Elmer D. 'Gil' Gilchrist

Elmer D. "Gil" Gilchrist, 83, passed away at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow, Mont., on May 21, 2011, of natural causes.

Gil was born July 6, 1927, at the family farm in Scobey, Mont. Following the death of his father in the fall of 1933, he became the man of the family.

Even at his young age, it was a job he took very seriously. Gil attended school in Scobey, Mont., where he excelled in sports and graduated in 1947. Following his high school graduation, he worked for the Occident Elevator Company until the fall of 1950. Gil found his lifelong career beginning as a brakeman/conductor for the Great Northern Railway and working until his retirement from the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1989. He then had more time to devote to his passions — golfing, "cowboying" and woodworking. His custom creations were always a well received gift.

During a chance meeting at the Johnnie Café, he met the love of his life, Delores Larson. They wed Aug. 16, 1954, in Wolf Point, Mont. Over the years, Gil was active in his community, St. Raphael's parish, Knights of Columbus, FMDH Foundation and Jaycees, to name a few.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years; three children, Craig (Jane) of Glasgow, Nancy (Ken) Marshall of Havre, and Kevin of Keene, N.D.; five grandchildren, Patrick (Christine), Erin, Thomas, Amy and Kaleb; and three great-grandchildren, Molly, Gracie and Amelia. He is also survived by his sister Fae Ann Gilchrist of Mill Creek, Wash. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clay and Beatrice Gilchrist; sister, Mary Ellen, brother Clay, and his very special grandmother, Ella Sullivan.

The vigil service will be held Friday, May 27, at 7 p.m., and the Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, May 28, at 10 a.m., at St. Raphael's Catholic Church, with private family interment in the high cemetery at Glasgow, Mont.

Bell Mortuary of Glasgow is in charge of arrangements.