Gary Ernest Kirkpatrick, age 70, passed away on May 19th, 2022 at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, Montana with family at his side.
Gary was born on October 19th, 1951 to parents Vernon & Doris (Nold) Kirkpatrick in Terry, MT. In 1953, his sister Linda joined the family followed by Sue in 1958. He was a lifetime rancher of cattle, sheep and chickens; and a farmer of wheat, oats, alfalfa, and barley. He took great pride in his Red Angus herd. Gary was a resident of Prairie County his entire life. He spent 53 years of his life at the ranch eight miles southeast of Terry on Broadview Bench. He attended Terry Schools and graduated with the class of 1970. That year he bought his first car- a green 1969 Dodge Charger. In 1974, he purchased his second car- a brand new silver with red striped Road Runner. That car was his pride, joy, and it went FAST.
He was a member of the Terry Demolay for Boys, a member of the Glendive Bowling League, enjoyed boating and fishing at Knuth’s Dam, and loved hunting on the ranch.
On March 5th, 1977 he married Iva Rae Meidinger in Terry. With this union, they had Daniel Joe (1978), Randi Marie (1981), and a few years later Michelle Lynn (1988).
In 2004, the family ranch was sold. Leaving the ranch and moving to town was very difficult for Gary. He and Iva bought the Terry Laundromat & Carwash that same year. They sold this business in 2014.
Gary enjoyed visiting with friends, neighbors, and family. He had a heart of gold- one of the most caring souls. He had a passion for livestock and caring for them. He loved bass, trout, and northern pike fishing (but not cleaning them), checking his crops and cattle, ATVing and taking long country road drives just to look at the scenery.
Even towards the end, Gary had a sharp, vivid mind. He loved to tell old stories of his cattle, harvesting times, and the fishing stories. He loved watching the vet shows, NFR, Survivor, and football games on TV. He especially enjoyed watching the daily Game Show channel as this kept his mind active and competitive. His belly-roll laughs and contagious smile made those around him join in the laughter.
He is preceded in death by his mother Doris Kirkpatrick; father Vernon Kirkpatrick; sister Linda Kirkpatrick; aunt Charlette Kirkpatrick; uncle Wilbur Kirkpatrick; cousin Donald (Buzz) Kirkpatrick; grandparents; and nephew Harold Ernest Meidinger.
He is survived by his wife Iva Kirkpatrick, Terry; son Daniel (Dawnya) Kirkpatrick, Terry; daughters Randi Kirkpatrick, Glendive and Michelle (Kevin) Tothill, Terry; sister Sue (Gene) Cranford, Miles City; grandchildren Micah Kirkpatrick, Terry; Shawnee (Reilly) Kirkpatrick, Billings, MT; Clayton Hendrickson and Ryker Tothill, Terry; great grandchildren Kru and Kylin Kirkpatrick, Terry; several nieces and nephews Breanna Cranford, Miles City; Lindsey (Jeremy) Thomas, Billings; James Cranford, Billings; Lee Clarke, Independence, KY; Kim Haas, Livingston; Kora (Nick) Payne, Clyde Park; DJ (Amanda) Meidinger, Dickinson, ND; Shanna (Chase) Talcott, Broadus; Lyle Huckins, Broadus; and Grace Finke, Bozeman.
The Celebration of Life for Gary Kirkpatrick will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home Chapel in Terry, MT. A private family graveside burial will be planned on a later date.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
10:00 a.m.
Saturday July 30, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
10:00 a.m.
Saturday July 30, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana
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Cranford Family, Gene, Sue, James, Breanna, Lindsey, and Jeremy says
Big Brother I will miss you dearly. I am just so grateful you are out of pain and with Mom, Dad, and Linda. I pray that Iva, Dan, Randi, Michelle, and families will be comforted at this time and draw close to each other. There are some really great times to remember together. Rest in Peace Gary! Love you all!
Love from your sister sue
Garth Sleight says
To all of the Kirkpatrick family, our deepest condolences at this bittersweet time. All our best.
Cindy Ban says
So sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Larry and Judy Jens says
Iva and Family,
Our hearts go out to all of you as you mourn Gary’s death. You have suffered so much loss and illness recently. We’re praying for strength to get you through yet another tragedy. Be thankful for your very supportive friends and community. And know that Gary is finally at peace and rest.
Jim & Marj Anderson says
Iva and family
So sorry for your loss of Gary. Cherish your memories for they will become treasures. Prayers to all.
Denise Harvey says
Sue and family,
May you find peace and comfort in cherished memories of your time together here until you can be together again.
Denise and Jay Harvey
Tom & Berny Buckingham says
Iva & Family,
Hugs and more hugs to you. We hope memories of joyful times with Gary come shining forth when you most need it.
Sheila Kirkpatrick-Massar says
Prayers for all the Kirkpatricks. May you all receive comfort from all the memories he left behind. Love to you all
Ken&Ida Lacquement says
Prayers for all of your family at this next chapter in your lives. God Bless all and always remember the good times.
Donna Underberg says
Thoughts and prayers to you all.
KimSmarsh says
My sympathy to you and your family, Randi.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Iva, Michelle, Dan, Randi and all your family-
I am so very sorry that you have lost your husband, father and grandfather. These past few years have been very hard on all your family, but you have been so strong. May your many fun memories sooth the pain in your heart. I hope you can feel the love everyone is sending your way. My sincerest sympathy to all.
Troy & JoDee Hess says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Fred and Linda Finke says
Iva and families, and Sue and Gene and families,
We are so sorry for your loss of Gary. There are many great memories that we have of him.
His RoadRunner was the coolest thing in Prairie county!
His giggle and belly laugh made each and every one of us LAUGH OUT Loud!
His cattle herd was the calmest herd of red angus that I have ever been around! The bulls were so friendly, Dan could lay on their backs!
His sheep herd were all over the place mowing along fencelines and yards.
He lived a good life and there will always be great memories of him! We are thankful for his time with us.
Rest in God’s peace, Gary! You were the bestest of brother in laws!
Love to all,
Fred, Linda, and Grace Finke
Arlen & Alice Miller says
Gary Kirkpatrick Family ,So sorry for your loss Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Dora Meidinger-Huckins says
7/30/2022
We said our Goodbyes to you today, Gary!
With the little red pickup with white and yellow daisies as on your wedding day to your old red toy pickup filled with your favorite Hersey Milky Way candy bars, with your grandson Clayton’s John Deere tractor pulling his JD round baler, and a metal windmill set next to your beautifully decorative urn- these all represented special memories that the family will always remember you as being an integral part of their lives! You have left us from this life but we’ll join you when God calls us home, too! Love you! ❤️🙏🏻❤️