Gary Lee Shypkowski

Gary Lee Shypkowski, 56 of Seeley Lake, passed away on June 4, 2020 at his home.
Gary was born Sept. 12, 1963 in Bowman, North Dakota, to Donald and Ann Shypkowski.
Upon graduating high school in North Dakota, Gary married Brenda Huston (Marquart). After
marriage, they made their way to Montana. In 1988 they had their first child, Eric followed by
twin boys Levi and Luke in 1990. Not long after the twins were born Gary and Brenda returned
to North Dakota where he worked at TMI, a cabinet making business where he was later
diagnosed with COPD from exposure to lung irritants.
In 1994, Gary and Brenda moved the family back to Montana and later divorced.
While working as a Service Manager at Bretz Rv, Gary attended and graduated with honors
from The University of Montana with a degree in electronic communications. It was shortly after
he began his career with the Montana Highway Patrol. In 2009 he was hurt on the job and
medically discharged. Throughout his later years, Gary returned to work at Bretz Rv and also
worked at Paws Up Ranch in Greenough, MT.
Gary’s dog, Specks, was his best companion and he never missed an opportunity to take him
for a walk. Gary was also a very proud grandfather and never missed an opportunity to watch
his grandchildren grow.
Gary loved being able to share his knowledge and passions with everyone around him. He was
a true “jack of all trades”. There was nothing he couldn't fix, no fish he couldn't catch, no deer he
couldn't track, and there was for sure no beaver getting by his trap.
It was through his knowledge and experiences his sons are men they are today.
Gary is survived by his mother, Ann of Dickinson, North Dakota; children: Eric (Brittney) of
Corvallis, Levi (Ashlee) of Stevensville, Luke (Jorden) of Missoula; siblings: Ed (JoEllen) of
Dickinson, North Dakota, Donna (Gery) Fichter of Rapid City, South Dakota; grandchildren:
Kayson, Finley, Rylee, Hadley, Aspen; and many other family and friends.
Gary is preceded in death by his father, Donald.