Gary Byron Lee, 69

Gary Byron Lee, 'beloved son of God,' husband, brother and friend, passed away at his home in Ferndale on July 20, 2008, because of esophageal and liver cancer.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. July 26 at the Swan Chapel in Swan Lake, with Pastors Curtis Wallace and Ron Pierce officiating.

Gary was born to Byron and Inez (Beck) Lee on May 26, 1939, in Havre. The family moved to Ferndale when Gary was just 1 month old.

He graduated from Bigfork High School in 1957, and attended Northern Montana College in Havre and the University of Montana in Missoula.

He joined the U.S. Army in June 1962, and was assigned to warrant officer candidate training school at Fort Rucker, Ala., prior to his discharge in March 1964.

He is survived by the love of his life, Betty Abell Lee, whom he married Oct. 20, 1967, in Elko, Nev. They celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2007. He also is survived by his brothers, Conly B. Lee, and Mike and Judy Lee of Libby; sisters, Mary Lee of Polson, and Janet Lee and Bob Thomson of Great Falls; cousin, Ron Higgins, of Troy; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other cousins.

Gary was self-employed as a ceramic tile and terrazzo contractor; he was also a fine craftsman, building and remodeling homes in western Montana.

He was an avid basketball player and fan; he also enjoyed bowling and golfed every public golf course in Montana (all 91 of them). He was a 'sports fanatic,' continuously supporting the Bigfork Vikings, the University of Montana Grizzlies, and the Kearny, Ariz., Bearcats.

He was honored by the Bigfork Boosters for his loyal support in 1982 prior to a move to Missoula, and was given a tribute at the 2008 high school graduation ceremonies. He enjoyed sports of all types, and kept track of his beloved teams, even from a distance.

He was very involved with his church and belonged to the 'Friday Dirtbags' Bible study group in Bigfork.

He and Betty lived in Ferndale most of the year, but in recent years spent winters at Kearny, Ariz., where he volunteered in community projects and at the local church, and enjoyed the people. Gary had the gift of 'helps' and willingly lent a hand where needed.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested memorials may be made to The Gideons, The Bigfork Booster Club, The Healing Room at St. Ignatius, or an organization of your choice.

Friends may post notes of condolences to the family at www. buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.