Gary Matthews

Gary James Matthews, 81, of Conrad passed away on Wednesday April 27 at Benefis due to complications from a stroke.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Gary was born on October 8, 1934 to Yolanda and James Matthews in Great Falls. He graduated from Great Falls High School in 1953. After graduation, he served two years in the Naval Reserves as a corpsman in Bremerton, Washington.On June 15, 1957, Gary married Joan Mellott in Great Falls. He graduated from the College of Great Falls and was accepted for dental school in Salt Lake City. He changed his mind about dentistry and obtained an engineering degree. He was hired by Hercules Powder Company while in Salt Lake City. They transferred him to Kenvil, NJ a short time later. In 1962, Gary and Joan welcomed a daughter, Robin Taryl. Soon after the family was transferred to Carthage, MO and Gary was promoted to plant manager. Four years later, he was offered the position of Vice President of Personnel with Betz Labs in Warrington, PA. Later on, he became Vice President at Hach Chemical in Ames, IA. Desiring to have his own business and to live in the west, he became a partner in Snelling and Snelling Employment in Denver, CO and eventually started his own executive search business with a partner.Gary was a successful business man, creative and industrious. He knew how to encourage and motivate people under his leadership.In 1980, Gary and Joan divorced. He later married Judy Gay Scott and they later divorced.Gary enjoyed fishing, hunting, being on the golf course, and bowling in tournaments.Upon his retirement, he returned to Great Falls and later when his health began to decline he moved to Horizon Lodge in Conrad where he lived until his passing.He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; and stepson Ted Scott.Gary is survived by his former wives Judy Scott Matthews of Denver, Co Joan Matthews of Conrad, MT; daughter Robin Hazzard of Denver, CO; grandson Joshua Lee of Sioux Falls, SD; stepdaughter Cari Molina of Denver, CO; cousins Jim and Danny (Ellie) Poletto, and Jeanie Bixler all of Great Falls, and Rose Marie Clancy of Milwaukee, WI.Memorials are suggested to the Max Fund Humane Society, 720 West 10th Ave Denver, CO 80204.