Gary Dean Pelton, 59

Gary Dean Pelton, 59, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell.

Gary was born on July 13, 1959, in Orofino, Idaho, and was welcomed by his parents Dale and Elaine Pelton, big brother Dougie, and grandparents Adron and Nell Pelton of Ahsahka, Idaho, and Bess and JW Brandt of Orofino. In 1961 the duo became a trio with the birth of baby brother Dana and later, a quartet, with Mindy born in Sandpoint, Idaho. The family moved to Kalispell where Gary excelled in sports including football and wrestling, which he lettered in throughout his high school career. Gary was an avid artist; his mediums spanned from photography to drawing to sculpture. Gary loved role-playing games and was a fierce dungeon master, many characters met their demise in his precisely created scenarios. Gary loved history and was always the elephant in the room — not just his size but with his wit and memory! No one ever won an argument with Gary; he always had the facts on his side and the tenacity to bend you to his will. Gary was a giant in stature and in heart and everyone who crossed his path has a memory to share — he was just that kind of person. Gary worked during his high school years at Uncle Dean and Aunt Judy Brandt’s sawmill in Orofino, and Uncle John and Aunt Norma Brandt’s hardware store in Stites, Idaho. Gary loved working with people and was fiercely loyal to his friends and family.

Gary graduated from Flathead High School in 1978 and went on to study health and human services at Flathead Valley Community College, earning his associate’s degree. Gary worked with his father at Kalispell Pole & Timber for many years. He later worked at a hobby store where he regaled customers with his vast knowledge and love of models and comics.

Gary struggled with diabetes and dementia and his poor body was overcome by the ravage of these diseases.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his father Elbert Dale Pelton, brother Douglas Dale Pelton, and his loving uncle, John Walter Brandt II.

Gary is survived by his wife, CB, in Kalispell; his mother, Elaine Pelton, of San Antonio, Texas; brother, Dana and family, in Collinsville, Oklahoma; sister, Mindy and family in San Antonio; Dean and Judy Brandt and family in Orofino, and Norma Brandt and family in Kooskia Idaho; and family and friends around the world.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your favorite charity in memory of Gary.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.