Dennis "Denny" McGee

After a courageous battle with lung cancer, at the age of 71, Denny was taken from this earth and we lost a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. In the weeks preceding his death, he was surrounded by those he loved most and left us peacefully. Although our hearts ache with the loss, we are comforted by his generous spirit and rejoice in a lifetime of happy memories.

Dennis Allan McGee was born March 23, 1944, in Missoula, the place where he would build his life. He attended Missoula County High School and with the help of his sweetheart, graduated in 1962. Besides helping him complete algebra homework, Lynda Dianne Smith stole his heart and they were married Dec. 8 later that year. Over the next 55 years, Denny and Lynda created a world filled with love and laughter for their three boys: Rob, Ryan and Danny. Family gatherings always involved "enough food to feed an army" and, although Denny might have teased about the production of it all, he always cherished quality time with those he loved.

Family was always the centerpiece of his life. Lynda was not only his one true love, but also his greatest "partner in crime." The pair sustained a tremendous friendship that could be seen in their many adventures: relaxing at Flathead Lake, traveling to Hawaii, snowmobiling around Montana and shenanigans at Salmon Lake.

Each of Denny's sons had a long-lasting and unique bond with their father. Camping, golfing and having a few beers were common pastimes of the four McGee men – always appreciating time together. When the boys were growing up, Denny coached Little League baseball and became a father figure to many of the players. He even had three All-Star teams under his belt!

A man with an unprecedented work ethic, Denny was employed at Stone Container for 39 years and later another five years at the University of Montana power plant. In retirement, Denny found the best of both worlds as he worked with his son Ryan doing environmental engineering inspections through his own McGoo's Maintenance & Consulting. Throughout his professional life, he fostered meaningful relationships and connections, all the while showing that his life's greatest work was providing for his family and being a present husband, father and grandpa.

Denny was loved by more than just a handful of people; everyone who met him could feel his love for the simple things in life and see how he cherished those around him. Each day, as his coffee Thermos slowly turned into a Miller Lite mug, you might find him in his shop working on his beloved Chevy Impala or passing along his vast mechanic knowledge to his son, Danny.

Some of his favorite times were spent going to (and winning at!) local car shows, rooting for his favorite NASCAR racer, Jeff Gordon, or scheming his next trip to Las Vegas to visit his eldest son, Rob. In his later years, Denny loved escaping the harsh Montana winters for some sunshine and the lights of Fremont Street. When he did find time alone, Denny's curious nature led him to avidly read up on politics, history and even the Harry Potter novels – a series he read alongside his grandchildren.

Denny will be dearly missed, but his spirit will continue to shape our family and his memory will be carried on by those he loved. Through unconditional love, Denny had an effortless way of imparting life's important lessons. He has left us better and we are forever grateful.

Denny was preceded in death by his grandparents, Howard and Minnie Jewett; and his parents, Betty and Orville McGee. Denny is survived by his wife, Lynda McGee; sons, Robert D. (Cheri) McGee, Ryan D. (Brenda) McGee and Daniel A. (Barbara) McGee; sister in-law, Roberta J. Smith; grandchildren, Amanda, Lindsey, Elena, Jennae, Tessa, Jacob, Brandon, Jessica, Shannon and Phinnian; brother, Tim McGee; and niece, Shaunna McGee.

A celebration of Denny's life will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. A time for public viewing will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. A reception and gathering will immediately follow the ceremony at the McGee Home. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, Denny would want any memorials to be donated to a cancer prevention or treatment charity of your choice. Condolences for the family may be left at missoulafuneralhomes.com.

"We love you to the moon and back!"

Read Dennis McGee's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.