Gary “Boise” Wildish, age 78, of Baker passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at the VA Nursing Home in Miles City, Montana.
Gary was born August 6, 1937 in Baker, Montana, the son of Harry and Millie (Lampke) Wildish, the youngest of five children. Gary grew up on the family farm south of Baker and attended country school and Baker High School. Gary joined the United States Air Force on May 26, 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1958. Gary loved to travel and to experience different places which led him to Ajo, Arizona, where he joined the Phelps Dodge Corporation as a timekeeper in the accounting department. It was during his time in Arizona, where Gary experienced the biggest and most treasured event of his life, the birth of his daughter Crystal, whom he affectionately referred to as “Pumpkin”, the love of his life. He later went on to work for the mines in Montana and South Dakota.
Gary had many fond memories growing up on the farm with his sister and brothers, riding his bicycle, walking across the prairie, playing on the haystacks, and riding their Shetland pony, Barney. Over the years, he enjoyed returning to the family farm, walks in the country, playing guitar, and writing songs. His love for the Montana countryside and family led him to build a log cabin close to the family farm where he spent time in the summers while occupying his home in Baker. During the winter months, he returned to Arizona to be near his daughter. Gary was an intensely private man with a big heart.
Gary is survived by his daughter Crystal Porras, son-in-law Jaime Porras and two grandchildren Talia and Adan Porras of Chandler, Arizona; nieces and nephews: Gloria (Larry) Chamberlain, Ken (Ilse) Sieler, John Stoler, Marie (John) Kemp Jr., Cathy (Steve) Stokes, Janice (Tom) Custer, Walter (Darcie) Sieler, John (Kim) Sieler, Doug Wildish, Deb (Bob) Lohman, sister-in-law Esther Wildish, and many great nieces and nephews.. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Betty Sieler, brothers Roland, Darrell, and Allen Wildish, niece Beverly (Sieler) Stoler, and brother-in-law Emanuel Sieler.
A private graveside service will be held July 11, 2016 at the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Becky Tipton says
Gary’s family I’m sorry to hear of your loss… I only knew your dad from when he was here at EMVH in Glendive…. Cherish your memories and hold them close and they will help get you through the difficult days ahead… Thank you for sharing him with us.
Rest in Peace Gary
Becky (Chouinard) Tipton
Wayne and carola Moline says
I was sorry to hear of Gary passing away. I was a school mate of his in Baker, in for the whole 12 years my maiden name was Varner so we were always next to each other in class so got to know him pretty well but he was pretty quiet and shy. He called me about a year ago or so, I was hoping he would come to one of our reunions. I didn’t realize he was even sick my condolences to the family. Thinking of you, CarOla Moline,