Eugene Phillip 'Gene' Guertin, 95
"Heaven shone a bit more brightly" when Eugene Philip Guertin departed Earth on Sept. 29, 2005, "to join the celestial chorus." After 95 years of gracing us with his caring ways, cheerful wit, and beautiful tenor, "Gene rejoined his beloved wife of 60 years, Peggy, as well as countless family members and friends who went before him."
He was born July 26, 1910, in Alberta to Joseph and Jessie Guertin. Gene was raised on farms in southern Alberta with loving parents and three older brothers where his passion for hockey, baseball and horses quickly developed, extending throughout his life. As a child, Gene earned money breaking horses for neighbors, a pastime that naturally progressed to jockeying racehorses. His lithe teen frame and maverick spirit perfectly complemented the sport, before his concerned father stipulated that Gene first complete his education.
Whether driving truck or working in oil fields throughout Alberta, Montana, and Wyoming, barbershop singing, dancing in kitchens and community centers or sharpening his pool cue to take on unsuspecting opponents, Gene's life was one fully lived.
He leaves a large and loving legacy, one rich with laughter and kindness. Ever entertaining others with his well-worn tales and tunes from yesteryear, Gene was a light in the lives of those who knew him, favoring all comers with his warm smile and a wink.
Loved ones who celebrate his passing into eternal joy include daughters, Frankie Slocum, wife of the late Bob Slocum, and Lavina Guertin and husband, Swede Christian; their children, Teri Cassidy and husband, Dave, of Whitefish, Rick Slocum and wife, Tara, of Florida, Randall Slocum of Florida, Cheryl Brosz and husband, Gary, of Colorado, Rod Slocum of Florida, Gene Slocum and wife, Robin, of New York, Doug Mullowney and wife, Yvonne, Tim Mullowney and wife, Wendi, Lynn Mullowney, PJ Mullowney and Iris, and Jim Mullowney and wife, Colleen, all of Billings; great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, Scott Cassidy and wife, Jennelle, and their children, Lexi, Daussen and Houston, Jacob Cassidy and wife, Amy, Nichole Slocum and son, Logan, Brittany, Rachael, Kirbi, and Haley Slocum, Chris, Becky, and Erika Brosz, Sean, Megan, Michelle and Amy Mullowney, Shamus, Ciera, Shanleigh, Broghan and Molly Mullowney, Sydney and Dominic Reiter, Tyler and Teagan Mullowney, Josie Kautsky and Shane Mullowney.
The family acknowledges with gratitude the staff at Aspen Meadows, Dr. Melzer's office, Big Sky Hospice and Deaconess Hospital who provided such fine care for Gene. Thanks to Eagle Mount for helping this old cowboy find his way back to the saddle one last time.
Memorials may be sent to Eagle Mount, Big Sky Hospice, or the charity of your choice.
Services will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Billings. Rosary will be said at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct.17.