Gary Marion Waples was born in Forsyth, MT on September 17th, 1947. He attended Colstrip public schools for twelve years. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1971. He then moved to Ashland to care for his father, mother and sister.
Gary our brother, uncle, cousin, friend lived life on his own terms and that is how he left it, May 18TH, 2021.
His immense love for the 4th of July became a family and community tradition.
Gary enjoyed the outdoors especially time at the Tongue River Dam boating, fishing and camping with family and friends. There was nobody that didn’t know Gary. He worked for Petrolane delivery bulk fuel and got to know many locals. He had a vast knowledge of Colstrip history and could chat for hours.
Surviving siblings include: Donald Wayne Waples of the Rosebud Creek, Burnett Weston Waples of Missoula, Joan Mae Keller of Hardin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Alice Waples, his sisters, Gloria Dee Waples, Elsie Mae Waples, and his brother, Roy William Waples.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude’s and/or Ronald McDonald house in Gary’s name.
TRACEE RAYMOND-Waples says
Uncle Gary, you definitely will be missed! The 4th of July will never be the same.. Rest in Peace.
Gracie Ann Ann Hill says
Dear Gary,
No more pain. Blessings in your journey.
Wanda Bixby says
To Gary’s family sending hugs n prayers you all chipped in when the need was there he will be missed he was so good to Corey after his grampa died and took him camping which they both loved we will all remember the 4th of July he loved so much always gave the kids a deal at his stand I’m so glad I told him I loved him last time I seen him may he Rest In Peace and no more pain and suffering may he fly high with the angels
George and Diana Schmidt says
So sorry to here about Gary’s passing. He was a good friend and we’ll miss him.
Bill and Pam Combs says
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. He was a great camping friend
Deb McClaren says
I’m so sorry to hear about Gary. My thoughts are with you all
Debby Beartusk says
So very sorry to hear about Gary. He was a classmate and good friend. I will miss our calls. Brenda and family you took such good care of Gary and I know he appreciated everything you did for him. He is now enjoying his 4 wheeler and loving life. I will miss his laugh and smile.
Marilyn Watson says
My prayers and thoughts are with Gary’s family. I know you all have wonderful memories of Gary to cherish.
Patricia Houseman says
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He has been a long time friend for years. Prayers for the family
Vern n Carolyn May says
To the family of Gary Waples, we are so very saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. We, as a family, have so many good memories of time spent with Gary. Many hours were spent at the Waples’ home. You are in our thoughts in prayers. May God comfort you in the months ahead. Hand onto the good memories!
Vern n Carolyn May says
To the family of Gary Waples, we are so very saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. We, as a family, have so many good memories of time spent with Gary. Many hours were spent at the Waples’ home. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you in the months ahead. Hang onto the good memories!
Shelly Holum says
Sending prayers to all of Gary’s family
TJ Cape says
Gary was a wonderful person. We rode the bus with him in early years. Later on he was the folks’ gasman. Always reliable. Condolences to his family.
Cheryl Klemp says
We won’t have any more grilled chicken and picking on nacho even though he did like him I will miss the visits I had when I came home for the summer. Will miss the trips to the dam.Gary rip no more discomfort from the medical problems.
Mary Jane Robinson says
Gary was a darn good guy, our condolences to you all. The 4th of July was so special because of Gary and the fireworks stand. He made sure that my kids were given a good ride on his boat when we were on the banks looking on. Rest in peace and good health old friend.
Donna Wick Brien says
Condolences to the family. Gary will be missed.
Judy Bloxham says
Gary delivered gas to us for many years. When the boys were little, they would run out when they saw him and shake his ladder as he filled the tanks. It lead to lots of laughs and Gary pretending to scold them. I always enjoyed visiting with him and catching up on the news. He will be missed by many.
Doug and Colleen Hopkins says
Gary was such a nice guy. Condolences and prayers to his family!
Randy and Cora Stennerson says
Condolences to Gary’s families. Gary was a fun guy to be around. So sorry for your loss.
Jay & Carla Johnson says
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing! He was a very kind soul and cared for people! He is no longer in pain now! Rest in peace Gary!
Bob Parker says
Sorry TO HEAR ABOUT Gary we had some good times growing up.I guess our secret will be held in heaven forever.
My prayers to the Waples family.
Harry and Diana Goodwin says
Condolences for the family, Gary will be miss by all who knew him. The 4th of July won’t be the same. RIP Gary
Cindy Stanton says
I am saddened to read of Gary’s passing. When I moved to Ashland he was a “staple” of the community and always kept track of everyone. He was a good guy and will be missed .
Loni and Buggs Hartman says
We are so sorry for the loss of Gary. I loved the times throughout the years that we would harass each other back and forth. I loved his history lessons on Colstrip back on the really early days. I am glad he isn’t suffering anymore. He will be missed. RIP GARY
Vance Trube says
It sure is a shocker to hear about Gary, I/m very sorry for the Waples family for4 there loss, AND MAY THE GOOD LORD TAKE A LIKEN TO HIM!!!!!!
Shelly Cady Cahill says
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing, he was such a special guy! He was a very good family friend of my parents Bruce & Ione Cady and spent many holidays with all of us! RIP Gary! 💙
Carol Plympton says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We are so sorry for your loss. Warmly with love and prayers, Rocky and Carol Plympton
Debra Fadhl Nolan says
Condolences to Gary’s family. RIP Gary.
Kitty Pugh says
To Ducky, JoMae, Burnett Waples and all of Gary’s friends. What a big hole of happiness, gleaming eyes, ready smile, stories, and on and on that we are going to miss. Our last chat was in Ashland at the cafe in the old Tubb theater. We laughed and caught up on many stories. My son, Scott, was a little worried as I was a couple hours later getting to Rapid City, it was so worth it. I told him it wouldn’t be a Colstrip Reunion without him and he showed up and I got another warm hug. Beautiful memories of the back yard play ground at the Waples. Makes me grin, smile and laugh whenever I think of any of you. Thank You. Ducky, he looks just like you, he didn’t when I last saw him! Can’t miss that Waples cuteness. Love to All. Thanks for the memories.
Andrita Harris says
Waples Family
Deepest sympathy and condolences to you all. Gary will be missed by all. Prayers