Gary Victor Guest, 76
Gary Victor Guest, 76, peacefully passed away at his home on Sept. 20, 2017.
Gary was born on Jan. 26, 1941, in Kalispell to Victor and Dolly Guest. He was a true native of Kalispell. Other than a few years spent away for military training and college, Gary spent his entire life in the Flathead Valley. He graduated from Flathead High School in 1959 and from the University of Montana in 1964.
He went to airborne training in Georgia in 1969. He joined the National Guard and spent 22 years serving his country. He retired as a major from the Army Reserve Civil Defense.
He returned to Kalispell to work at the family business, Guest Photo Art & Books. Gary and his brother eventually purchased the family business. He operated the business until his retirement in 1991, but never ended his love for photography. Whether it was taking pictures of weddings, graduations, grandkids or the beautiful Montana scenery, Gary was always there with a camera in hand. He also owned and operated Wheels West Roller Rink for many years.
Gary struggled with his health and in 2001 he was fortunate enough to receive a lung transplant. He beat all odds and lived 16 more heartfelt years. There were many times we thought we would lose him but he just kept going and going. He was truly our “energizer bunny!” His transplant allowed him to once again enjoy his favorite game of golf, sing karaoke, watch his grandkids grow up, travel south and meet his longtime companion Pat. We are thankful for the additional time we were able to spend with him.
Gary was an active member of many organizations, including the Elks for 55 years, the Moose Lodge, Eagles, Jaycees and helped many years with the Junior Miss Pageant. He was proud to be a Mason and a Shriner.
He was very active throughout his life. He loved to play golf, skydive (he had over 170 jumps), karaoke, waterski, hunt and spent many years with his brother-in-law “Pickin” for the pawn shop. He was very social and touched many lives.
He is survived by his longtime companion Pat Schaffer, his son Scott Guest and wife Laurie, daughter Susan Schmid and husband Shawn, daughter Sheila Wilson and husband Andy, grandchildren Amanda Eachon and husband Brandan, Levi and Heidi Schmid, Kaylee, Emily and Madison Wilson, Brittany and Allison Guest, stepgrandson Mason and great-grandson Jackson Garsland, sisters Linda Guest and Sandra Van Riper and husband Charles, and sister-in-law Connie Guest, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Victor and Dolly Guest, and brother Michael Guest.
Gary was a very loving father, grandfather, companion, brother and friend. He will truly be missed.
The family would like to thank Hospice and all the doctors and nurses who have cared for Gary. A special thank you to Fatt Boys for letting him enjoy his time with friends and treating him like family.
Services will be at 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, at Johnson-Gloschate Funeral Home, with a reception following at Fatt Boys Bar & Grill.
In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice.