Gary James (Armstrong) Williams, age 59 of Helena, passed away peacefully on Sept. 12, 2012, at St Peters Hospital due to complications from a respiratory infection. He was born December 8, 1952 to Charles E Hamlin and Isabel M Hamlin. Gary and his family moved to the Helena area when he was just a young man and to the town he would call home for the rest of his life. He spent his life living one adventure after another, and no man loved life quite like Gary, whose many adventures were enjoyed close to home and even far away. On a trip to Wyoming in his early twenties to go live with his sister he promptly told her upon arriving that he was going home and managed to hitch a ride from a stranger back to Montana and his beloved home of Helena , back to the town he loved. To say he had spunk would be a huge understatement. He will be remembered as a legend from the stories that friends have about experiences with him, like running on the treadmill at Sears, jumping from the rope swing at Canyon Ferry, and his hunting adventures at his “best friends” cabin in the Elkhorns to name only a few. He was an avid walker and spent many hours walking and visiting his friends in downtown Helena. He loved to sit and watch people whether it was from the bench in the park or being a spectator at a card game in a local tavern. His patience and good humor were evident in all he did, especially on his fishing and hunting trips with his friends and his annual 4th of July camping trip to Hauser Lake. He loved his friends like they were his family and his friends loved him as part of their family. No holiday would have been the same without the man who was always himself and who avidly enjoyed all the delicious food that was prepared at each home he visited, his favorites being a great T-Bone, Grandma Pearls Mac & Cheese, Michelob Beer and Dr. Pepper. He leaves behind many people who cared for him deeply and a wealth of friends most people could only imagine having. Thanks for the memories. “Skitit Buddy, just skitit”. Cremation has taken place. Donations can be made in Gary’s name to Gods Love, 533 N. Main, Helena, MT 59601. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held Monday, Sept. 24, at 11am, at Retz Funeral Home, 315 East 6th Avenue Helena, MT. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Gary, please visit the guestbook.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday September 24, 2012
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E. Sixth Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday September 24, 2012
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E. Sixth Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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