Danny E. Gunlock passed away quietly after battling lung cancer on October 17, 2012. Danny was born March 26, 1940 to Eli and Alice (Byer) Gunlock in Glasgow, Montana. It wasn’t long before he was joined by sister Dorothy, and the family moved to the Helena area growing up at the RV Ranch where Eli was ranch foreman.
He graduated from Helena High School in 1959. Danny did a short stint in the National Guard and Navy until he was honorably discharged. He was an over the road truck driver for several years.
On October 31, 1969 he married the love of his life Maxine (Anderson) Gunlock. They had two children Chuck and Christine (Chris). They made their family home in Birdseye, where Danny was highly active in the Birdseye Volunteer Fire Department, eventually becoming Fire Chief. Danny was a volunteer firefighter until the end and it was easy to see how passionate he was about his role in the Department.
He was a Thermo King Mechanic for almost 30 years for Associated Foods, and made lifelong friendships through his job there. Danny had a passion for not only fixing things but also improving processes that he knew he could make better. If someone needed help Danny was the one people called on.
In recent years, Danny was never seen without his trusty co-pilot, Peaches or “Red” as Danny referred to his red healer. They were companions until the end.
Danny is survived by son Chuck (Tami) Gunlock; daughter Christine (Joe) Drinkwine; granddaughters Alex Gunlock, Bailey Janes, and Gracie Drinkwine; grandsons Riley Janes, Jacob and Zach Drinkwine and Cody (Katelyn) Fiske; his sister Dorothy (Barry) Potter; nephew Mark (Rocel) D’Avis, nieces Kim Schaefer and Jamie Houtchens and numerous grand nephews and nieces.
He is preceded in death by parents Eli and Alice Gunlock, wife Maxine, and granddaughter Taylor Janes.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Stan and Diane Tordale for all you did for Dad, friends like you are rare and greatly appreciated.
Danny asked that there be no formal funeral service. Memorials suggested to: Chuck Gunlock 6050 Mt. Vista Helena, MT 59602. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Danny, please visit below.
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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Marion Alberts says
My deepest sympathy to Danny’s family. We grew up together on MacDonald Pass. Also went to school together. Although we rode horses with Dan’s sister, we were all friends. Good memories.
LEO AND PATSY SHUTE says
LEO AND DANNY WORKED TOGETHER AT ASSOCIATED FOODS FOR 30 YEARS AND WE WERE GOOD FRIENDS. WE ARE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
GEORGE BALLARD says
I rode school bus with Dan and Dorthy
Had to unload my horse at Rv because of a rain storm
Went through a school bus wreck with dan and dorthy
sorry about his passing
Morreen Hall Hansen says
Danny was a truly good and kind person. We were classmates at Helena High, and suffered through the most horrible algebra class in the history of the school.
I am so sorry he is gone.
Wally Peel says
So sorry to hear of Danny’s passing. We had some fun times together in school. Heartfelt sympathy to the family for your loss.
Kitty Ann Quigley Taaler says
Dear Gunlock Family,
Very sorry for your loss of a fine man. Prayers to all of the family.
God Bless,
Kitty Ann Quigley Taaler
CASS MONGOVEN says
Sorry for your loss
The Mongovens
Elaine (Byer) Palmer says
Hi. We were sorry to hear of your father, grandfather’s death. We never got the opportunity to meet him. My dad, Burnel Bolyard Byer (Bunnie for short) is a relative. We moved out here in 2004. At that time we called him and talked for a short time. Then I sent a short note with a picture of my dad. We didn’t pursue meeting him any further. My dad will be celebrating his 100th birthday on March 31, 2013. Right now if plans don’t change, we are planning a get together the weekend after that. The remaining of his siblings are hoping to come. Dad’s dad and mom were Isaac and Cleo Byer.
Our prayers are with you. Elaine Palmer