Gary William Rafferty

Gary William Rafferty, 76, passed away peacefully from this world at a local hospital on March 25, 2022. A memorial service will be held at the Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel on Saturday, April 9 at 2 PM with Fr. David Wilkins officiating. Gary was born October 12, 1945, in Great Falls, Montana to Lawrence and Isabel (Dykhoff) Rafferty. The oldest of four children, Gary spent his childhood growing up in Great Falls and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1963. After high school, he enlisted with the U.S. Army where he served for three years, including in Vietnam during the war. After his Army service, he attended trade school and did electronic repair work. In 1973, Gary married Debbie Skoog. Together they raised their two girls, Brandy and Jennifer, in Great Falls. They divorced in 1991. Gary had many careers in his life, one of which involved his talent for playing the guitar. He shared this talent with those in the Great Falls area by playing lead guitar in the Juke Box Band for many years. He also worked in electronic repair for The Source and at White’s Refrigeration. From 1991 to 2012 Gary worked as a communication specialist at Benefis Health System. Later in his life, he met Donna, and the two were married in 1992. He gained three stepchildren, who lovingly referred to him as “Pops.” Gary and Donna had many wonderful years together and were just short of celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary when she passed away in 2016. Gary’s life revolved around his children and grandchildren. You could find him standing on the sidelines or sitting in the bleachers cheering on his grandkids at their many sporting events. He loved riding his motorcycle and ATV and spent many weekends camping, fishing, and traveling in his RV with his wife Donna. Their 5th wheel adventures included camping in the mountains and making trips to Grand Junction and Las Vegas to see their daughters. He loved playing guitar even after his retirement from the band and was always learning new songs and playing them on his electric guitar. He could build a computer with ease and enjoyed fixing up anniversary clocks in his retirement. He took great pride in gardening and taking care of his yard; his roses and petunias were stunning each summer. Gary liked tinkering on anything in his house, shop, or in the yard. Always an avid reader, especially of westerns, Gary had a complete collection of Louis L’Amour books. Gary was preceded in death by his loving wife Donna, stepdaughter Zoie, his parents Lawrence and Isabel, his sister Jan Rafferty, his brother James Rafferty, and sister-in-law Patti Rafferty. Gary is survived by his daughters Brandy (Ryan) Bowman; Jennifer (Steve) Decker; and stepchildren Amy (Dawn) Skaggs; Shawn (Rose) Woolsey; and brother Roger Rafferty; and his grandchildren Brianna Bowman, Rylan Bowman, Ridger Bowman, Ryder Bowman, Rhett Bowman, Reid Bowman, Addison Decker, Kenzie Decker, Olivia Decker, Colton Woolsey, and many other beloved family members and close friends, including Sheryl Wilson. Those closest to Gary will remember him as a quiet and gentle soul. He had a great sense of humor and a wonderful laugh. He will forever be remembered as our night owl because as we were finishing up our day, he was just starting his. Donations and memorials in his honor can be made to the Great Falls Rescue Mission, Neighborhood Works, or the Highwood Community Scholarship Fund.