Gary Vye

Gary Michael Vye, 73, of Belt, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2015.A vigil service will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. A funeral liturgy will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Gary was born in Lewiston, Maine on June 7, 1941 to Robert and Bella Vye. He graduated from Edward Little High School in Maine. He joined the Army and the United States Air Force, serving our country in the Vietnam War, and continuing his higher education. During his time in the military he enjoyed playing basketball and traveling throughout the world. Gary retired at Malmstrom Air Force Base as a Master Sergeant with military honors. He then went on to manage Circle K stores throughout the Great Falls and Seattle area. After leaving Seattle, he returned to Great Falls where he began working at the Pre-Release Center until he fully retired. He had since then, helped working out at the ranch.With his love of the great outdoors dad knew all the sweet spots for all his outdoor activities in Montana, Maine and anywhere else he went along the way. All the while listening to his old country tunes with his trusty companion, Max.He had a tremendous spirit when it came to sports, mostly with horse races, dog races, and especially with his favorite football team, the New England Patriots. Throughout his childrens lives he enjoyed teaching his girls how to cook, camp, fish, and hunt, including riding his horses. We will miss dad teaching us all his special dishes, and his life skills in the great outdoors, even if some of them were a bit on the crazy side. He taught us to enjoy life and have fun. He was kind, hardworking, and always willing to lend a hand.Gary is survived by his wife J. Nadine; daughters Patti Poulin of ME, Shana (Greg) Chapman of Great Falls, Sharon (Allan) Smith of NV, Shelley Shore of NE, Michelle Vye, Vanessa (Cody) Hodges, and Amanda Vye all of Great Falls; 17 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; former spouses, who remained friends Mary Vye and Diane Korst; along with close friends Dave Fertterer, Dick Ferterrer, and Don (Vicki) Evjen.He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Bella Vye; brothers Lawrence Footman and Randy Vye; sisters Faith Footman and Frances Bishop; grandparents; and former spouses Polly Poulin and Janice Vye.We love you Dad, our charming lil cowboy!!!Donations may be sent to the American Heart Association, PO Box 742030, Los Angeles, CA 90074 or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.