Gary Lee O'Dell

Gary Lee O'Dell of Hamilton, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, passed away in the arms of his loving family on January 28th after a brief illness. He was 64 years old.

Gary was born on May 22, 1949 to Edward and Opal (Atwood) O'Dell in Los Angeles, California. After short periods living in Deer Lodge, Montana, and Grass Valley, California, the family eventually settled in Victor, Montana in 1965.

While attending High School in Victor, he met the love of his life, Ardie Gilbert. The couple was married on February 17, 1967. Their first son, Keary, as born in September of 1967, and another son, Korey, joined them in December 1969.

Gary worked hard his entire life to provide for his family, from early years as a filling station attendant, moving on to owning his own television and stereo repair business, and eventually becoming a licensed electrician. He became a master electrician in 1985 and worked in that profession until his retirement in 2008.

His interests were varied, he never did anything halfway. In younger years he was an avid hunter, making lifelong memories with both of his sons that they will treasure always and pass on to their own children. Their family life was filled with camping trips, picnics, family get togethers at holidays and other times, family vacations and just the joys of being together. He later mastered the art of flying radio controlled aircraft, built and maintained his own planes, and enjoyed this hobby for the rest of his life.

After raising two boys, he finally got girls to spoil when his sons married. His daughters-in-law, Holly and Tracy, were not ever considered "in laws", they were his daughters, and they shared a bond that was both beautiful and special.

When grandchildren came into his life, he joyfully jumped into the role of "Grandpa" with unconditional love, support, humor, and a positive approach to life that all of us will carry with us forever. He truly was a man in a million, and will be a hard act to follow.

Gary is survived by his wife, Ardie, at the family home in Hamilton, his son Keary and wife Tracy, of Kalispell, son Korey, and wife Holly, of Kalispell, grandsons Troy, Nathan, Thomas, Noah, and Kieran, and granddaughters Ashlee, Hannah and Emy. He is also survived by two sisters he only came to know later in life, Vicki Fitzpatrick and Diane Brown, brothers and sisters-in law, nieces, nephews and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Esther Irene Cooper.