Gary W. Lahaye

Gary W. Lahaye, 86, of Livingston, MT, passed away on March 17, 2026, with his daughter and son-in-law by his side. Gary was born on February 25, 1940 in Gordon, Nebraska to Willard and Frances Lahaye. He was the eldest of four children being raised in Gordon, Nebraska.

Gary graduated from Gordon High School in 1958 and joined the service. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp from Sept 1958 until Sept 1961. It was a great source of pride for him that he was able to serve his country. Upon returning home he married Joyce Lehman, the love of his life, whom he had met while home on leave. They were married December 30, 1961 and together they built a life centered on family and shared values, raising four children: Chris, Ken, Therese, and Bryan.

Gary worked on ranches in the panhandle of Nebraska until the fall of 1975 when he moved his family to Illinois. This area was not where his heart was and in the fall of 1976 the family moved to be in cattle country. The family moved to the old Keyes place outside Wilsall, Montana until all the kids had graduated. He then worked on several ranches around the Shields Valley and Montana before settling in Wheatland, Wyoming. There, he made his living working with his sons custom haying and running cattle. His heart was still in Montana and in 2003 he moved back to Livingston, Montana which became his permanent home.

Gary cherished two seasons above all others: fall cattle gathering and spring brandings. He found his greatest happiness in a good saddle horse, a reliable working dog, and the rhythm of ranch life. He had a deep love for the western lifestyle and his greatest joys were his horses, dogs, and especially his grandchildren. (Grandpa loved you so much!)

In retirement, Gary expressed his creativity through metal artwork, often showcasing his work at local craft shows/fairs. He spent countless hours supporting his grandchildren in their activities, especially rodeo, basketball, and shooting sports. A passionate outdoorsman, he enjoyed shooting, reloading, and hunting. Gary took great pride in passing those traditions on to the next generation.

Gary is survived by his children: Chris (JimBo) Logan of Clyde Park; Ken (Rhonda) Lahaye of Wilsall, and Therese Lahaye of Pocatello, ID; daughter-in-law Lisa Buss of Wilsall; grandsons Kellen (Giny) Lahaye of Chesterfield, ID; Kody (Justinn) Lahaye of Great Falls, MT; KC Lahaye of Glenrock, WY; and Lane (Neya) Lahaye of Clyde Park; five great-grandchildren Cadence, Mackenzie, Olivia, Kort, and Jax as well as baby girl Lahaye on the way. He is also survived by his brother Rick (Arlene) of Hay Springs, NE; his sister Jan Martin of Gordon, NE, sister-in-law Jan (Al) Weiser of Wheatland, WY; numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved companion Otis (the cat).

He is preceded in death by his parents, son Bryan, wife Joyce and brother Terry.

The family wishes to express our utmost gratitude to “Doc” Mel Anzick, for all the visits he made to the Frontier Assisted Living to visit with Dad. We are forever grateful!

A huge Thank You to Carissa and the staff of Frontier Assisted Living for taking care of Dad for the past 4 ½ years.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11:00am at the Shields Valley Community Center, with military honors and a reception to follow.

Memorial donations may be made to the Livingston Rod and Gun Club or donor’s choice.

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