Clear, 65° F
Gary was born in Valley City, North Dakota, the fourth of six children. He started his first job at age 12 to help support the family. After a move to Billings, Montana he managed the produce department for K-Mart foods while in high school. Later, he managed Denny’s IGA before buying his first store in Bridger.
In his 20s, Gary enjoyed owning “groovy” cars, from a Mustang to Studebaker, ’65 GTO and ’58 Chevy Impala. He’s always enjoyed hiking the Beartooths.
Smitten by sweet exchange students, Gary and a friend rode three-wheeled motorcycles to Guatemala to visit. Their friendship remained to his passing.
The horse racing bug caught Gary in the 1980s. His thoroughbred filly, No Miss Talk, earned Montana Three-Year-Old of the Year.
Quickly, this humble bachelor won over the town of Bridger with his “Hometown Proud” commitment. It’s been said that Gary’s little IGA donated more to the community, youth organizations, and families than Walmart in Billings at the time. This quiet giver enjoyed beautifying downtown Bridger with flowers and art each year.
Gary also purchased the Colstrip IGA. “Once a grocery guy, always a grocery guy.”
Supporting local artists soon flourished into Gary’s most passionate hobby, collecting and displaying western art, artifacts and antiques in a museum-like setting he eagerly shared. Occasionally he would sell treasures in Powell and Cody.
Gary's life focus was helping others, without a thought of recognition. Always thinking less of himself, he showered friends and strangers with grand gestures of radical generosity.
This unsung hero with a gentle spirit will be greatly missed by family, friends and community, not the least of, his little sister of Powell, Laurie Zwemer.
A celebration of life will be July 27 at 1 p.m. in the Bridger High gymnasium.
