Obituary
Gary Fritz of Hardy Creek, age 70, died unexpectedly on Friday, April 8, 2016 of an apparent heart attack while golfing in Great Falls.Gary was born to Matthew and Esther Fritz, on December 22, 1945, the second of three children. He spent his early childhood years traveling with his family due to his fathers work. Gary spent many hours with his father fishing the small creeks around Farmington and Torrington, Wyoming. This was the beginning of a lifetime love of fishing and outdoor resources.He graduated high school in Farmington, New Mexico and continued his formal education at Fort Lewis College in Durango and Colorado State University in Fort Collins with a degree in Water Shed Management. During this time, he married Ann Clark. During the early years of their marriage, Gary and Ann spent a summer in a tent on the banks of the Madison River near Ennis. This was their first real introduction to Montana.Following graduating CSU, Gary attended Officers Candidate School and served in the Army primarily in Germany. His wife, Ann was able to join him in Germany. Their two children, Eric and Kristal were born while Gary was in the service. After his discharge as a Captain, the family returned to Durango where Gary was employed with BLM working on water shed project. As a family they spent many days and hours backpacking, camping, fishing, skiing and enjoying the outdoor resources which have always been an important part of Garys life.Gary and family moved to Helena, MT in 1973 where he was employed by the Department of Natural Resources in the water resources department. Gary was the Division Administrator of the Water Resources Department when he retired in June 1997.Gary married Elaine Geary Olsen in 1986. They resided in Helena, until building their home on the banks of the Missouri River at Hardy Creek, MT. Gary did much of the construction himself, as well as developing a beautiful yard and orchard while maintaining the integrity of the natural surroundings and riparian area.After his retirement, Gary started his business, Osprey Expeditions guiding and fishing on the Missouri. Due to Garys expertise, work ethic and genuine respect for the resources and the people he guided, his business flourished as did the friendships. Clients soon became close friends who mattered greatly to Gary. His success as an outfitter was measured by the deep and enduring relationships he developed through his business. A highlight of Garys guiding career was the 6 months in Chili guiding on several major rivers.Through his semi retirement, Gary continued to enjoy backpacking, skiing, hunting, and most recently golf. Friends were important to Gary but nothing was more important than his family and particularly his grandchildren. He loved to share his love of the outdoors, fishing, hunting, hiking and backpacking with them as he did with his children. He traveled often to their homes to share his time. They in return have many memories of those experiences and his love of nature. Mostly recently, Gary reconnected with archery so he could enjoy another activity with his son.It is not possible to describe Garys life without including his relationship with his border collie, Rio. Rio passed away recently after enriching Garys life for 15 years. Following Rios death, Gary commented that the 15 years he shared with Rio had provided him with incredible joy, pleasure and camaraderie. The pair spent hours on the river. Rio enjoyed the boat and fishing experiences as much as the clients. Rio had to check out each fish and approve before it was returned to the flow.Come dance with the west wind and touch mountain topsSail over canyons and up to the starsand reach for the heavens and hope for the futureAnd all that we can be and not what we are(John Denver, The Eagle and the Hawk)Gary is survived by his wife, Elaine; children Eric (Sarah) Fritz and Kristal (Geoff) Fritz Bertonneau; step children, Brian (Maria) Olsen and Kara (Mikel) Libster; grandchildren, Matthew and Tyler Fritz, Zander and Sophia Bertonneau, Madeline, David and Oliva Olsen and Samantha Libster; sister Valerie Fritz; niece Ruth Nakamura; and nephews Jeremiah and Daniel Fritz.He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Roger.A memorial on the banks of the river will be held at a later date.Memorials in Garys name may be made to: Montana Land Reliance, PO Box 355, Helena, MT 59624-7027, Gary Fritz Grandchildren Fund, Rocky Mountain Credit Union, 1820 11th Ave., Helena, MT 59601, or Casey Eye Institute, OHSU Foundation, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239-3098, www.ohsu.edu.
