & Sheri Gali says
Cathy, Grant, Garryn and family : So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Hugs to you all.
Deb Bartholomew says
Cathy, Garryn, Grant and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory, That Memory Becomes a Treasure”. Gary was a Treasure and will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten.
Tom & Kathy Strub says
Cathy, Garryn, Grant and Families,
Know that we are sending thoughts and prayers to all of you. We always enjoyed visiting with Gary. Tom and him had great rodeo stories to share. Garryn and Grant we’re sending big hugs to both of you and your kids.
Jeff Faycosh says
Gary was such a great guy and character, the world needs more like him. He will be missed by all who knew him. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Bickle's says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike and Deeon Bickle
Vanna Lancaster Byrd says
It’s all been said already. We are all going to miss Gary. His wry sense of humor and quick wit made for many enjoyable conversations with him. The mid-morning coffee group at the Cashway won’t be the same without him. Hugs and prayers to all his family.
Dick and Mary Sturtz says
so sorry for your loss of a very nice man who we enjoyed talking to at the café he was a
true cowboy. All our community was so saddened by this loss.
Jaylene Allison says
My condolences to the Gatlin family. So sorry for your loss.
A lice Robinson says
I am so sad Gary was a man who everybody looked up too,, and will be missed……my heart is very heavy and sad….alice
Ginger says
Gary was a one-of-a-kind man, which I truly admired! I loved to share a laugh with him when I waited on him at the IGA. There are no words to express how sad and sorry we all are. Love to the family….
Chris Schmid says
I am so very sorry to hear of Garry’s passing. I can’t believe it! David always thought so very highly of Garry. I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you all and know I am thinking of you. Chris
Karen Badgett Hamilton says
I knew Gary all of his life as my parents, Kirk and Lora Badgett, were great friends of Grant and Betty’s. Gary was a great friend of my brother, George. As little boys, they always pestered me. In my adult life, I always enjoyed visiting with Gary at family gatherings. He didn’t have a lot to say, but what he did say was worth listening to. My husband, Steve, and I send our sincere sympathies to all the Gatlin family during this time of loss.
Karen Badgett Hamilton
Bill and Dina Gay says
We were so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.
Jason and Hattie Arithson says
Gary was a special kind of man. Always trying to act grumpy but always had a smile. You will truly be missed. To the family our heart goes out to you.
Tammy Pecha/Mallett Family says
We are so sorry for your loss.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen Gunther says
so sorry for your loss, I know how hard it is to loss someone so suddenly, prayers are with all of Gary’s family
Sharyn Wallace says
We’ll God picked a good cowboy to ride with him, as hard as it may seem you will look up in the clouds and smile! Thinking of all of you
Aaron Mollie Robert and Michael Phipps says
On the note of clouds, we were looking at the sky on the way to town on Friday, and there was huge rays of Sunshine coming down from the clouds. I couldn’t help but think that it was Gary smiling down on all of the country and people he loved. He was a great man, with so much family to miss him, but to also carry on the legacy of honesty, hard work, dedication, and a way of just being his own person. He always had a smile, a how do you do, and some sort of wisdom to pass your way. May time ease the aches in your hearts, and the memories last forever! Our deepest sympathies.
Doug and Randi Wenz says
To the Gatlin family, We are sorry to hear of your loss of Gary, keep your memories close. Our prayers are with you, Doug and Randi Wenz
Tom & Nancy Reynolds says
Kathy, Garryn, and Grant,
So sorry to hear about your loss. Grant was such a fun person to be around, even though he had that grumpy look on his face to scare everyone away. We sure had some fun times with him helping with our livestock and will always remember he and Tom riding all over to catch Jerry Kaiser’s little pony. What a hoot!
Gary was a real cowboy and a great friend. We share in your loss and are there when you need us. Tom, Nancy, Sally, and Susie
Ron Taylor says
Condolences to Gary’s family,I went to school with Gary and always had the utmost respect for him.Never saw him much after I left the country,but would run into him occasionaly at the truck for coffee.I was so saddened to hear of his passing.Rest in peace my good friend.Ron
Joe stuver says
I am so very sorry. The whole of Southeastern Montana lost a good friend, and an icon. Please know thoughts of you good people are never far from my heart. I am so very appreciative of his life and that he was among my friends.
Walter and ArLynn Archer says
To all the Gatlin family, we are so sorry to learn of Gary’s passing. He was one ‘special guy’, with a special way, wit and smile. May many share happy memories. He will be so missed.
Ginny Terpening says
Kathy, Garryn and Grant,
My deepest sympathy to you. You will be in my prayers.
Your cousin, Ginny and family
Bob & Pat Corbin says
The Good Lord must have needed a top notch cowboy because he pick one of the very best. Gary will be remembered as a great gentleman and all around top guy to all that knew him. He wore many hats and he could do any job that was asked of him and did it with a smile on his face. He will be missed by so many of us. To the family we hope you can hold all your memories close to your hearts and it will help you through this very hard time. Gary was loved by so many of us and that shows what a great man he was. You are in our thought and prayers.
