Gerard Hatheway

Gerard “Joddy” John Hatheway, 76, of Potomac, MT, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at his beloved ranch—his dream realized and the place he loved most.

Born on January 31, 1949, in Hayward, California, Gerard was the son of Gerard and Betty Hatheway. From a young age, his mischievous spirit and sharp wit kept the nuns at All Saints Catholic school on their toes. He was dedicated to his education, attending Cal State Hayward after graduating from Bishop O’Dowd High School. His academic journey continued with a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Iowa and ultimately a Doctorate of Pharmacy from UCSF.

In 1983, Gerard joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves, serving primarily at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. In 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, he was deployed to Nottingham, England, where he served as part of the 349th Medical Squadron, providing care to wounded soldiers during their recovery. He continued his service with distinction and retired in 2007 after 24 years.

In 1989, Gerard moved to Chico, California, where his greatest joy was raising his three daughters. He shared with them his love for the outdoors—teaching them to hunt, camp, raise sheep, and above all, to value family. A dedicated 4-H dad, he instilled in them a sense of responsibility, adventure, and fun.

Gerard’s lifelong dream of owning a ranch in Montana came true in 2003, when he purchased land in the Potomac Valley. There, he raised sheep and proudly supported the local 4-H community. One of his greatest joys in later life was watching not only local children, but also his own grandchildren, show sheep from his ranch at the Missoula County Fair.

He was a loving, goofy, and generous father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. His sense of humor and unwavering support touched everyone around him. He had a special place in his heart for his dogs, especially Woody I and Woody II—a love of animals that lives on through his children.

Joddy cherished his time as a child in Yosemite and held fond memories of his grandparents' ranch. He continued the tradition by taking his own children and grandchildren to Yosemite, sharing with them the beauty and adventure he had loved so much growing up. Every fall while living in California, he could be found hunting in Modoc County, surrounded by his dad, brothers and nephews, carrying on the traditions that shaped his life. After moving to Montana, those traditions continued as his family joined him for hunting trips across the state, creating new memories in the rugged landscapes he loved.

Gerard is survived by his daughters: Lindsey (James) McKelvie, Elizabeth (Timothy) Hines, and Kathryn Hatheway (Fenn Nelson); his beloved grandchildren: Alexis Hines, Claire McKelvie, Collin McKelvie, Ayden Hines, and Zuri Nelson; siblings Debra (Paul) Droukas, Kevin (Susan) Hatheway and John (Kathy) Hatheway as well as many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews who adored him.

Services will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Garden City Funeral Home, with Father Craig Hightower of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church officiating. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Western Montana Veterans Cemetery. Please join us at his ranch in Potomac to celebrate his life after the burial.

His presence, laughter, and unwavering love will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew him.