Gregory Tackett

Gregory E. Tackett, 68, of Missoula, passed away peacefully at St. Patrick’s Hospital surrounded by his family on November 23, 2023.

He was born in Fort Morgan, Colorado to William Tackett and Velma Arthur on March 27^th, 1955. Greg lived many places in his childhood, but found a home in Troy, Montana with his mother and stepfather, Harry Arthur. As a teen, Greg enjoyed spending as much time outside with his two best friends, Ron and John Mosher.

On July 5, 1975, Greg met Diana Bowers while they both worked canning sweet peas in Red Lodge on their summer break from college. Diana transferred to the University of Montana that winter to continue their relationship, and they were married on August 11, 1979. They spent 44 years happily in love, despite Greg’s dry, sarcastic humor and endless puns.

Greg enjoyed a close relationship with his in-laws, Robert and Esther Bowers of Laurel, Mark (Beth) Bowers of Bothell, Washington, and Becky (Doug) Dyer of Seattle, Washington.

Greg was an enrolled agent for the IRS, running his own tax accounting business, Tackett & Associates since 1980. He retired gradually between 2015 and 2019, spending more and more time exploring his favorite rockhounding spots in Challis, Idaho, Moab, Utah, and Agate Mountain, Montana. Greg was an active member of several rock clubs, including the Hellgate Mineral Society. Greg would encourage anyone who likes to be outside and is looking for a good friend to join a mineral society.

Greg and Diana were proud parents of two children, Eric and Amy, who shared his love of the outdoors, geology, and reading… but not accounting. In May 2023, they became proud grandparents to Olivia Tackett. Greg once said, “how could one kid be so darn cute?” Eric and Amy tried not to take offense to that question.

Greg and Diana enjoyed many adventures over the years, with Norway, Hawaii, Utah, and Arizona being among their favorites. They traveled to Laurel, Montana and Seattle, Washington often to be with family.

Greg was a tax accountant by trade, but was a scientist, outdoorsman, and artist at heart. He enjoyed rockhounding, carpentry, hunting, fishing, baking, and rock tumbling.  He was a devout Christian and regularly attended services at Missoula Alliance Church.  He especially enjoyed learning and growing in his faith with his Life Group.

Greg is preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his wife, Diana; sister, Karen (Larry) Thomas of Archdale, NC; half sister, Michelle Arthur of Piltzville, MT; children, Eric (Diane) Tackett of Helena, MT and Amy Tackett of Edmonds, WA; one granddaughter and many nieces and nephews.

A public memorial service and reception will be held at Missoula Alliance Church at 11 am, Saturday, December 2. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials to be made by mail to:

Hellgate Mineral Society

Greg Tackett Memorial Fund

P.O. Box 3015

Missoula, MT 59806

Or

Missoula Alliance Church

100 E Foss Ct

Missoula, MT 59803

The Tackett family also requests that his friends and family share a story below of Greg to keep his memory and spirit with us for years to come.