John Stephen Gilpatrick was born on March 10, 1935, in Lewistown, Montana, to Stephen Fergus Gilpatrick and Helen Mary (Nellie) Deffinbaugh Gilpatrick. It was a record-setting cold day. He passed from this life on August 4, 2020. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Lewistown.
He attended grade school in Hilger; he graduated from Fergus County High School in 1953 as salutatorian of his class. On June 6, 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Monette Alene Gilmore. They raised their three children on the ranch east of Hilger.
John was an avid wildlife advocate. He passed his love for hunting, fishing, and all things outdoors to his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren.
One of John’s passions was writing. He often wrote poems for special occasions. Perhaps he will be most remembered for his letters to the editor.
John is survived by his sister, Mona (Don) Freshour of Helena; his children, Stephen (Michele) Gilpatrick of Hilger, Lynn Gilpatrick of Bozeman, and Jana (Mark) Hanner of Abilene, Texas. He will be greatly missed by his biggest admirers who were his nine grandchildren and his sixteen great-grandchildren.
A Celebration for John will be held later this fall; cremation has taken place. Memorials can be made to the charity of your choice.
Creel Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. Please share memories and condolences at
www.creelfuneralhome.com