Arthur Gabriel Tavary, was known as Art by many, Tex, by some, Dad by us seven kids, Uncle by so many, Papa and Great Grandpa by a gazillion grandkids, but known by everyone as a man of integrity, honor, faith, love, and humility. Our father, friend, mentor, and hero died peacefully surrounded by his grateful and blessed children at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 21st at the Rosetta Assisted Living Home in Helena, Montana.
Dad was born in Port Arthur Texas on September 11th 1925 to Anthony and Antoinette Tavary.
Dad was raised in the warm and sunny confines of Baytown Texas. He, his friends and brothers Mike and Raymond, spent their young lives exploring the woods and swimming in the bayous and bays that surrounded their home and doing what they could to keep their sisters Juanita, Lolita and Dorothy from telling on them.
Dad in his teenage years attended Robert E Lee High School. During this time, he developed a lifelong fascination with air planes and flying. As a teenager he designed many of his own wire controlled planes with various success and credits, himself, with designing the first ever flying wing which actually did fly. As a teenager he received his pilot’s license and to the consternation of his mother, used to fly his single engine plane low over his parents’ house. Needless to say, his Mom was none too happy about it.
After Graduation in 1943, Dad wanted to join the Army Air Core, but to his disappointment was turned away because he could not pass the eye test. So he joined the Army where he earned the rank of Sergeant.
While stationed in Cheyenne Wyoming, Dad met the love of his life, our mother Mary Gladys Limke. They were married in Nashua Montana (don’t ask why) in 1946.
Hoping to make his home in the sunny weather of Baytown, Texas, Mom and Dad moved south only long enough for Mom to begin miss her family. So Dad reluctantly packed up their belongings in a broken down farm truck and headed for the Great White North of Northern Montana. So in 1948 they began a new life in the friendly yet windy and cold community of Cut Bank Montana.
Dad, being the confident and creative man he was, decided to build his first house even though he had never attempted such a project. So off to the local library he went, checked out a book on how to build a house, found a floor plan that he and Mom liked and began to build their house on the South West corner of town. Needless to say, he needed help along the way. Never one to shy away from asking for advice and help when needed, his new found friends were more than eager to help.
As time went by our family grew, first Rick, then Beth, followed by Jim, John, Mary, the twins Annie and Greg, finally our bookend RoseMary.
Dads many years in Cut Bank were spent first working at the Union Oil Refinery where the temperatures would often fall well below zero and wind chills to match. After deciding he had enough of freezing his fanny off on the towers he decided it was time for a change and started a second career as a nursing home administrator, first in Cut Bank then to Malta from 1968 to 1973, then back to Cut Bank. In 1977 Dad began his third career in insurance and real-estate. Working for Bloomstrum Insurance, Dad got his start and realized that his social skills, sense of humor and never back down from a challenge attitude could get him a long way. Eventually, he became partners with Harold Dye to create Dye Tavary and Judge Insurance and Real-estate in Cut Bank. He thrived there as did his business.
Friendships grew as did his family. In time Mom and Dad’s family grew from seven children to 24 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren.
In 1997 Dad retired from Dye Tavary and Judge to spend more time with his family and wife.
In 2009 we moved Mom and Dad from their and our home in Cut Bank to Helena to help care for their failing health. After Moms death in 2010, signs of dementia began to show its ugly face.
After several moves between family, Dad was admitted to Rosetta Assisted Living Home where their incredible compassion and loving care became a joy to us all until his passing.
Dad is following into the Kingdom, his wife and our mother Gladys, daughters Rosemary, and Mary, parents Anthony and Antoinette Tavary, brothers Raymond and Mike, sisters Juanita and Dorothy and grandchildren, Indigo Beyer and Jersey Tavary.
He is survived by his children, Rick (Linda), Beth (Lyle), Jim (Karen), John (Diana) ,Greg (Meredith), Annie (Barb), 24 grandchildren and 39 grandchildren.
We would like to gratefully thank the staff of Rosetta Assisted Living for their loving care of our father for the last three years. Not only did they care for him, they cared for us.
We would also like to thank and give our gratitude to all of the friends and family in Cut Bank, past and present that my Mom and Dad so cherished. Thank you to those in Malta who were so kind and took our parents and family in as one of their own.
