Gary died peacefully surrounded by family on the afternoon of April 22, 2015, at the age of 71. He was born in Helena on December 21, 1943, the first of two sons born to Jerry and May (Frey) Sanderson.
Gary lived in Montana most of his life. As a teenager he worked at Welch’s Truck Stop in Garrison. He joined the US Army in 1961 at the age of 17 and was stationed in France until he was honorably discharged in 1964. Gary also served in the National Guard and Reserve and was deployed to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War in 1990-1991.
Gary was a hard-working man. He worked in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington in mining and construction. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for Montana Tunnels for 15 years before retiring in 2008. Gary stayed active in retirement. His garden and yard were always beautiful. He could fix anything and he helped many friends and neighbors with home improvement and woodworking projects over the years.
While stationed in France he met his first wife, Alice Groark. They were married in Montana in 1964 and had two children, Mary Alice and William Dale. They lived in Spokane and Libby before eventually settling in Deer Lodge. He was married to Dee Sanderson from 1975 to 1982.
Gary married Heidi Clark in 1983. They lived in Colstrip and Missoula before moving to Helena in 1990. Gary and Heidi enjoyed traveling and went on many cruises together. They sailed to Alaska, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. They took great care of their dogs. Gary even built a handicap ramp for one of his dogs, complete with a roof, carpeting, and windows, and painted to match the house.
Gary was an understated, quiet, and caring man who was very close to his family. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2012 but he never complained. Even at the end of his illness, when we all knew he was struggling, he would tell us he was “not too bad.” His last four days he rested peacefully with his family at home.
We are grateful for the care he received from his physician, Dr. Johnson, and the excellent staff at the Cancer Center at the VA Medical Center at Fort Harrison.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and May (Frey) Sanderson, and his brother, Jerry Dale Sanderson.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years Heidi (Clark); his daughter Mary Alice, son-in-law Kevin Foley, and granddaughters Corinne and Caroline Foley of Castro Valley, CA; his son Bill and his partner David Gan of San Francisco; step-daughter Candy Cannon, son-in-law Rich, and granddaughter Lynn McNeil of Sun Prairie, WI; step-son Michael Gorsage, daughter-in-law Mary, and grandchildren Katie and Corey of Rowlett, TX; and many beloved extended family.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 27, 2015 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A reception will follow in the social center of the funeral home. Inurnment with military honors will take place approximately 1:15 p.m. at the Memorial Shelter of the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison. To offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Gary please visit below.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday April 27, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Monday April 27, 2015
Social Center of the funeral home
,
Inurnment
Approximately 1:15 p.m.
Monday April 27, 2015
Memorial Shelter of the Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Row
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday April 27, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Monday April 27, 2015
Social Center of the funeral home
,
Inurnment
Approximately 1:15 p.m.
Monday April 27, 2015
Memorial Shelter of the Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Row
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Rudy Haas says
I am sad to hear of Gary’s passing. I worked with Gary in Colstrip. I always enjoyed his company. He was a generous and caring person.
Rudy Haas
Clancy Montana
Monica and Gary Rankin says
Gary Lee, my mothers dear cousin was one of the gentlest and kindest souls I have ever known with never a bad word toward anyone or anything. I am grateful to be part of his family and my husband and I extend our deepest condolences to his wife Heidi, my cousins Bill and Mary Alice and her family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We are so very sorry.
Gloria and Dan Ahern says
In loving memory of Gary Lee who will be remembered for his strength, his courage and his beautiful good spirit!
Christine Groark says
Bill & MaryAlice, I am so very sorry for the loss of your father. Sending much love, thoughts & prayers to you all during this very difficult time. Love, Cousin Christine
Rosella and Ken says
Heartfelt condolences and love from our family .
Fond memories of our childhood days are precious.
Gary was a gentle, yet brave and strong person.
You will be in or hearts and prayers as you honor him, with a celebration of his life.
lowell byrd says
My entire family sends our condolences to Heidi and all the kids . My parents (Tressa and Jewell ) were long time friends of May and Jerry and we thought of Gary and Jerry Dale more as cousins than friends . I have fond memories of the days gone by and I will cherish them all. God bless you all as you remain in our prayers
Remi and Claudia Lancette says
Our deep sympathy for Heidi and all their family. We especially are grateful to Gary and remember him for introducing us to corned beef and cabbage. He cooked it for all of us at Homecrafters and it was so wonderful. Only problem is that we have never been able to find any as good as his was. May he rest in peace.
Ed Fenwick says
I worked with Gary at Montana Tunnels for many years. He was a good guy. We car pooled together for some time and shared many laughs going back and forth to work. He is in our thoughts and prayers.
norm verworn says
In trying to find history about Garrison where I grew up I remember Gary very well as well as his brother Jerry, I remember he had a 53 chevy that had steering problems that his brother jerry and i borrowed it took two of us to steer it but we drove it anyway all over town, just one of the fun things i remember. Garrison was such a great place to grow up in, I really miss it, I went through town about a month ago and was really sad about the condition of what is left of the town. (Like they say, you can’t go back)