Gary Fritz of Hardy Creek, age 70, died unexpectedly on Friday, April 8, 2016 of an apparent heart attack while golfing in Great Falls.Gary was born to Matthew and Esther Fritz, on December 22, 1945, the second of three children. He spent his early childhood years traveling with his family due to his fathers work. Gary spent many hours with his father fishing the small creeks around Farmington and Torrington, Wyoming. This was the beginning of a lifetime love of fishing and outdoor resources.He graduated high school in Farmington, New Mexico and continued his formal education at Fort Lewis College in Durango and Colorado State University in Fort Collins with a degree in Water Shed Management. During this time, he married Ann Clark. During the early years of their marriage, Gary and Ann spent a summer in a tent on the banks of the Madison River near Ennis. This was their first real introduction to Montana.Following graduating CSU, Gary attended Officers Candidate School and served in the Army primarily in Germany. His wife, Ann was able to join him in Germany. Their two children, Eric and Kristal were born while Gary was in the service. After his discharge as a Captain, the family returned to Durango where Gary was employed with BLM working on water shed project. As a family they spent many days and hours backpacking, camping, fishing, skiing and enjoying the outdoor resources which have always been an important part of Garys life.Gary and family moved to Helena, MT in 1973 where he was employed by the Department of Natural Resources in the water resources department. Gary was the Division Administrator of the Water Resources Department when he retired in June 1997.Gary married Elaine Geary Olsen in 1986. They resided in Helena, until building their home on the banks of the Missouri River at Hardy Creek, MT. Gary did much of the construction himself, as well as developing a beautiful yard and orchard while maintaining the integrity of the natural surroundings and riparian area.After his retirement, Gary started his business, Osprey Expeditions guiding and fishing on the Missouri. Due to Garys expertise, work ethic and genuine respect for the resources and the people he guided, his business flourished as did the friendships. Clients soon became close friends who mattered greatly to Gary. His success as an outfitter was measured by the deep and enduring relationships he developed through his business. A highlight of Garys guiding career was the 6 months in Chili guiding on several major rivers.Through his semi retirement, Gary continued to enjoy backpacking, skiing, hunting, and most recently golf. Friends were important to Gary but nothing was more important than his family and particularly his grandchildren. He loved to share his love of the outdoors, fishing, hunting, hiking and backpacking with them as he did with his children. He traveled often to their homes to share his time. They in return have many memories of those experiences and his love of nature. Mostly recently, Gary reconnected with archery so he could enjoy another activity with his son.It is not possible to describe Garys life without including his relationship with his border collie, Rio. Rio passed away recently after enriching Garys life for 15 years. Following Rios death, Gary commented that the 15 years he shared with Rio had provided him with incredible joy, pleasure and camaraderie. The pair spent hours on the river. Rio enjoyed the boat and fishing experiences as much as the clients. Rio had to check out each fish and approve before it was returned to the flow.Come dance with the west wind and touch mountain topsSail over canyons and up to the starsand reach for the heavens and hope for the futureAnd all that we can be and not what we are(John Denver, The Eagle and the Hawk)Gary is survived by his wife, Elaine; children Eric (Sarah) Fritz and Kristal (Geoff) Fritz Bertonneau; step children, Brian (Maria) Olsen and Kara (Mikel) Libster; grandchildren, Matthew and Tyler Fritz, Zander and Sophia Bertonneau, Madeline, David and Oliva Olsen and Samantha Libster; sister Valerie Fritz; niece Ruth Nakamura; and nephews Jeremiah and Daniel Fritz.He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Roger.A memorial on the banks of the river will be held at a later date.Memorials in Garys name may be made to: Montana Land Reliance, PO Box 355, Helena, MT 59624-7027, Gary Fritz Grandchildren Fund, Rocky Mountain Credit Union, 1820 11th Ave., Helena, MT 59601, or Casey Eye Institute, OHSU Foundation, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239-3098, www.ohsu.edu.
