W. Gary Butcher

W. Gary Butcher, 77, of Bozeman passed away on Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, after an extended illness. He was born on Sept. 10, 1934, south of Chinook, Mont., on the family farm. He married the love of his life, Dorothy Walke, on March 8, 1953.

Together Gary and Dorothy opened the Butcher Boy In & Out Drive-In in 1963 and later owned and operated Bozeman Granite Works until their retirement in 1996. Gary previously was involved in Bozeman Jaycees, Bozeman Lions Club and Gallatin County Sheriff's Posse.

Before his illness, his hobbies included fishing, hunting, golfing and camping. He enjoyed attending his grandkids' sporting and rodeo events, watching the Cleveland Indians, MSU Bobcats and horse racing on TV. He also followed his hometown team, the Chinook Sugarbeeters,

He is survived by his daughters, Gail (Chuck) Molyneaux of Columbus, Mont., Lori Lucke of Belgrade, Mont., and Lisa (Jeff) Nash of Belgrade, Mont. ; grandchildren, Jennifer Molyneaux of Great Falls, Mont., Justin Molyneaux of Belgrade, Mont., Marisa Lucke of Elko, Nev., and Michelle Lucke of Miles City, Mont. ; and great-granddaughter, Isabella Molyneaux of Great Falls, Mont. ; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (Walker) Butcher; parents, Lynn and Louise (Friede) Butcher; brother, Dale Butcher; and sisters, Yvonne Ellis and Joan Gist.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank-you to Dr. David McLaughlin and the wonderful staff at Vanovers' Open Arms Assisted Living for their wonderful care of our father.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Southwest Montana, 1600 Ellis St., Suite 3A, Bozeman, MT 59715, Bozeman Lions Club or the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, at Dokken-Nelson Sunset Chapel from 11:30 a. m. to 2:30 p. m. Funeral services will follow at 2:30 p. m., with interment following at Sunset Hills Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service, http://www.dokkennelson.com.