Clayton Gregory

Clayton L. Gregory, age 78, passed peacefully in his Florence Montana home as the sun sank below the Bitterroot mountains on the evening of February 19th, surrounded by family, ending his battle with cancer.

 

Clay was born on September 17, 1946 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula to Herbert E. Gregory and Alice Clawson. Raised by a single dad, Clay and his two brothers, Russell and Don lived in Hamilton, Ashton Idaho, and Ovando before settling in Drummond. Clay graduated from Granite County High School in Philipsburg, Montana in the spring of 1964 and shortly after met the love of his life, Dee Ellen Maxson. In September 1965 Clay enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Before his honorable discharge on January 3, 1969, Clay served a tour in Vietnam stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air Force base. In November of 1965 Clay married Dee and together they welcomed their daughter Deborah Dawn Gregory. Returning to Montana after leaving the Air Force, Clay joined his brother Don on the Missoula Police Department in June of 1970.  In June of 1990, after 20 years with the MPD, Clay retired as Captain of Uniform Patrol. After retirement, Clay and Dee moved to Las Vegas where Clay continued working in law enforcement for the State of Nevada.  In June of 2000 they moved back to Montana settling in the beautiful Bitterroot valley.

 

On any Wednesday mornings Clay could be found discussing grand plans with his friends over coffee at KT’s Hayloft in Lolo.  Otherwise his little white car would be found at the Florence Fishing access where he would meet with the “Bridge Club” to discuss and solve the problems of the world and pick up trash by the river, watch the wildlife and meet interesting people.  Until essential tremors robbed him of his ability to enjoy his favorite pursuits, Clay loved working with his hands. A model airplane he carved and painted marks his mailbox, a hand-painted wooden fish decorates the office, and a handmade church diorama sits on a shelf in his shop. He would make and paint birdhouses and fashion rings out of coins with his granddaughter, Lydia. Clay was also a fisherman and outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, target practice, and tying his own flies for his fishing trips to Alaska and Canada.

 

Clay was preceded in death by parents Herbert E. Gregory and Alice Clawson, and brothers Sgt. Donald E. Gregory and Russel L.Gregory.  Clayton is survived by his wife of over 59 years Dee Ellen Maxson Gregory, daughter Deborah Dawn Garrick (Robert), granddaughter Lydia Mae Garrick (Alex), bonus grandchildren Cody Garrick (Christa), Cara McDonald (Cale), great grandchildren (Alden, Ariana, Zaeleigh), half-brother Rodger Zimmerly (Betty), numerous nieces and nephews, and many other beloved family members and friends.

 

Our deepest heartfelt gratitude goes out to our honorary family members, Lisa Plunkett and Dave and Willy Rolston, for their love and support throughout this trying time.

 

The family would like to thank everyone for their care and encouragement, with special appreciation to Partners In Home Care-Hospice, Dr. Stephanie Welsch, the nurses at Providence St Patrick Hospital who warmly guided us through this difficult time, and Just Cremation for taking care of Clay.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Partners in Home Care-Hospice and Florence Rural Fire District.

 

Please join the family for a celebration of Clayton's life on Friday, June 13th, at 1:30 PM at the Veteran's Cemetery, 1911 Tower St., Missoula.