Obituary
Gary Fritz of Hardy Creek, age 70, died unexpectedly on Friday, April 8, 2016 of an apparent heart attack while golfing in Great Falls.Gary was born to Matthew and Esther Fritz, on December 22, 1945, the second of three children. He spent his early childhood years traveling with his family due to his fathers work. Gary spent many hours with his father fishing the small creeks around Farmington and Torrington, Wyoming. This was the beginning of a lifetime love of fishing and outdoor resources.He graduated high school in Farmington, New Mexico and continued his formal education at Fort Lewis College in Durango and Colorado State University in Fort Collins with a degree in Water Shed Management. During this time, he married Ann Clark. During the early years of their marriage, Gary and Ann spent a summer in a tent on the banks of the Madison River near Ennis. This was their first real introduction to Montana.Following graduating CSU, Gary attended Officers Candidate School and served in the Army primarily in Germany. His wife, Ann was able to join him in Germany. Their two children, Eric and Kristal were born while Gary was in the service. After his discharge as a Captain, the family returned to Durango where Gary was employed with BLM working on water shed project. As a family they spent many days and hours backpacking, camping, fishing, skiing and enjoying the outdoor resources which have always been an important part of Garys life.Gary and family moved to Helena, MT in 1973 where he was employed by the Department of Natural Resources in the water resources department. Gary was the Division Administrator of the Water Resources Department when he retired in June 1997.Gary married Elaine Geary Olsen in 1986. They resided in Helena, until building their home on the banks of the Missouri River at Hardy Creek, MT. Gary did much of the construction himself, as well as developing a beautiful yard and orchard while maintaining the integrity of the natural surroundings and riparian area.After his retirement, Gary started his business, Osprey Expeditions guiding and fishing on the Missouri. Due to Garys expertise, work ethic and genuine respect for the resources and the people he guided, his business flourished as did the friendships. Clients soon became close friends who mattered greatly to Gary. His success as an outfitter was measured by the deep and enduring relationships he developed through his business. A highlight of Garys guiding career was the 6 months in Chili guiding on several major rivers.Through his semi retirement, Gary continued to enjoy backpacking, skiing, hunting, and most recently golf. Friends were important to Gary but nothing was more important than his family and particularly his grandchildren. He loved to share his love of the outdoors, fishing, hunting, hiking and backpacking with them as he did with his children. He traveled often to their homes to share his time. They in return have many memories of those experiences and his love of nature. Mostly recently, Gary reconnected with archery so he could enjoy another activity with his son.It is not possible to describe Garys life without including his relationship with his border collie, Rio. Rio passed away recently after enriching Garys life for 15 years. Following Rios death, Gary commented that the 15 years he shared with Rio had provided him with incredible joy, pleasure and camaraderie. The pair spent hours on the river. Rio enjoyed the boat and fishing experiences as much as the clients. Rio had to check out each fish and approve before it was returned to the flow.Come dance with the west wind and touch mountain topsSail over canyons and up to the starsand reach for the heavens and hope for the futureAnd all that we can be and not what we are(John Denver, The Eagle and the Hawk)Gary is survived by his wife, Elaine; children Eric (Sarah) Fritz and Kristal (Geoff) Fritz Bertonneau; step children, Brian (Maria) Olsen and Kara (Mikel) Libster; grandchildren, Matthew and Tyler Fritz, Zander and Sophia Bertonneau, Madeline, David and Oliva Olsen and Samantha Libster; sister Valerie Fritz; niece Ruth Nakamura; and nephews Jeremiah and Daniel Fritz.He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Roger.A memorial on the banks of the river will be held at a later date.Memorials in Garys name may be made to: Montana Land Reliance, PO Box 355, Helena, MT 59624-7027, Gary Fritz Grandchildren Fund, Rocky Mountain Credit Union, 1820 11th Ave., Helena, MT 59601, or Casey Eye Institute, OHSU Foundation, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239-3098, www.ohsu.edu.