The family will receive friends Thursday, May 26, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A viewing will start at 1:00 p.m. Friday May 27, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Community Church, 1700 Missoula Avenue with a Funeral Mass beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will take place at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery following the Mass with a reception following the burial in the Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Arthur.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday May 26, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
2:00 p.m.
Friday May 27, 2016
St. Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
After the Mass
Friday May 27, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Fort Harrison , Montana 59636
Reception
After the Burial
Friday May 27, 2016
Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday May 26, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
2:00 p.m.
Friday May 27, 2016
St. Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
After the Mass
Friday May 27, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Fort Harrison , Montana 59636
Reception
After the Burial
Friday May 27, 2016
Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Laurie House says
Thank you Tavary family for the honor and pleasure of caring for your dad. I have many fond memories of him. I am grateful for getting to know the family as well. You are all in my thoughts s and prayers. Love and Peace,
Kathleen says
Oh Lord I remember our Montana cousins and Aunt Gladys and Uncle Arthur coming in summers. We always SO looked forward to that time and hanging out at Grandma’s and PawPaw’s house on the bay. Treasured, wonderful memories. I remember how kind and living Aunt Gladys and Uncle Arthur were. And how totally devoted they were to each other. They are together again now and with am his brothers and sisters except Aunt Lolita. I know he did not want to leave his earthbound family but is rejoicing in the spirit with those loved ones that went before him. Rest in the Arms of your Father Uncle Arthur. My prayers are with my cousins in Montana. I hope you all can feel the love from Texas! ???
Lauri & Brad says
Such a loving, gentle soul. In our early married life when money was scarce, Uncle Art always made sure our insurance was paid on time, allowing us to make payments as we could.
We love and will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers to the cousins.
JoAnn Killeen says
I know it’s not easy when you lose a parent and many of you kids were good friends to my family and supportive as we lost our mom Helen ( 3yrs ago my dad Dan passed also) and we thank you for that so just know you are in our thoughts and prayers and we lift you up with much love. Sorry for your loss
Bless you always
JoAnn Killeen
Maribeth Molloy Johnson says
I so remember Mr. Tavary pulling us on sleds behind the renegade! Both of your parents welcomed me in your house like I was one of their kids. They raised a wonderful family – a blessing to Malta – especially to their across the street neighbors! Hugs to all of you as you share your memories of your wonderful Dad!
Leon and Marsha Belville says
Annie- So sorry to hear about your dad passing. Our thoughts and prayers to you and all your family. Marsha and Leon Belville
Shari Salois says
I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. Your parents were such wonderful neighbors! I have fond memories of the 4th of July on 6th Ave SE. They were always so kind and loving. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Phil and Don Meister says
Your family was often my favorite second home as a kid. Though Art rests now in heaven know that when you miss him most…he will be right there in your heart. Both Don and I send our condolences, our love and our prayers to you all.
Reno Charette says
I offer my humble condolences to you and yours with hope that your broken hearts are restored to the exuberant joys your father’s life exemplifies. I thank him for his service to our country and for bringing you into this world, Miss Annie. You are truly a delight and his life story tells me why.
Wendy Nielsen says
Art was one of my first friends in Cut Bank and later my boss. He was always so helpful and cared about everyone he met. What a wonderful man! He made my start in insurance and real estate easy and fun. My sincere condolences to you all.
Maureen "Enie" Fisher says
Dear Annie & Barb, Sending our love, thoughts and prayers your way at this time of closure to this chapter of life of a wonderful man. Keeping you in our prayers and sending warm Hugs to you both!!.
Sharon Pelletier says
Annie and Barb: May memories carry you forward and comfort you when you look back. Losing a parent is never easy. Love the picture! Take good care. Sharon P.
Becky and Kirk Ketchum says
anne and barb; sorry for your loss. he is with his wife and family and will be remembered by all who knew him.
Kristi O'Connell says
So sorry to hear of Papa Great’s (Super PAPA to me) passing. You are in my thoughts.
Maryjo Taylor McLean says
I too, spent time with this lovely family when I was a teenager! Mr. Tavary also hired me to work a few hours at the rest home in Malta. Looking back, I think he did it more to help me out than the other way around. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Kristan (Beausoleil) Barbour says
Tavary Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Art’s passing. He was a kind and gentle man, with a quick smile. His legacy lives on in all of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, much love.
June & Pete Minow says
We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you today as you say your goodbyes. The times that we met and spent some time with Art, we enjoyed the visiting and remember him as a very nice man. We extend our sympathy and prayers for all of the family.