Gary Eugene McLees passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2016. He was 74. He was born September 1, 1941 in Billings, Montana to Jack E. McLees and Ellen Catherine Bailey McLees. He grew up in Broadus and graduated from high school in Bozeman, Montana. Upon graduating he entered his sheet metal and roofing apprentice at McLees Incorporated in Bozeman Montana. He then joined the US Navy from 1963 to 1967 as a flight crew captain. On April 10, 1966 he married Maria de Carmen Caudrado y de las Heras in Cadiz, Spain. Upon returning to the states in 1967 he started working for McLees Inc. again. In 1986 he moved to Arizona and started a branch of McLees Inc. and retired in 1989. After retiring he enjoyed golfing and various small jobs. The last 16 years he traveled back and forth from Arizona to Montana with his wife Mary until finally settling in Montana in 2012 after Mary had passed in 2011. He is survived by his daughter, Mary and Dane of Helena, and son, Tony and Melissa (partner) of Helena; his brothers, John and Renee McLees of Bridger Montana and Bob and Nancy of Arizona; six grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Gary is preceded in death by his wife, father and mother. A viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 9th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 10th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 3700 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the burial in the social hall of the funeral home. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Gary.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Gary.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 9, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 10, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the funeral service
Wednesday August 10, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Wednesday August 10, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 9, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 10, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the funeral service
Wednesday August 10, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Wednesday August 10, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Dick & Donna Shockley says
Gary was a good man with a big heart. It was always fun and interesting to swap stories with Gary.
May grief and heartache be quickly overwhelmed by warm recollections and fond memories of happy times.
Tim Heinle says
Tim & Cheryl Heinle;
Gary was furn to visit with at Dane & Mary’s function, He was a great guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tim & cherl
Myrna Lutes Kintz says
Sorry to learn of Gary’s passing. I went to high school with him in Bozeman and always thought he was a great guy.
My deepest sympathy to his loved ones.
Larry & Deanna Hay says
John & Rene’ & family: our thoughts & prayers are with you at the loss of Gary..it is so hard to lose a close loved one…love & prayers…
Lori Sarrazin says
No words can express the joy of visiting with Gary and Mary over the years. Even though Gary was the oldest cousin and I was almost the youngest, he was always kind and would visit with me. I will miss him, but I am glad he is not suffering any longer. Love to all of you.
Tim Healow says
I mourn the passing of my cousin. I had a great deal of respect and admiration for Gary. In no small measure, Gary’s service in the U.S. Navy was an inspiration for my own military service. In no small measure, Gary’s choice of taking a lovely Spanish bride, influenced my own choice of an overseas bride. In no small measure, Gary’s outstanding character made me proud to have McLees blood coursing through my veins.
On the flight deck I can hear the bugler sounding Taps—in the distance, from the pearly gates, I can hear the bosun’s whistle piping Gary McLees aboard. Fair winds and following seas.
Carlene Ames says
I send my love and sympathy to Gary and Mary’s family. I too grew up with the McLees’ sons. I remember Mary coming to the U.S. I have great respect and love for you all. And John, please know I hold you in my heart and prayers. Losing a brother is very difficult. May God bless you all.