Joseph John "Joe" Gudatis, Jr.

Joe was an avid outdoorsman, reveling in all the beauty, challenges and activities the outdoors had to offer. He dearly cherished his family and friends as well as having a great love and compassion for animals. Joe was an extremely talented graphic artist and photographer. Additionally, he created extraordinary and unique designs which he sandblasted into rocks, mirrors and glass.
Many of the photographs in Joe's photo gallery were taken by him ... he was more often the photographer than the subject of the photos. In addition, some of his art work is displayed in his photo gallery to honor him. He created in all mediums and displayed talent in all ... what is shown in his gallery is just a fraction of some of his projects which were able to be scanned. Many of his works of art were three dimensional and some were quite enormous and several cannot be captured with justice by camera - particularly the designs of stone, mirror and glass.
Joe graduated from Great Falls High School in 1980. He went on to pursue a college degree and graduated with honors in 2004 from MSU Bozeman, (Montana State University), with a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts/Art/Graphic Design.
He maintained a keen awareness of both local and world events. Joe additionally displayed a tremendous interest in science, history, adventure, exploration, technology, invention along with other various and diverse subjects. He enjoyed working out, music, art and learning — interests which he shared with his son.
The main focus and light of his life was his son, Jourdon. The two of them enjoyed so many activities and shared interests, including hiking, walking the dogs and biking — particularly along the River's Edge Trail, Scout camping activities, skiing, going to movies and other events ... simply spending time together and enjoying each other's companionship — no matter what they were doing. Joe even got a kick out of chauffeuring an extremely popular and very busy teenage son. He was always glad to do anything and everything he could for and with his son.
Joe was involved in the family farm during his childhood and adolescent years, sharing many of the same interests and activities with his father Joe Sr., as Joe himself later did with his own son, Jourdon. Joe, Jourdon and various cherished dogs spent a great of time out at the farm.
Joe had an extremely quick wit and delightful, unique sense of humor, and was always coming up with creative things to amuse those around him. This sense of comedy is another of the many traits he and Jourdon shared. 
He had a variety of jobs throughout the years, such as fighting forest fires, river rafting and outfitting and handling and caring for dogs, along with graphic artist/illustrator.
We who knew and loved him will profoundly mourn his passing. He was truly a beloved father, son, brother, uncle and friend — a man with a wonderful intellect, amazing talent and sensitive soul.
You will be so missed, dearest Joe. You knew the true meaning of courage and heart. May You Always and Forevermore Have Only Joyous and Peaceful Trails Before You!

Born: Jan 03, 1962 in Great Falls, Montana

Died: Jan 20, 2011 in Great Falls, Montana

About: Joe often participated in Farmer's Markets, Art Shows and Clubs; centering around his love and talent for photography, design, sculpture and basically, any form of art.