Search by Name

Search by Name

Garth Williams Obituary

Garth Daniel Williams

Garth Daniel Williams (Gus) died in his home surrounded by his family on November 29, 2014 in Boise, Idaho at the age of 77.

Gus was born on October 20, 1937 in Great Falls, Montana to parents Claire (Pat) and Helen Williams. He graduated from Simms High School in 1956. On August 3, 1968 he married Therese (Terri) Aamold. Shortly thereafter they moved to Minnesota and started a family. Gus worked at Valley Equipment as a diesel mechanic. In 1989 they left their wonderful friends in Minnesota and moved to Simms, Mt where he was employed as a mechanic at The Broken O Ranch in Augusta until 1995. They then moved to Great Falls where he worked at Taylor Brothers. They moved once more, this time to Boise Id to be close to their children and grandchildren in 2007. Gus made many, many good friends and memories along the way, all of which he spoke of often.

Gus is survived by his wife Terri, daughter, Dawn Williams (Jodie Martin) of Boise ID and his son, Damon Williams (Kristen) of Middleton, ID and four grandkids: Shay Andrus, Emily, Reese and Jackson Williams. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Geneva; his brother, Ted Williams; and his four-legged companions Toby and Spud among many others.

There will be a celebration of Gus's life on December 13th from 4pm to 6pm for friends and family, old and young alike, at The Gathering Place at Shorty's - 5467 N. Glenwood Street, Boise ID.

Gus' wishes were to have a 2nd gathering of family and friends in the coming Spring/Summer in Montana where his ashes will be scattered at Duck Creek. Date to be determined.

The family will forever be grateful to the staff of Heart and Home Hospice. There will be a special place in our hearts for those who touched his life in his last few months. Among them: Merri, RN, Jenn, NP, Emily, CNA and Mandy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Idaho Humane Society 4775 W. Dorman Street, Boise ID 83705 or to Great Falls Animal Shelter 1010 29th Avenue NE, Great Falls, Mt 59404 respectively. As his friends and family know well, Gus never met a dog he didn't like!

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

Published by Great Falls Tribune on Dec. 6, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Garth Williams

Not sure what to say?





Jeff Obert

January 12, 2015

Terry, Dawn and Damon, I can't possibly express my sorrow at this news. I've been sitting here for 2 hours trying to think of what to say. It has been just one memory after another going through my head. I can't get my mind around it. How can I put into words what Gus and his family meant to me? I can't possibly. What I do know is this: Gus was a good husband, a good father, and to me a good friend, mentor and father figure when I needed one.(which is more often than I care to admit). He also loved life, loved to laugh and make people laugh. I was so blessed to have known him and even more blessed to call him and all of you my friends. Please take care of yourselves and know I am thinking of you. I hope one day our paths may cross again. God Bless.

Patti (More) Gutzke

December 22, 2014

So sorry to hear this. Your Dad was a great guy! How many times did he pick us up in Lonsdale because we were too tired to bike home? Too many to count. I think of you all often especially driving by your old house or when we get an ice storm - remember me moving into your house for a week until power was restored? Praying for you and your family at this difficult time.

Tom Poseley

December 18, 2014

Betty and I today heard of the passing of Gus. Our sympathy to you. Way to many memories

December 11, 2014

Terry, I was so sorry to hear about Gus. We had so much fun when you lived in Veseli. Good old Cody lake and the campouts. Annie's bar listening to Randy's band, etc. The great times were endless. Thanks to you and Gus for giving us all those great memories.
Pat (Brezina) Tietz

Guy Carver

December 10, 2014

I met Gus a few years back. With his quick smile and always ready to meet a new friend manner. When we found that our birthdays were both in October we bought beers for each other in October. I will miss him.

Jack Tuomi

December 8, 2014

We had some great times together when we were working for the Forest Service out of Augusta. Happy trails.

Jim Crepeau

December 8, 2014

Gus and I went all thru school together. One time during high school we rolled a shot put down the stairs from the 2nd floor. It made the corner and went down the hall. The supt. came looking for us, but we hid in a classroom and never did get caught! I'll never know why because we were laughing so hard. Another time a sulky-type cart had been made for a ram on their ranch. Gus and I were making the ram pull us around for quite awhile. When we got done, Gus unhooked the harness and was walking away when the ram hit him in the rear and knocked him to the ground. He could hardly get up. His Mom stepped out the back door and told him, "It serves you right! You shouldn't harass that ram." We both laughed, probably me more than Gus! One time when we were working for the Forest Service, we were heading back into the mountains. I was the "designated driver." I stopped along the way to pick up a beaver in a live-trap we had set earlier. The next morning Gus couldn't figure out where the beaver came from?!? He had a nickname for everybody, some more repeatable than others! Thanks, Gus, for the memories. May your family be comforted by the special memories you gave them. You are in my prayers --

ANN KOBERSTEIN

December 8, 2014

You are a north star in my heart and in my life

annie koberstein

December 8, 2014

Gus you were my best friend. I loved trappin gophers with you. I will never forget you. You will always be in my heart

December 7, 2014

Best uncle ever Russ Jill bridger white

Frank Weldin

December 5, 2014

Gus was a great neighbor. He was quick to help with jobs that needed to be done. One night, a drunk driver wiped out our mailboxes. The next morning, as I was walking over to talk about how to fix the mailboxes, Gus comes up in his pickup with the stuff needed to fix the mailboxes.
He was cheerful when walking his dog, even when the weather was terrible.
He will be misseed by all who knew him.

Shelley Swart

December 4, 2014

We are so sorry Dawn, Shay and Jodie he will be missed!

ROB ROBISON

December 4, 2014

Gus in the short few years I knew him taught me a lot about life and more about myself; you will be missed my FRIEND!!!

Jackie Anderson

December 4, 2014

Dawn I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Tina Roth

December 4, 2014

Gus always had a ready smile. He made me feel welcome whenever I would see him. I will always remember Gus singing and acting out the song "El Paso". I am smiling just thinking about it. A very special man.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in Garth Williams's name

Memorial Events
for Garth Williams

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Cloverdale Funeral Home Cemetery and Cremation - Gibson Chapel - Boise

1200 North Cloverdale Road, Boise, ID 83713

How to support Garth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Garth Williams's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored