Gary Russell Halcro, 67
Gary Russell Halcro, 67, of Missoula, passed away on Friday, Oct. 7, at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. Gary was involved in a tragic automobile accident and died from the injuries he received.
He was born Jan. 6, 1938, in Great Falls to Earl and Myrtle Halcro. Gary was raised on a grain farm near Power and attended Power schools, graduating in 1956. Gary proudly attended the University of Montana, where he played baseball and made many lifelong friends. He graduated with honors in business administration in 1964. He was also a member of the Montana Air National Guard for six years.
On Jan. 9, 1965, he married Carol McCone in Great Falls. The couple farmed in the Power area for 30 years. In addition to farming, Gary worked several years for Finley, Renman and Misfeldt in Great Falls as an income tax preparer.
Gary and Carol sold their farm in 1987. Gary was then able to fulfill his dream of living in Missoula.
The Halcros stayed busy by owning and operating the Nutri/System weight loss center for several years before fully retiring.
Gary was a member of the Power UCC and the University Congregational Church. Gary loved the university atmosphere and was an avid Griz fan. He enjoyed spending time with his family at their cabin on the lake. He liked to play catch with his grandkids and delighted in watching them participate in sporting events. Part of his daily routine was to spend time reading the Missoulian, keeping up on the Dodgers and Osprey, and to take long walks as he watched for bluebirds living in the boxes he had made. Retirement brought wonderful travel opportunities with their dear friends, Wayne and Kaaren Jensen and Bob and Bev Braig. However, Gary was always anxious to get back to his home, his family and Grizzly sporting events.
Gary carried himself with a quiet dignity and strength. He didn't talk a lot, but when he spoke, people listened. Gary was a level-headed, clear-thinking, incredibly kind and generous man. He was devoted to his wife, Carol, and they enjoyed 40 years of friendship, love and marriage. He was a wonderful father and grandfather who took great pride in caring for his family. He was an exceptional man and will be sorely missed.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Myrtle Halcro. He is survived by his wife, Carol, of Missoula; two daughters, Renell Wilson and husband, Mark, of Kalispell and Kim Halcro of Yakima, Wash.; a brother, Vern Halcro of McMinnville, Ore.; and three grandchildren, Jareth, Kramer and Halle Wilson.
On Gary's behalf, the family wants to sincerely thank all of the emergency workers, doctors, pastors, church members and friends who have helped so much during this very difficult time. Your care has meant so much.
Cremation has taken place and services will be announced at a later date.
The family suggests memorials be made to the fifth-year scholarship endowment at the Grizzly Scholarship Association, University of Montana, Adams Center No. 139, Missoula, MT 59812.Patricia Frances 'Patty' McCuin, 44Patricia Frances "Patty" McCuin, age 44, passed away at her home in Kalispell. She was born May 13, 1959 in Spokane, Wash. to Terry and Mary (Sheilds) McCuin. She was born very prematurely, but she fought for life and won and blessed many with her life.Her family moved from Spokane when she was one to Johnson, Vt., where her father was raised and her grandparents resided. They then moved to Montpelier, Vt., where Patty spent most of her school days. She and her brothers were young when their mother died. Patty, being the oldest, became like a mom to her brothers. After her mother's death, they all moved to Mesa, Ariz., where she resided a few years with her father, brothers and her son, Bradley.Her brother Brian moved Patty and Bradley to the Flathead over 10 years ago. She was fulfilling her love of living in the country and being close to relatives. Her dad, Terry, joined them here a few years later. Patty worked for years at the Gift of Love Daycare Center at St. Matthew's. She loved children; she loved them for their simplicity. Patty loved simple things: shopping, cooking for others and was good at it. She was a helper and a giver. She loved holidays and having family around. Patty had a very giving heart and will be missed by those who loved her, but in our hearts she is not gone. "Thank you Father for the life of Patty Cakes."She is survived by her father, Terry McCuin, of Bitterroot Lake; one son, Bradley McCuin of Kalispell; three brothers; T.J. McCuin of Chandler, Ariz., Johnny McCuin of Fort Collins, Colo.; and Brian McCuin of Kalispell.Mass of Christian Burial for Patricia F. McCuin will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2005 at St. Matthew's Catholic Church with the Rev. Vic Langhans as celebrant. Committal will follow a luncheon at Conrad Memorial Cemetery. A closed casket visitation will be from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2005 in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel.Johnson Mortuary & Crematory is caring for Patty's family.