Gary Howard

Mr. Gary Raymond Howard, a dedicated healthcare professional, decorated Army veteran, and beloved family man, passed away on July 1, 2025, at his home in Missoula, Montana. He was 80 years old.

Born on August 14, 1944, in Billings, Montana, Gary spent his formative years in Billings and graduated from West High School with the class of 1962. His early interest in healthcare led him to St. Vincent’s School of Nursing, where he graduated in 1965. It was at St. Vincent’s Hospital in 1967 that Gary met Lillian Ott—his future wife and lifelong partner of 58 years—while both were working on the floor as nurses.

That same year, Gary joined the United States Army and began a distinguished military career that would span over three decades. He served honorably in both Vietnam and Desert Storm, ultimately retiring in 1998 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Throughout his service, he received numerous Army Commendation awards and medals recognizing his superior leadership abilities, positive attitude, and ability to inspire those around him.

In 1972, Gary completed nurse anesthesia school through the military and became a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Gary and Lillian returned to Billings to raise their family and began working at St. Vincent’s Hospital as a CRNA—a role he held for 15 years. During this time, he also provided locum tenens anesthesia services across Montana in communities such as Hardin, Sidney, Glasgow, Wolf Point, and Poplar.

In 1989, Gary accepted a position as head of the anesthesia department at Sidney Health Center in Sidney Montana. Over the next 15 years in Sidney, he not only led the department but also served as President of the Montana Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia Association for three years—demonstrating his commitment to advancing his profession statewide.

Later in life, Gary and Lillian moved closer to all their children and grandchildren when he accepted a position at the Great Falls Clinic Surgery Center. His dedication to both family and profession remained steadfast until his retirement in 2014. In 2017, Gary and Lillian again moved even closer to all their children and grandchildren to Missoula, Montana.

Gary's life was rich with passions beyond his professional achievements. A true outdoorsman and craftsman at heart, he enjoyed fly fishing on Montana’s rivers—especially floating the Missouri River in his drift boat—backpacking through rugged landscapes, running long distances, cross-country skiing through snowy trails, golfing across scenic courses during travel seasons, woodworking intricate pieces by hand, playing both banjo and guitar with joy, sewing traditional Hardanger embroidery pieces with precision, tying flies for fishing adventures, hunting, refinishing antique furniture and bamboo fly rods with care—and so much more.

He was deeply involved in the lives of his children—coaching baseball, supporting them through Boy Scouts as a Scout Leader, as well as pageants, baton twirling, dance competitions, and every sport his children pursued. His presence was constant and encouraging. In addition to supporting his children, his support and presence remained for his grandchildren through each of their extracurriculars, hobbies, and talents.

Gary is survived by his devoted wife Lillian (Ott) Howard; their three children, 6 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren: Paul and Heather (Haas) Howard with children Brice and Andrew; Joseph and Leah (Bermes) Howard with children Shane and Amanda (Howard) McCutcheon (expecting a baby girl in September), Braden and Emily (Howard) Patterson with children Shepherd, Owen, and Nehemiah Patterson; Corey and Lorianne (Howard) Wahl with children Michael Howard Wahl and Dax and Madison (Wahl) Miller.

He is also survived by four siblings: Guy Howard, Jean Ann (Howard) Alexander, Zita (Howard) Borgen, and Jill Howard; as well as many extended family members who cherished him dearly.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Mr. Raymond “Scotty” Howard and Mrs. Wynona (Miller) Howard; along with brothers Glen Howard and Clyde Howard.

A man of integrity whose life reflected service and love to his country, community, profession, and family—Gary leaves behind a legacy marked by compassion, excellence in caregiving under pressure (both civilian and military) and an enduring love for nature’s beauty shared through countless adventures.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.