Gary Dean Williams

June 17, 1939 to Oct. 8, 2015
In the early morning of Oct. 8, 2015, Gary Dean Williams, 76, passed away at his home surrounded by his family after a two year battle with cancer.

Gary was born on June 17, 1939, in Jamestown, North Dakota, to Ross and Frances (Olafson) Williams. He grew up in Jamestown, where he graduated from Jamestown Public High School in 1957.

He worked several jobs after high school, before joining the Army. He served in the Army actively for 2 years and on reserve for 4 years. While on standby, Gary worked as a lineman for the railroad. His work took him to Livingston, Montana, where he met his future wife Dianne.

Gary and Dianne were married in Aberdeen, South Dakota, in October 1968. They relocated to Washington state where Gary began working as a lineman for the telephone company. Gary and Dianne made their home in Washington for several years, where their children Brian, Amy, and Sara were born.

In 1976, work took Gary and his family back to Montana, to Dianne's hometown of Livingston where they raised their family. Gary worked as a lineman for all the various bell companies until he retired. In 2005, Gary and Dianne relocated to Helena, Montana, to be closer to their grandchildren.

In his younger years he was an avid Cowboy Polo enthusiast. He enjoyed woodworking, reading, golf, and watching local sports teams. He never missed a chance to support his kids and grandkids in their activities. Gary was also involved for a time in Habitat for Humanity in Helena, and looked forward to his Wednesday morning coffee group. Gary maintained an active life until just before his death as he had just celebrated his 47th anniversary with his wife, and even enjoyed a few rounds of golf less than a month before.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Dave Williams, his mother and father-in-law Helen and Bill Ramey, and nephew Dawson Ramey.

Gary is survived by his wife Dianne (Ramey) Williams, son Brian Williams of Helena, daughters Amy (Brian) Heuiser of Helena and Sara Horvath of Hamilton, Montana. He is also survived by sisters Jan (Don) Hodgson of Torrington, Wyoming, and Clar (Morris) Gumke of Moses Lake, Washington, brother Warren (Alice) Williams of Jamestown, North Dakota, his sister-in-law Donna (Ted) Cheney, brothers-in-law Rod (Chris) Ramey and Tom (Patty) Ramey all of Bozeman, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gary was especially proud of his grandchildren, Makayla and Braden Horvath and Elizabeth, Lauren, and Britton Heuiser.

Gary's family would like to extend thanks to Dr. Thomas and the Cancer Treatment Center at St. Peter's Hospital, and to all the nurses at Hospice of St. Peter's.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to West Mont, 2708 Bozeman Avenue, Helena, MT.

At Gary's request, no services are planned at this time. A celebration of his life will be planned at a later date.