Karson Kluver says
I was pretty young when i first knew Gary. Always looked at him as a big brother. Can’t really picture him gone, as i thought of him as going forever. Sure hope i wind up on the same side of the herd as he is. Karson and Marie
Trenton Harbaugh says
Gatlin Family: Sorry to hear of Gary’s passing I was at Coroner’s Training with him and nephew John a couple weeks ago and we had a good talk…I haven’t got to see Grant or Gary much in the recent years but I will always remember the good times on South Jordan then later riding the mail truck from Miles City to Broadus (that was a long 80 miles!!) to visit. Gary will be missed and I will be thinking of the family
doug and kerry gardner says
Kathy, Garryn, Grant and families- we are so sorry for this huge hole in your hearts. We so enjoyed visiting with Gary, he loved to talk about his grandkids and one could see how much he loved each one of them and the stories he told of them. Seems a measure of a man is how he treats little kids, animals and those who need a helping hand and we all know that Gary had a soft spot for all three of those. He will be missed and our thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time and for the days to come when out of the blue your heart aches for his smile and a word or two and most of all a hug given to one of your kids. So very sad for all that they will miss without him.
Jack & Cheryl Barlow says
Our thoughts and prayers are with my wonderful cousin Kathi, Gary’s beautiful daughter Garryn and his son Grant. We got to visit with him during a bucking Horse Sale. My husband, a former Nevada buckeroo and Federal lawman, who met him for the first time, read Gary as the real thing!
Kim Stanton says
Dear Garryn, Derrick, and family-
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your dad. That was a wonderful obituary in the paper and your dad surely knew how to live life to the fullest! I’m keeping you all close in my thoughts and my prayers as you celebrate the life of an amazing individual who made such an impact on the world.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Kim Stanton
Steph Twedt says
Sonia, and family: I’m so sorry that you’ve lost a special cousin. After reading this I really feel that I missed out on knowing a very special person. But, remembering the promise at Rev. 21:4, look forward to meeting him at a future, peaceful time. This verse brought a lot of comfort to me when I lost my mom. In the meantime, I hope happy memories sustain you.
Carl and Sherrie Hulford says
We send our condolences to the Gatlin family , our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. We know Gary will be missed by his family, friends and all that knew him.
Shane Balsam says
It was an Honor to Know Gary !!!!!!!!! He will be Missed!
John Blain says
Gary wil be missed by all. He was a friend and mentor. It was my plesure to have worked with and for him, he had a way of taking care of thing. He was and is an inspiration to me. I will miss our “yap” session across his table or in his shop. I will miss Gary
Charley andMadonna Balsam says
Dear Gatlin Families,
We are saddened to hear of Gary’s passing, our thoughts, and prayers are with you at this time. Gary left a great impact on all who knew him. He will be remembered for a long time.
Most Sincerely
Balsams
Bob & Lynnette Janssen says
Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Gatlin family on your loss. Gary was a unique individual of the best kind! He will indeed be missed.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Gary G. Gatlin – It was never the Creator’s purpose for mankind to suffer (Romans 5:12). In the Bible death is called an “enemy” (1 Corinthians 15:26). May God give you peace through his promise to comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). I hope that you are consoled by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).
Rodney and Marilyn Askin says
Kathi, Garryn, Grant and all of Gary’s Family: Our Sympathy and Prayers are with all of you. May all of your good memories help you through this most difficult time. I worked for Gary in the brand office in Baker and have many good memories of him. We were lucky to have good visits with Gary this summer. God Bless. Marilyn and Rodney Askin
Tom and Shirley Skinner says
Kathi and family,
There are just not words to express our sorrow at the loss of this one of a kind guy! He had his own brand of humor, the old cowboy code of ethics, and although he had his quiet ways about him, he cared about folks around him. He could read a brand going 60 mph down the highway, and he always had a kind word and a smile for everyone. He was loved by many and will certainly be missed by his friends.
Lee, Dorothy and Andrita Harris says
Gatlin Family;
Sending condolences to GATLIN family, thoughts and prayers. Gary will be missed by all.
Jim Gregg says
Gatlin Family.. Sending condolences to a great man, great friend, damn good hand who was willing to help doing whatever it took. He shoed my horses for several yrs.. R I P Gary He will be missed.. Thank you
Christine Keltner says
Kathi—–I was saddened to see we had lost Gary. It is a large hole left in our world, although I had not seen much of either of you in the last years—I thought of you both often. Gary was a true ‘Man of the West’. He made a big impression on my Daddy, Hi Whitlock——they were fun to watch together!!! Both were stinkers at times!!
My thoughts and prayers to you Kathi——Chris
Jackie Pepin says
Kathi, I only today came across Gary’s obituary and realized he had suffered an accident that ended his life in June of 2014. I had recently had surgery for breast cancer and was in TN, where Ronnie was coming home from Afghanistan briefly to see me and his wife and three boys. I completely missed this sad news of the loss of your Gary. He was clearly admired and respected by so many people, and I hope they have surrounded you with love. I think of you often with fun memories from long ago. I just saw today, the obituary for Mary Bohle, who lived to be 92 despite her bleeding ulcer from working for Dr. Weeks (ha) and who stepped in to work for us so we could go to the Denver Stock Show. Another memory from when your precious tiny boy needed to be airlifted to Denver shortly after I had moved to Aurora. You and your family have had many things to overcome, and have always done just that. That “man of few words” loved you and is no doubt watching over you still. (And having some conversations with Jim Watson to keep him in line). Fondly, Jackie Pepin. I’m still here because God’s still teaching me lessons.