Gary Fritz of Hardy Creek, age 70, died unexpectedly on Friday, April 8, 2016 of an apparent heart attack while golfing in Great Falls.Gary was born to Matthew and Esther Fritz, on December 22, 1945, the second of three children. He spent his early childhood years traveling with his family due to his fathers work. Gary spent many hours with his father fishing the small creeks around Farmington and Torrington, Wyoming. This was the beginning of a lifetime love of fishing and outdoor resources.He graduated high school in Farmington, New Mexico and continued his formal education at Fort Lewis College in Durango and Colorado State University in Fort Collins with a degree in Water Shed Management. During this time, he married Ann Clark. During the early years of their marriage, Gary and Ann spent a summer in a tent on the banks of the Madison River near Ennis. This was their first real introduction to Montana.Following graduating CSU, Gary attended Officers Candidate School and served in the Army primarily in Germany. His wife, Ann was able to join him in Germany. Their two children, Eric and Kristal were born while Gary was in the service. After his discharge as a Captain, the family returned to Durango where Gary was employed with BLM working on water shed project. As a family they spent many days and hours backpacking, camping, fishing, skiing and enjoying the outdoor resources which have always been an important part of Garys life.Gary and family moved to Helena, MT in 1973 where he was employed by the Department of Natural Resources in the water resources department. Gary was the Division Administrator of the Water Resources Department when he retired in June 1997.Gary married Elaine Geary Olsen in 1986. They resided in Helena, until building their home on the banks of the Missouri River at Hardy Creek, MT. Gary did much of the construction himself, as well as developing a beautiful yard and orchard while maintaining the integrity of the natural surroundings and riparian area.After his retirement, Gary started his business, Osprey Expeditions guiding and fishing on the Missouri. Due to Garys expertise, work ethic and genuine respect for the resources and the people he guided, his business flourished as did the friendships. Clients soon became close friends who mattered greatly to Gary. His success as an outfitter was measured by the deep and enduring relationships he developed through his business. A highlight of Garys guiding career was the 6 months in Chili guiding on several major rivers.Through his semi retirement, Gary continued to enjoy backpacking, skiing, hunting, and most recently golf. Friends were important to Gary but nothing was more important than his family and particularly his grandchildren. He loved to share his love of the outdoors, fishing, hunting, hiking and backpacking with them as he did with his children. He traveled often to their homes to share his time. They in return have many memories of those experiences and his love of nature. Mostly recently, Gary reconnected with archery so he could enjoy another activity with his son.It is not possible to describe Garys life without including his relationship with his border collie, Rio. Rio passed away recently after enriching Garys life for 15 years. Following Rios death, Gary commented that the 15 years he shared with Rio had provided him with incredible joy, pleasure and camaraderie. The pair spent hours on the river. Rio enjoyed the boat and fishing experiences as much as the clients. Rio had to check out each fish and approve before it was returned to the flow.Come dance with the west wind and touch mountain topsSail over canyons and up to the starsand reach for the heavens and hope for the futureAnd all that we can be and not what we are(John Denver, The Eagle and the Hawk)Gary is survived by his wife, Elaine; children Eric (Sarah) Fritz and Kristal (Geoff) Fritz Bertonneau; step children, Brian (Maria) Olsen and Kara (Mikel) Libster; grandchildren, Matthew and Tyler Fritz, Zander and Sophia Bertonneau, Madeline, David and Oliva Olsen and Samantha Libster; sister Valerie Fritz; niece Ruth Nakamura; and nephews Jeremiah and Daniel Fritz.He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Roger.A memorial on the banks of the river will be held at a later date.Memorials in Garys name may be made to: Montana Land Reliance, PO Box 355, Helena, MT 59624-7027, Gary Fritz Grandchildren Fund, Rocky Mountain Credit Union, 1820 11th Ave., Helena, MT 59601, or Casey Eye Institute, OHSU Foundation, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239-3098, www.ohsu.edu.
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