Gary D. Bell Sr., 72

Gary D. Bell Sr., 72, passed away at his Kalispell residence on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009. He was born Feb. 11, 1937, in Shelby, to Horace and Effie (McKechnie) Bell. Gary was raised in the Great Falls area and graduated from Great Falls High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and after his duty period was up, he joined the Air Force Reserves for two more years. Gary held various jobs, from working with his dad, owner of the Hee Haw Club, truck driving, caterer, and finally, working for Bell Transportation before retiring. Gary loved to take his limo driver and friends to play golf. He bought land in Montana and built a farm there where he loved running equipment. He was very fond of his golden retriever dogs. In April 2004, he married Sandra Fugate. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Effie Bell; stepmother, Paula; and brother, Jim Bell. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Bell, of Kalispell; four children, Tony Anthony, Gary Jr., Penny and Pam; six stepchildren; six siblings, Nadyne Ritter and husband Frank of Great Falls, Sharlene Dugas and husband Bill of Washington, Larry and wife Garnett Bell of Palm Desert, Calif., Jerry and wife Ann Bell of Bigfork, Terry and wife Lynn Bell of Whitefish, and Tim and wife Linda Bell of Sparks, Nev.; and numerous loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Graveside services for Gary will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Swan View Memorial Gardens in Bigfork, with military honors provided by the United Veterans of the Flathead Valley. A reception will follow at the Elks Lodge. Friends are encouraged to visit the Web site at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.