Gary Luce, 76

Gary was born April 2, 1946, grew up in Columbia Falls and passed away Nov. 25, 2022, surrounded by loved ones; wife, Elaine Luce; and son, Robert Luce. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Maxine Luce; and Lori Luce. Gary had three brothers — Don Luce, Jerry Luce and Bill Huffman; sister Barbra Smith; and seven grandchildren.

Gary graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1964, where he played in sports: track, football, and basketball. Gary played in the high school band, was part of the Columbians, was inducted into the Columbia Falls High School Honor society, and attended Montana State college.

Gary lived in Washington for 39 years, where he worked for Boeing over 30 years, he worked on the AWACS program. After retiring from Boeing, he moved back to Columbia Falls, to be back with family and friends.

Gary did volunteer work with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in Lynnwood, Washington from 1973 to 1986 he was heavily involved in both organizations and became a Scoutmaster in troop p 24, Martha Lake Community Club.

Gary, after moving back to Columbia Falls, involved himself in numerous volunteer activities: Columbia Falls Senior Center, Heritage Days, organizing the golf tournament up at Glacier Golf course. He played on the Seahawks senior softball team, loved bowling, and also volunteered at the elementary school teaching fourth grade students how to play cribbage.

Gary supported and attended Wildcats games — football, and basketball — he took his notepad and would record stats on the players and post them on Facebook. Gary was a member of the Columbia Falls Methodist Church and was the administrator for Columbia Falls Woodland Cemetery.

Memorial services will be held at Columbia Fall United Methodist Church on Friday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m. Services will also be live-streamed; go to columbiafallsUMC.org. In lieu of flowers you can send donations to Columbia Falls Senior Center. Call Columbia Falls UMC, 406-892-5811.