Troy McGee, a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, passed away peacefully from an extended illness with his family by his side on April 27, 2023
Troy William McGee was born at home in Missoula, Montana on November 22, 1932 to Elmer McGee and Beatrice McSloy McGee. This was during the depression and times were very difficult. Elmer was a carpenter and found jobs at various locations, one of which was the Fort Peck Dam near Glasgow, Montana. In 1934 the family moved to Midway and lived in tents pitched on wood decks. It was very hot, and water and ice had to be delivered, the winter was worse, as trying to keep warm was very hard living in a tent.
Because of the need for his father to move to find work Troy attended quite a number of schools in Montana and Washington. In one notable summer he spent the entire time with a couple of miners in the mountains of the Ninemile, west of Missoula. While there he learned about prospecting and mining. Eventually, he ended up living in Clancy and attended the Jefferson County High School
In January 1950, at the age of 17, Troy joined the United States Air Force and received basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas. He became an instructor on the remote-controlled guns for the B29 Super Bomber. During his time in the Air Force, he was assigned to the Mobile Training Detachment and served at Lowry AFB in Colorado. Chanute AFB in Illinois, March AFB in California, Walker AFB in New Mexico, Davis Monthan AFB in Arizona, and Mountain Home AFB in Idaho.
In October 1951, while in the Air Force, he married the love of his life, Jimmie Leigh O’Leary, a wonderful girl he had met from Clancy, Montana.
Troy served during the entire Korean Campaign. He received a Honorable Discharge from the Air Force in 1953, with the rank of staff sergeant. Soon after, he enrolled at the University of Montana. He graduated from the University of Montana in January 1958with a bachelor’s degree in Geology. He was offered a position with the U.S Coast and Geodetic Survey in Washington DC but found the salary was not sufficient for a family of four so he finished his carpenter apprenticeship and continued working as a carpenter.
Troy spent his career working for the State of Montana. He held numerous positions during this time including:
Bridge Detailer – Highway Department
Administrator of Data Processing
Administrator of Information System Division
Data Processing Coordinator – Governors Budget Office
Deputy Budget Director
Troy retired from the State of Montana in 1985, but continued to stay busy by serving two terms on the Helena Citizens Council and was a member of the Public Employees Retirement Board for 20 years and the Board of Investments for 8 years.
The highlight of his retirement was his two prospecting trips to Alaska. The first trip was spent with his son, Jimmy, in Nome, where they spent the summer mining for gold. A trip to talk about forever. His second trip was a solo drive on the Alaskan Highway through historic mining areas including Skagway, Dawson City, the Yukon and extended north of the Arctic Circle. Quite an adventure for a sixty-two-year-old man.
Troy also enjoyed gardening, fishing, carpentry, family genealogy, enjoying his cabin in Clancy and most of all spending quality time with his daughter Troyetta eating out and visiting.
Troy is survived by his wife Jimmie, four children: sons, Troy Jr. (Rose), Jimmy (Debi), Jerry (Dena) all from Helena and daughter Troyetta (Bill) Kalispell, Mt.
He is also survived by seven Grandchildren: William Kuchera, Jr. (Jackie), Josef Kuchera (Cathy), Devin McGee (Morgan), Brenna Young (Pete), James McGee, Kristina McGee-Kompel (Zach), and Dylan McGee. Six Great Grandchildren; James Kuchera, Payton Kuchera, Charlie Young, Jolie Young, Calvin McGee and Isabella McGee.
Troy was preceded in death by his father, Elmer McGee, Mother, Beatrice Karlin, and Brother Larry McGee.
Troy was a very devoted son, husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa and will be greatly missed by his family.
The family would like to thank relatives and friends for all their support during this sad time. If you wish, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
A Funeral Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home followed by a reception in the Social Hall of the funeral home. Burial will be held at Forestvale Cemetery following the reception.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
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Michael Arfman says
I remember Mr McGee as a friend Ann neighbor as I was growing up.
John Cherie Dahl says
Troy was one of my poker playing buddies and a very intelligent and great man. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏
Dave Lewis says
Troy stepped a couple different times to help me out when I was Budget Director. Always good solid advice based on years of experience. Those were the days when we never had any money and his history in Montana was invaluable. A good man.
Mary Longmaid Kelley says
I was lucky to have worked for Troy in several different Montana state agencies. He was an honorable man whom I have great respect for. Rest in peace my friend.
Jon Moe says
Troy was a friend and a mentor back in the 70’s and early 80’s. Besides his guidance in work matters, he introduced me to placer mining and let me partner with him and a couple others on a small placer claim until I moved out of town. It was a fun activity although not terribly lucrative. I wish I had kept in better touch after we returned to Helena. He was a great guy. RIP.
Troy Sampson says
Troy, Rose, and family- Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Terry Dalton says
I remember Troy coming in to the Montana Public Employees Retirement monthly for the board meetings. He was such a wonderful guy, and always had the best interest of the members of the State of Montana. Thanks Troy for all you did, you will always be remembered.
Dave Anderson says
Troy, Jimmy and your families…
My sincere condolences to all in this time of grief for you. It sounds like your dad had a great life. Cherish your memories of him.
Jack Slevin says
Having worked with Troy for 20+ years in Dept. of Administration, I found him to be a very dedicated, hard-working, wonderful man. I am so thankful for the opportunities in data processing he gave me.
Carole Carey says
I was so fortunate to serve with Troy on the Retirement Board. He was grounded, always calm, always kind and when he spoke we listened to his knowledge and we relied on him so much. He was such a great person who always loved his family so much and was so proud of you all. He always smiled when he spoke of his Jimmie with so much care and love. May God be with you all during this very sad time. Troy was truly a person I was so honoured to know.
Laura Morrow says
Memories of Troy go back to my teens. He was scary then but as we all matured it became clear what a nice, fun person he could be! He will be sorely missed and my condolences go out to his wonderful family. 💐
Mary Brydich says
Jerry – Thinking of you and your family. Mom and I are sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. We hope fond memories makes this transition in your life easier.
Teri Swenson Yeager says
Growing up next door to the McGees, I was often in their warm and inviting home. The yard sand garden are a tribute to the joy Troy and Jimmie have in nature. They are always fondly remembered as the best neighbors and an extension of my family.