Gary Eudaily

On October 22, Gary Elbert Eudaily, passed peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by family. He was 80 years old.

Born in Butte, America to Doris & Ralph Eudaily, he moved to Missoula in the 1950’s where Gary grew up a champion little leaguer & went on to pitch for the MSU Grizzlies ending up in the Griz Hall of Champions. Gary became an avid hunter & fisherman at an early age, climbing many a mountain with his good friends Laird Robinson & Tim Aldrich. His love for the great outdoors never waned & in his later years he had many stories to tell from trips with his friends Ron Stellingwerf, Scott Long, & Russ Ward as well as so many others. Gary’s greatest hunting & fishing pal was always his father.

He earned his Doctor of Optometry from Pacific University in 1967. The experience provided him not only a career, but lifelong friendships with Tom Arvas, Ralph Lightle, & John Ed Taylor. Gary practiced in Missoula for 33 years. He became involved with The Mendelssohn Club, the school board, and many various outdoors groups.

Gary raised two sons as a dedicated single parent. His life became defined by scouting trips, youth sports, & various band & choir recitals.

He is survived by his son Sean; his son Mike & daughter-in-law Jennifer, & beloved grandson Jameson; Sister Gloria(Walt) Volland; his nephews Kirk(Michelle) Volland & Greg(Melissa) Volland; & his great-nephews Alec, Kevin, Miller, & Mitchell Volland.

A public visitation will be held at Garden City Funeral Home on Saturday, October 29 from 12-2pm. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, or your favorite outdoor charity.