Bernard Neil Gress

Bernard "Bernie" Gress, 87, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday August 24, 2024. He was born in Hamilton, Montana on December 2, 1936, the only child to John and Agatha (Skalsky) Gress. Bernie lived a life rich with humor and joyful memories, leaving a legacy his family will treasure for years to come. He was a true jokester at heart.

The childhood memory that Bernie would talk about most often was the time when he earned his 8th-grade diploma. He would recount this milestone with pride and a touch of humor, mentioning how he was the sole 8th grader set to graduate that year but missed the ceremony because he had come down with chicken pox.

While employed at Intermountain Lumber Company, he met his soulmate, Martha May Caluori. They were joined in marriage on August 25, 1956. Together, they welcomed four children into the world: Richard, Diane, Vyonne, and Timothy.

He went on to work for Van Evans. In 1980, he travelled to Great Falls to learn tack repair and how to build saddles. This new skill set prompted him to open Five Valley Saddlery in Missoula, which he later relocated to Victor until his retirement. His interest in horses and packing guided him towards this profession. He spent countless hours horseback riding with friends and family. As a member of the Back Country Horseman, he developed new friendships and enjoyed numerous trail rides. For many years, he enjoyed packing into the Bob Marshall Wilderness with his horses, Andy and Kizmet.

Bernie was passionate about training his black labs, Tiki and Toby, for field trials. Many of these competitions were held nearby in the Miller Creek area and at Nine Pipes near Allentown, though he sometimes traveled as far north as Canada and as far south as Arizona. These competitions earned him numerous trophies and helped create cherished memories with his family. Throughout his years with dogs, Bernie also raised a few litters of puppies, resulting in making lifelong friendships. Later in life, he developed a soft spot in his heart for his corgis, Bowie and Little "B".

After retirement, Bernie and Martha embraced the snowbird lifestyle, spending every winter in Yuma, AZ, until 2018. Their stays in Yuma allowed them to create lasting memories with both friends and family. Bernie enjoyed desert walks, scooter rides, poker games, and attending local potluck dinners. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting deer and ducks, fishing, and water skiing. Together with Martha, he loved taking their grandchildren camping, with trips to places like Indian Trees Campground, Fairmount Hot Springs, Crystal Mountain and Browns Lake.

Bernie was a life-long member of the Moose Lodge and a member of Good Sam's Club giving him and Martha plenty of adventures while being camp hosts.

Bernie's children fondly recall some of his favorite sayings, including "Never force anything," "Just get a bigger hammer," and "Don't take any wooden nickels." He often would say, "Don't let the bed bugs bite" and humorously declared, "The four-letter word WORK is a bad word." Additionally, whenever someone said, "See you later, Alligator" as they were leaving, he would reply with a smile, "After a while, Crocodile."

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to both past and current caregivers for their loving and caring support, which enabled Bernie to continue living at home. A special thank you to Terry from Grace Hospice for her invaluable assistance during the final stages of his life.

Bernie is survived by his wife Martha of 68 years. Children; Diane Godfrey (Hershel), Vyonne Moran (Lawrence) and Timothy Gress (Jennifer). Grandchildren; Gini Kay (Tim), Cassie Moran (Nathan Teats), Jacob Moran (Paige Vincelette), Lea Smith (Justin) and Taya Brown (Justin), Moriah Hein (Jarom) and Joshua Godfrey. Great Grandchildren: Kaeleigh Starkey, Allison and Kendall Moran-Teats, Wella, Freya, Atlas and Grey Hein and baby Smith whom is due in February 2025.

Family that proceeds him in death are his parents John and Agatha (Skalsky) Gress, In-laws Martin and Margaret (Schaff) Caluori, Son; Richard Gress, Grandson; Jonathan Moran, Great Grandson; Fox Hein.

Mass of Resurrection is scheduled for August 29, 2024 at 10:30am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with Father Paul Cochran officiating. 420 W. Pine St.

Missoula, MT with a luncheon to follow in the Parrish Hall. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Moran Residence 12855 Turah Road, Turah, MT. Everyone is invited to join Bernie's family to share stories.

Burial will take place at a later date at St. Mary's Annex Cemetery where his son, Richard has been laid to rest.

The family requests any donations be made to Grace Hospice of Missoula County, P.O. Box 212, Clinton, MT 59825