Liam James Bannon

Liam James Bannon

May 28, 2004 - November 7, 2021

Liam James Bannon was born in Helena, MT, on May 28th, 2004 to Maya Bannon and Mike Gardipee, Jr. He died on Sunday November, 7th 2021.

As a child Liam was vibrant and full of life. He was playful, fun, adventurous, always cared about other people and was incredibly goofy! His laugh was contagious and he brought joy with him everywhere he went. He enjoyed being crazy and jumping in puddles or climbing on the roof with his childhood friends Ryeann and Riley. He loved every part of being free and doing things his way. He was always out to give his heart to those who needed it. Liam had a love for basketball and the athleticism to be good at it. He began playing with his mother when he was 6 years old and they would spend countless hours at Central School. Maybe his love of basketball came from his raw talent or maybe it was because of his mother's great love of the sport, or maybe, it was from both. Liam and his mother were great adventurers when he was little and they explored many things together! They have a powerful bond that spans across time and space. A great love that not even death can take away.

Throughout his life he was also very close to his Grandma Missy and Pa Duke. Missy and Duke put all their dreams and hopes into Liam, filling him with love and support. Like so many people in Liam's life, their world revolved around him. And Liam was equally dedicated to them. When his Pa was sick, Liam would not leave his side for weeks. He also was very close to his cousins Caleb and Colby and they all grew up together and were more like brothers than cousins. He would also spend summers in Billings with his Uncle Seth and cousin Olivia. He was always nurturing towards younger children, leading with patience and curiosity. They would fish, swim, and celebrate the 4th of July together. Liam also had a close relationship with his uncle John and he would marvel at John's travels. His greatest passion in life was the people he loved, both family and friends.

Liam was an amazing gamer and would spend hours playing. It was a way for him to be connected to others and a way for his intelligence to shine! And even though he was very serious about his gaming, he was always patient and kind with his younger cousins, teaching them how to play and being a mentor for them. He was also a huge video buff and one of his favorite past-times was watching movies with people he loved. He prided himself on his movie knowledge and trivia. Liam was the life of the party anywhere he went and was always up for adventure.

Liam's character was unwavering and he walked with a morality that would pierce through any storm. He was respectful if he thought you had earned it and always held people accountable. His fight was for the underdog and he cherished the women in his life. Liam was the great champion of anyone who needed it. He understood the way things work in the same way an old man does after years of life, yet lived with an innocence that was priceless. He understood the way the world worked and what was important, the people he loved. As we remember Liam we are reminded of how truly special he was as evidenced by all of the different kinds of people he touched and hearts that are broken from his loss. We ask that you remember his knowing and slightly mischievous smile and the way he made us all feel.