Eugene Neil Spildie passed away on Nov. 15, 2021. Gene was the only child, which he thoroughly enjoyed, born to Elizabeth and Neil Spildie on August 23, 1932 in Forsyth, MT.

The young family moved many times pursuing job opportunities. From the family homestead near Ingomar to the Fort Peck Dam Project in the mid '30s to the Kaiser Shipyards in Vancouver, WA during WWII, Gene's life was a big adventure. The family finally settled in Laurel, MT. Gene graduated from Laurel High School in 1951 and then went on to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Montana State College (MSU), Bozeman, in 1955. In his early college days Gene met Shirley M. Wright and "fell for her like a ton of bricks". They married on June 12, 1954. It was truly love at first sight and that love remained for the rest of his life.

Gene always considered himself lucky and his life reflected the well-known saying, "When one door closes another one opens." Opportunities presented themselves with perfect timing leading eventually to Billings, MT and the establishment of Spildie Construction Company in the late '60s. Commercial building projects large and small were completed across the region. In Billings these included the Education Building at MSU-B, The Golden Rule (Hobby Lobby) and the Heart Center addition at Deaconess Hospital (Billings Clinic).

Gene actively supported the Billings community through the giving of time and resources. He served on the advisory boards of several organizations, including a stint on the Billings Planning Committee. Gene was an avid reader drawn especially to History and Biographies. Throughout his life his favorite hangout was a good bookstore. He was a builder and craftsman who loved airplanes, cars and architecture. He had a deep appreciation for classic films, art and music. Gene was a proud member of the Magic City Singers for 5 years. He enjoyed every minute of practice and performing!

You had a life well lived, Dad. We were all so lucky to know you.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley and his parents, Neil and Elizabeth. He is survived by his three children; Duane (Theresa) Spildie, Roxanne (Dave) Warne and Lorene (Dr. William) Tolbert, seven grandchildren; Michelle (Phil) Music, Melissa (Jovone Roman) Eschenbrenner, Tyler (Caroline) Warne, Rachael (Rodrigo) Rey, Jenny (Nils) Torning, Dan (Alyssa) Tolbert, Marcus Tolbert and 11 great grandchildren.

A private burial of Gene and Shirley's cremains has taken place at the Laurel Cemetery. A Celebration of Life gathering for friends and family will be held next summer. Donations in Gene's memory can be made to ZooMontana or the charity of your choice. Heartfelt thanks go out to the dedicated staff of Westpark Village and to Riverstone Hospice for all their care and support during the final stage of Gene's life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Billings Gazette on Dec. 5, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Spildie

5 Entries

Randall Young

August 11, 2023

I was blessed to have an opportunity to have been mentored by Gene Spildie during my early career. Truly an honorable man who I could only ever hope to emulate. Gene was a very dedicated individual, not only to his family, but it seems to anyone that he met. Very gracious and always wearing a smile. I can only hope to ever rise to the level of this honorable man, but I'm certain that he would want us to try! God's speed my friend!

Bill Oakey

December 12, 2021

I knew Gene for many years and benefited from it. I am glad I got the chance.

Bob Tolbert

December 6, 2021

I'm so glad I got to know Shirley and Gene. My late wife Jane and I had a grand time when they visited us in Minnesota. He will be missed.

James Tarr

December 6, 2021

I was so sad to hear about Gene's passing. I had the honor of knowing and working with Gene both at Malmstrom AFB in Base Engineering and then with him after he started his own company Spildie Construction in Billings. Gene was first a dedicated family man and he always wanted the best for them. He was unique in many ways some of which are lacking in society today. First, he was a man of integrity, he was trustworthy, he was organized, he was a reader, He was calm and thoughtful in any circumstance, he was tolerant, he was never profane, he was considerate and respectful of everyone whether they deserved it or not, and he was the greatest boss I ever had. Words cannot express how much I admired and looked up to such a mentor. Be assured there is a special place in whatever follows this life for such an honorable man. I grieve for his family since I know you will miss him and his wise council. Best way for all of us who knew Gene to remember him is to attempt to live life following the example he set for us in his own life. Even though we can never measure up to him, we also know it is okay to fail as long as we make our best effort. Rest in peace Gene.

john askins

December 6, 2021

I had the extreme pleasure to have sung with and known this fine fine person. A gentle soul who the world will miss. He leaves behind a legacy that of a life will lived that we all should be aspire to.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results