Marvin Ray Gulick

Marvin Ray Gulick, 65, of Fairfield, Montana, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2017, in Great Falls, Montana, after a short battle with cancer. By God's grace, Marv recently accepted his gift of salvation and professed his faith in Jesus Christ the Lord. Marv was born May 15, 1952 in Havre, Montana. He was the oldest of six children born to Rex and Erma (Moesch) Gulick. Marv grew up on the farm north of Joplin and attended Tingdahl School, which was the local country school. He graduated from Joplin High School in 1970. After graduating, he worked various jobs from oil rigs, road construction, and at the Anaconda Refinery. His search for work took him to California, where he ended up at a Marine recruiting office where he decided to join up. In 1971, he entered basic training at Camp Pendleton near San Diego. During his time in the Marines, he served as a court martial recorder in Cherry Point, North Carolina. Marv was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. After his military service, he attended Northern Montana College in Havre. In 1974, he married his "Pretty Woman," Donna Lalum. This was Marv's special song about Donna. They moved to Fairfield in 1978 and began their own farm life on the Sunny Slope Bench. During those years, he supplemented their income by doing custom trucking, farming, and haying. Many of his customers became his dear and lifelong friends. He later started a local fertilizer business with his sons. Marv and Donna have been blessed with 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandson. Marv's interests were varied. He enjoyed slalom skiing and motorcycles were his passion. He organized a motorcycle benefit rally to help with the expenses during his grandson's cancer treatments. He loved "muscle cars" from his era, rock and roll music, and to enjoy a cold beer while reminiscing with his old and new friends. His total recall would marvel many. He enjoyed telling stories about his 1969 Road Runner to his friends and family. Marv loved people, and strangers weren't strangers very long with Marv. It came natural to him to inspire others. His interest in them was always genuine. He made a point to remember their names. He appreciated giving the opportunity to many young men to learn the value of hard work and life skills. Because of this, his employees often became like family to him. He was the ultimate optimist and “the luckiest, unlucky guy” according to his son-in-law, Tim. He lived the Marine code, "Semper Fi" faithfully, and the Marine Corp motivation of "Yours is not to question why--Yours is but to do or die." And always applied his own personal philosophy: JUST DO IT!! No matter the difficulty, he made it happen, with NO FEAR. He never gave up. He was proud to have been a Marine, and through the years became even more patriotic. He also grew in devotion to his grandchildren. After a head trauma 10 years ago, he applied his code for life – Adapt, Improvise, Overcome! Marv is survived by his wife, Donna; 5 children, Brandi (Tim) Jergenson, Jeremiah (Jenny) Gulick, Michael (Brittany ) Gulick, Joseph Gulick, and Carrie (Chad) Skelton; 13 grandchildren, Caleb, Sophie, Macie and Darla Jergenson, Trace, Tucker, and Trinity Gulick, Kylie, and Jayce Gulick, Allie, Madison, Liam, and Ava Skelton; great-grandson, Theodore Trace; his mother, Erma Gulick of Fairfield; brothers Dave (Sherrie) Gulick and Steve (Vicki) Gulick; sisters Karen (Mike) Johnson, Carol (Nick) Fullerton and Lois (Bill) Meehan; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, Rex Gulick The children would like to extend their most sincere appreciation to their mother for the countless hours of care and devotion through their dad's battle. A memorial service will be held at the Fairfield Community Hall on January 16, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements are being handled by Schnider Funeral Home in Great Falls. Memorials are suggested to the Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department, or the Augusta Volunteer Fire Department.