Harold White

Harold Rodney Gabby White, 84, of Augusta, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2016.Gabby was born June 10, 1931 at the Elk Creek homestead west of Augusta. He was the middle of 5 boys born to Pat and Catherine White. Growing up on a ranch during World War II taught him hard work, hunting, fishing, and the importance of family and service. At the age of 12, he began working for neighboring ranches to help while most of the men in the area were off to war. In 1947, while working for a friend and outfitter, his outgoing personality and gift for gab earned him his nickname, Gabby.At 19 years old, Gabby joined the Montana Air National Guard and was quickly called into active duty during the Korean Conflict. Instead of being sent to fight in Korea he and three friends, all from Montana, started a rodeo team supported by their commanding officers. They performed in rodeos in Florida and California, earning them an article in Stars and Stripes. He was later honorably discharged in 1954 and returned home to Augusta working several jobs for friends and family.In 1963, he started his career with the Montana Department of Highways. For 27 years he battled bad weather, changing needs for automobiles, and of course complaining locals. He retired in 1991.Retirement found Gabby fishing for a few weeks before he returned to his true love of ranch work and horsemanship. He continued his life in Augusta, raising his family and working as a ranch hand. He kept working as a hand well into his eighties.Gabby lived out his life where he was born and raised. He always stressed hard work, family, service, and hometown. He was Montana, especially Augusta, thru and thru.He is survived by his loving wife, Bonita of 45 years; daughters Jaimie Livingston (Casey) and April Palmer (Marty); sons Jake White (Sarah), Seth White (Susan) and Robert Geier; brother Kenny White and ex-wife Opal Pocha MacPherson; along with 12 grandchildren and 1 great grandson.He is preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, Norman, Emery, and Donald; and son Brent.A celebration of life will be held at the Augusta Youth Center at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2016.