Donald Arthur Gervais
Donald Arthur Gervais passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on November 13, 2024, in Billings, Montana. Don was born in Lewistown on November 14, 1939, to Arthur and Agnes (Quickenden) Gervais joining an older brother, Clifford. As a child he was known as “Donnie” and grew up on the family ranch on Casino Creek and attended school in Lewistown, graduating from Fergus County High School in 1958. While in high school, Don was active in FFA and served as treasurer. He said FFA was the only thing that kept him in school until graduation.
Right after graduation, he joined the Army National Guard, serving for eight years. Throughout his life, he worked for Tindall Construction, drove truck for American Bridge hauling to the missile sites, and owned Meadow Brook Ranch on Casino Creek raising cows, sheep and hay. After selling the ranch, he bought a service truck and established Western Repair and hit the road, working with various construction companies building roads. Finally deciding he had enough of working on the road, he bought a place in Billings and worked at Yellowstone Valley Parts & Equipment tearing down Caterpillar equipment and specializing in bore welding until he retired at 77 years old.
In 1961, he married the girl from down the road and his high school sweetheart, Eileen Heck. From this marriage they had three children, Duane, Pam and Sherry. Don and Eileen later divorced. He then married Penelope (Susie Heller); they were later divorced.
Don had many talents but especially enjoyed welding, gardening and gold prospecting, having traveled to Alaska twice to try his hand at finding gold. Don never liked town life, preferring to have wide open spaces where you couldn’t see another person for as far as you could see. He often said that while his brother preferred a horse with two wheels, he preferred a horse with four feet. He never bought something without saying it could be better and then making an improvement on it. Don could always find a way to repurpose something or could dream up projects with the most creative ideas (the only drawback is that most projects never got completely finished!!!).
Don is survived by daughter, Pam Gervais Harman (David); ex-wives, Eileen Newman and Susie Balzer. He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Agnes Gervais; brother, Clifford Gervais; daughter, Sherry Gervais; son, Duane Gervais; and son-in-law, Troy Foss.
Services will be Saturday, November 23, at 11:00 a.m. at Creel Funeral Home, 601 W. Main Street, Lewistown, MT. Following the services, a reception and lunch will be provided at Brooks Market, 104 2nd Ave. S., Lewistown, MT. Cremation has taken place; Don’s ashes will be distributed on the family ranch when the mountain flowers bloom. Donations may be made to the organization of your choosing.
Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. Don’s family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com
