Dr. Gregory E. Cavanaugh

 

SEELEY LAKE ~ Dr. Gregory Cavanaugh, 70, passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at

his home in Seeley Lake, MT.

 

Greg was born on May 16, 1953, in Great Falls, Montana, to proud parents Jim and Jackie

Cavanaugh. He was the third of eight siblings and spent his early years in Flaxville, Montana.

Greg's determination and dedication to his education led him to graduate as the Valedictorian of

Flaxville High School. He continued his academic journey with Montana State University and

later achieving his Optometry Degree from Pacific College of Optometry in 1977.

 

On July 20, 1973, Greg married the love of his life, Debbie Jensen, in Scobey, Montana. The

couple embarked on a remarkable journey together, laying down roots in Sidney, Montana,

where they opened Family Eye Care Clinic in 1980. For nearly four decades, Greg devoted his

life to providing quality eye care to his community until his well-deserved retirement in 2018.

Greg and Debbie were blessed with three wonderful sons, Christopher, Matthew, and David,

who kept them busy and fulfilled their lives. Greg's passion for sports, particularly baseball and

hockey, was ignited by his sons' involvement in these activities. Some of his fondest memories

were created while traveling with his boys on their athletic adventures.

 

In addition to his career, Greg was a dedicated member of the Sidney Volunteer Fire

Department, where he served for over 20 years, bravely protecting his community. He was

actively involved in numerous organizations, including the Sidney Lions Club, Catholic Parish

Council, Crime Stoppers, Richland Federal Credit Union, the Literacy Council, and the Knights

of Columbus. His unwavering commitment to service was a testament to his character.

Greg had a zest for life, enjoying the great outdoors, tinkering with his toys in his multiple shops,

and sharing stories of his many travels. However, his greatest joy came from spending time with

his family and doting on his cherished grandchildren. Wherever he went in recent years, his

loyal canine companion, Tig, was always by his side.

 

Greg is survived by his loving wife, Deb, in Seeley Lake, Montana; his three sons and their

families, Christopher (Vicky) of Billings, Montana, Matthew (Trish) of Missoula, Montana, and

David (Kendra) of Las Vegas, Nevada; six grandchildren, Cooper, Adalyn, Seeley, Reilly, Sayler

and Maya. He is also survived by his four brothers, Mike (Indy) of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Tim of

Moses Lake, Washington, Pat (Carol) of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Bob (Kerry) of Litchfield,MI;

two sisters, Colleen (Jim) McKinzie of Bryan, Texas, and Mary of Las Vegas, Nevada; and

numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Jackie Cavanaugh; sister, Kathie; infant sister,

Linda; infant brother, John; in-laws, Ed and Lila Jensen; and sister in law, Susan Cavanaugh.

 

Dr. Greg Cavanaugh was a pivotal and cherished member of every community he touched,

leaving a lasting impact on those who were fortunate to know him. He will be deeply missed,

and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of crossing paths

with this remarkable man.

 

A celebration of Greg's life will be planned for Spring 2024 in Sidney, Montana, where friends

and family will come together to honor his legacy and share their cherished memories. Greg’s

family has asked in lieu of flowers or gifts, donations be made to Sidney Volunteer Fire

Department.