Gary Lee Gingery, 79, of Helena, Montana died Saturday, April 30, 2022. He was born March 17, 1943 in Salida, Colorado to Agnes L. (Fowler) Gingery and Maurice M. Gingery.
Gary grew up in West Glacier, Montana. He graduated from Columbia Falls High School and received his bachelor’s degrees in Geology and Zoology from Montana State University in Bozeman. Gary was a Division Administrator with the Montana Department of Agriculture until his retirement in 2000. Over his career he received many honors including the Montana Agriculture Business Association Presidential Award.
Gary was a lifelong outdoor enthusiast. He enjoyed hiking, mountain biking, downhill skiing, fishing and gardening. As a young man working for the Park Service he mapped all the trails in Glacier National Park. During retirement Gary loved to mountain bike and hike in Glacier National Park and Yellowstone, especially in the off-season when roads were closed to cars.
Gary married Charlene Anne (Gallagher) Gingery on June 20, 1964 in Bozeman, Montana. They had been married for 37 years, when Charlene passed away in 2001. Gary and Charlene were proud parents of five children. Gary is survived by his brother Marshall Gingery and sister-in-law Elaine Gingery, children David Gingery and wife Nicole, Susan Gingery, Matthew Gingery, Beth Gingery and Anne Gingery; grandchildren Franklin, Owen, Evelyn, Harrison, Brynn, Reid, Solveig, Anders, Ash and Nils. Gary enjoyed going on adventures with his children and grandchildren and regaling them with tales of his life.
Gary was well loved by his family, friends and neighbors and will be missed.
The family is planning a private ceremony and will celebrate Gary’s life with a summer adventure. To honor Gary’s passion for the outdoors memorials/tributes are suggested to the Prickly Pear Land Trust (pricklypearlt.org). Prickly Pear Land Trust is committed to the belief that open space is essential to the well-being of all communities. Spacious views, abundant wildlife, and recreational opportunities renew and revitalize our spirits all which Gary supported. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Gary.
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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Lauri Louwagie says
My sincerest condolences for your father’s passing Anne. Though not physically here, he will never be far away 🙂
Best,
Lauri Louwagie
Raenette Tempel says
Beth and family,
It was such an honor knowing your Dad. I will take his memory and all the laughs and tears we shared with me until we meet again. He was a special man. May God wrap you in his healing hands and carry you through this difficult time.
Hugs,
Rae
bernard Gallagher says
Even though it has been a long time since I have seen your father, he left a lasting impression on me, not only for his kindnesses but for his patience with my total ineptitude as an outdoorsman.
I carry with me to this days my memories of the trailer in Helena and the trek to the stony and steep back bank of the Missouri River, where the sunlight still shines and the fish are still biting.
I am sorry for your loss and hope that you will find peace in your memories of your Dad.
Jordan says
Anne and Family,
I’m saddened to hear about the loss of your father. While I never had the opportunity to meet him, I have heard a lot about him! Anne would regale me with stories of her trips back to Montana with her kids…the hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures they were up to. He sounded like such a rad dad (and grandad). He’ll continue to live through the memories made during those awesome trips west.
Sending all the hugs your way,
Jordan
Will Kissinger says
I was a co-worker with Gary for over 25 years at the Montana Department of Agriculture. Gary was a valuable member of the Department’s staff, a hard worker, and very capable administrator. He was a mentor to me and a good friend. I have many good memories of working with him.
Will Kissinger
James Maher says
My condolences to the Gingery family. I know Gary will be missed. It’s been a pleasure knowing and working with him. We often talked about his adventures into the wild country that he so dearly loved. My career has been greatly improved by my experiences with Gary and his outstanding family.
Jim Maher
Jim Story says
I had tremendous respect for Gary. He was a hard-worker, very knowledgeable and the go-to guy for getting things done. He was key to the department’s success during his tenure. Gary will be greatly missed.
Jim Story
James Maher says
I had the pleasure of knowing Gary these many years. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed. It’s been a high point of my career having known and worked with Gary.
Jim Maher
Laurel Parratt says
Love sympathy and many unending prayers. Sincerely Laurel Lundgren Parratt. West Glacier, Montana and Marysville Washington