Obituary: Dick Gannon

Richard "Dick" Gannon, 81, died on Jan.25, 2023, surrounded by the love of his family. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Gannon of Lincoln; children, Steve (Peggy) Gannon of Fort Benton, Doris Anne (Steve) Schoenecker of Corvallis, Joanie (Bill) Kieffer of Richland Washington, Jerome (Amy) Gannon of Missoula, and Richard (Jennifer) Gannon of Cut Bank. He leaves behind numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

One of nine children, Dick is survived by siblings, Jack Gannon, Rita (Dan) Sands, Tom (Bonnie) Gannon, Mary (Bob) Rearden, and Ed (Diane) Gannon. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Theresa Nelson Gannon and his siblings, Theresa Oberts, Joe Gannon, and Luke LeMieux.

Dick was born in Great Falls, graduated from Great Falls Central High School and from the College of Great Falls with a degree in history. He put the college history degree to good work by becoming a farmer and rancher near Sun River. Dick and Theresa bought a small ranch just north of the Square Butte in 1964. He and Theresa raised all five children at their beautiful home filled with love, laughter, and countless friends. He became a community leader in the Sun River Valley and, with his neighbors, was instrumental in developing the Two Buttes water district which continues to serve homes in the area. He was a member of St. Ann's parish for more than 50 years.

He loved the outdoors and animals. He was never far away from a good saddle horse or cow dog. Most of his animals could do tricks; including a cat who could jump through a hoop on command, a cow dog who could recognize bankers by smell and a horse who could walk into the house to drink water out of the sink.

Early in Dick's life, Grover Comer, a true stockman, mentor and friend, sixty years Dick's senior, left his mark. Both men forgot more than most people know about horses, teams and cattle. Dick could geld a horse, fix a combine and mix a stiff drink all in an afternoon. Dick was a fantastic storyteller - always with a blurred line somewhere between the truth and fiction.

Dick's first wife Theresa died in 2006. In 2008, Dick somehow convinced Debbie Newman of Cut Bank to marry him. They sold the ranch in Sun River in 2016 and moved full time to Lincoln. Dick enjoyed his Lincoln "Cow Camp" and quickly assimilated into the Lincoln community whether they wanted him or not.

A friend to all, Dick developed a technique that his kids would later name combat hospitality. Hospitality at all costs. If anyone ever needed a ride, a meal, or a place to stay, Dick was more than happy to volunteer his wife and kids to do the work.

A vigil will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, with a funeral liturgy at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, both at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Great Falls. Burial will take place at Sun River Cemetery following the service.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff of Highgate Senior Living who took great care of him the last few months of his life.

"God bless all the poor farmers" - Dick Gannon's Daily Prayer