Gary Richard Smigaj, age 73 of Helena, passed away on May 27, 2020 from a massive subdural hematoma that resulted from a small fall that occurred two days earlier on Memorial Day. Gary was the youngest of two children born to Zigmunt and Helen Williams Smigaj on November 15, 1946 in Helena, where he would spend his entire life.
He graduated from Helena High School in 1965, then went on and spent two years at MSU. But school wasn’t necessarily his thing! He enrolled and served two years in the Army National Guard. All during this time, he worked almost every free moment for Norm Eck at Pay-n-Save Gas and Eck’s Toy Box and Hobby Shop. It was at the Pay-n-Save Gas that he would meet the love of his life Denise. Denise would actually stop in to see her boyfriend at the time, who also worked there. Eventually Gary won her heart over and their lives became forever tied together when they wed on August 9, 1969. Over the next 51 years together, they would have two crazy children of their own and eventually welcome five grandchildren who they would spoil to a whole new level.
He would hold various jobs over his life, but the two that brought him the most joy and excitement were his long construction career and being a fireman for the City of Helena. Had it not been for a training accident that forced him to take an early disability retirement, he probably would have worked there until his passing or at least until the City forced him to retire!
Gary loved hunting, shooting, fishing, mining with his dad, spending time at the family cabin at Seeley Lake, boating, four-wheeling, old cars (especially his 1966 Pontiac LeMans convertible), and spending time with and spoiling his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Denise; son Gary (Bettina) Smigaj of Kalispell; daughter Carrie (Andy) Saltenberger of Anaconda; five grandchildren Katelyn and Andy and Isabel, Eli and Quincy; brother Zig (Dr. Diana) Smigaj of Selah, Washington; a niece, numerous nephews, and many, many cousins. In addition, a “daughter” Lisa (Matt) Hixson Dorrington – thanks Jacquie and Fred for letting her also be a “Smigaj kid”; and “son” Sean (Justina) Clinch, – thanks Sean for being his garage buddy! We all miss and love you Dad!
There will be a viewing for friends and family from 4 to 6 PM, Thursday, June 11 at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave. in Helena. Memorial donations may be sent in honor of Gary to City of Helena Fire Department Benefit Fund, St. Judes at www.stjude.org, or any organization of the donor’s choice. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Gary.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday June 11, 2020
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday June 11, 2020
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
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Lori Williams says
Denise and family,
My prayers are with you. I will be in touch.
May the Lord bless you and keep you and give you peace.
Lori Williams
Eric and Nickie Eck says
Denise and family. Eric and I are covering you in prayer. Our love and sympathy to you.
Theresa Racicot says
Dear Denise and family,
We are so sorry for all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I am sad that we can’t be with for a celebration of Gray’s life. This is a difficult time for all.
Karen Lundin says
Denise & family,
We are so sorry to hear about Gary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very sad and difficult time.
Karen & Jerry Lundin
Teresa Lowney says
Dearest Denise and family,
Please know that we love you and you are in our prayers,
Cousin Teda and family
Sr. Marcella says
Dear Deni, Gary Scott, Carrie, and family,
I have so many very happy memories of being with all of you and Gary. Please know that I am there with you in spirit and in my prayers. Every memory of Gary is tied to an adventure:
pitchfork BBQ, Yellowstone Park, introducing him to the Oregon coast, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, playing cards with his mom and him, Irish pubs and churches (Pub per Church!), etc.
Take time to cherish your memories in the next few days.
Love and prayers,
Sr. Marcella
Susan DeBree says
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Gary. We knew each other from grade school all the way through high school. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Vicki Flies says
Denise
I am very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and love to you and your family.
Please Take Care my friend!
Jimmy & Kristie says
Deni and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Gary. He was a great guy with a great sense of humor. He will be missed by many. Take care of each other and treasure the memories you all have. Sending prayers, love and hugs to all of you. Jimmy and Kristie LaValley
Susan Hodge says
DENISE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS
Patricia Verzani says
Denise,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time. We were so saddened to hear of Gary’s passing.
May all your memories sustain you. He will always be in your heart.
Pat and Fred Verzani
B Sproles says
To Gary’s family,
I am sorry for your loss. I knew Gary from the ole ShopKo. He would come in and almost always, give me a bad time. He was funny with me and our crew. I knew he was special and one of a kind. He will be missed. God Bless you all🙏🌹
Margaret Stockdale Brun says
Hugs and prayers Denise. I remember Gary from many years ago when I would babysit Gary and Carrie and of course our days of working with you at Shodair. God’s peace to all of you! ❤️🙏🏾
Tiffany Moog says
Denise and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I’m thinking of you and praying for you all. You’re all in my thoughts!
Andrea Lamping says
Denise,
I am so saddened to read the news of Gary’s passing.
May the happy memories of your life together bring you Joy during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Andrea Lamping
Linda Juvik says
Deni,
Praying for Strength,
Praying for Peace,
Praying with Hope.
You are loved,
Linda Juvik
Shari Brownback says
Denise,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With love,
Shari Brownback
Camie Smith says
Denise, Gary and Carry,
I am truly so sorry to hear about Gary. He was always so nice and always had a smile on his face. I am thankful that I got to grow up down the street and get to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Take care
Camie Smith
Connie and Tim Ferritrr says
Denise and Family, so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you. God Bless
Denise Feller says
So very sorry, Denise. I knew Gary in High School and then met you working together as nurses. Please know you are in my prayers.
Maria Brosnan says
Dear Denise and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God bring you His peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Maria
Noreen Raynor says
Denise, I am so sorry to hear about Gary.
Take care and God Bless
Mary Huth says
Denise and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers
God Bless you.
Chris, Bill and Petie says
Deni, Gary, and Carrie,
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of “Big Smig.” So many good memories of him. Such a sweetheart and a wonderful family man. Keeping you and your entire family in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris, Bill and Petie
Jim Hardwick says
Denise, Gary and Carrie,
Condolences to you and your family on your loss. As you gather to celebrate Gary’s life, I hope you hearts are full of wonderful memories of the times you shared as a family. I know Gary’s love and spirit will always be with you. Prayers for strength, peace and comfort for the days ahead.
All the best,
Jim Hardwick
Mickey Kunnary says
Denise
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
God bless you all-
Mickey Kunnary
Becky Smigaj Casteel says
Denise and Family, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Colleen Teberg says
Denise, I am so very sorry to hear about Gary. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Judy gardner says
Denise and family, I am so sorry for your loss . You are in my prayers. I missed seeing you at my doctor visits. Hope I can see you soon
Judy Gardner
Susan E Rogge says
Denise, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers are with you.
DeeAnn Jeschke says
Denise and family,
I an so sorry for your loss. May the spirit of the Lord be with you.
DeeAnn DeFord Jeschke
Maggi Corbett says
Denise and family…I was so sorry to read of Gary’s death. I have thought of you often and wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers! You and Gary made a wonderful life together and those memories are forever.
In friendship…with sympathy,
Maggi McKinnon Corbett
Bill Burton says
Denise and family. My sincerest condolences and sympathies to you and your families. I have many fond memories of Gary from my time at Shopko pharmacy. He was one of my favorite customers. I just ran across his obituary today and had no knowledge of his passing. Denise, I pray you are doing well. As with many of my customers, sadly you learn of their great life stories only after their passing. However, I could tell by my first impressions of meeting him, I could sense the wonderful person he was. May God’s grace give you strength and peace in these difficult times. Most sincerely Bill Burton.