Douglas S Gaut

Doug Gaut, 74, of Ninemile, passed away on Friday, Oct. 28, 2016, at St. Patrick Hospital of natural causes while surrounded by his family.

Doug was born in Inglewood, California, on April 22, 1942, and during his formative years he traveled and spent summers in Wyoming helping out on the family ranch.

This taste of country life, of horses and roping, convinced him that city living was not for him. After graduating high school, he joined the army and was stationed in Germany before eventually making his way to Montana.

Soon after landing in Montana, he bought a piece of property in the Ninemile, and that great valley has never been the same since his boots set down. He met Barbara a few months later and promptly told her on the first date that “he wasn’t the marrying type.” Three months later, he asked for her hand in marriage. (Anybody who knew Doug knows he had good sense!)

In 1971 Doug and Barb bought the 9 Mile House and built what would become the heart of the community for the next four decades. Doug loved to ride, so he built an arena and put on jackpot roping for the community. He also loved to fish, and would bring home kokanee from Flathead Lake to throw fish fry parties for everyone. Most of all, Doug enjoyed including his neighbors when reveling in the good things in life.

His three children, Matthew, Katie, and Jerry, were the favorite part of his life. He followed them from tee ball to college football across the state and beyond, rarely missing a game. Some of his greatest joys were pulling them behind the boat in the inner tube, seeing their faces after hooking into a big lake trout, or playing practical jokes with his right hand man Freddie the Mouse; anything he could do to get a laugh or a smile. He knew more than most the value of bringing joy to others.

Doug remained dedicated to the schools and community even after his children graduated. In addition to serving as a founding member of the Frenchtown Stadium Fund, he continued to attend games and support the Broncs and the Ronan Maidens up until the very end.

Later in life, he beat throat cancer and endured a hard-fought battle with multiple sclerosis. Through it all, no one ever heard him utter a word of complaint. In his final days he still found room for humor, making faces at his grandkid, looking for one last laugh from the crowd.

Doug is survived by his wife Barb, their three children, four grandchildren and his brother and sister. Freddie the Mouse also lives on.

In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made to the Pablo Humane Society.

A celebration of Doug’s humor, love, and generosity will be held at KJ’s Ninemile Steakhouse on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. Please bring your stories to share.