Gary W Hein

– Gary W. Hein beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015, at his home in Missoula. He was born Oct. 23, 1947, in Billings. His family moved to Missoula in 1950.

He is survived by his wife, Dell Hein; his son, Kristopher Hein (and wife Lindsay); his daughter, Jaclyn Sheridan (and husband Tad Sheridan); his grandchildren, Talon Hein, Brody Hein and Cole Sheridan; and his sisters, Renee Kemker (husband Gary Adams); and Judy Mock (husband Lynn Mock).

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Walter Hein; his mother, Linda Hein; and an infant sister, Cheryl Hein.

Gary Hein graduated from Missoula County High School in June of 1965. He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1969 with a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. He attended Texas A&M University in College Station Texas, and earned a master's degree in civil engineering, specializing in waste water management. In 1983, he attended National University in San Diego, where he received a master's degree in business administration.

He served in the United States Navy for 22 years until his retirement in July of 1991 with the rank of commander. He was a respected officer, leader and man who honorably served this great country with integrity and courage. His life in the Navy took him to the following commands and duty stations:

1. Flight student, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida

2. Communications officer, USS Damato DD 871

3. Communications officer, DESRON36, Vietnam

4. Officer programs officer, Naval Recruiting District, Raleigh, North Carolina

5. Assistant public works officer/AROICC, Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan

6. Student, Texas A&M University, College Station

7. Executive officer, Amphibious Construction Battalion-1 (SeaBees), San Diego

8. Assistant resident officer in charge of construction (AROICC), San Diego

9. Deputy ROICC, San Diego

10. Production officer, Public Works Center, Subic, Philippines

11. Deputy director, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, I/FRR, The Pentagon

12. FAC 20P Naval Facilities Engineering Command Headquarters, Washington, D.C.

He received the following awards while in service:

1. The Defense Superior Service Medal

2. The Meritorious Service Medal

3. National Defense Service Medal

4. The Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star

5. The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

6. The Expert Rifleman Medal

7. The Expert Pistol Shot Ribbon

8. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor and Gold Star

9. Combat Action Ribbon

10. Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon with Three Bronze Stars

11. Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon

12. National Defense Service Ribbon

13. The Republic of Viet Nam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Ribbon

14. The Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon with Two Bronze Stars

Upon retirement from the Navy in 1991, Gary moved his family to Missoula. He was employed by WGM Group as a civil engineering consultant. As a respected and well-loved leader, he was in charge of a number of large and significant public works projects for WGM Group, which enhanced the infrastructure systems of the City of Missoula. He retired from WGM Group in 2007.

Gary was a man of quiet strength and character, and a true leader of men. All who knew him felt his calm and loyal demeanor; and his words of wisdom were always heard with thankful ears. Whether in the Navy, or in private industry, his education, leadership and character earned him the admiration and respect of all who knew, or worked with him. He will be sorely missed by his family, his work associates, and all who had the privilege to know him. We know he will be watching down on his family with love.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. at Sunset Memorial.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a veterans support group of your choice, or a charity of your choosing in the name of Gary W. Hein. Thank you.

Messages of condolences may be sent to missoulafuneralhomes.com.


Read Gary Hein's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.