George William Latta
George William Latta passed away on June 2, 2023, at Riverstone Hospice Home in Billings with his wife, Beverley and his daughter by his side. He was born June 6th, 1930, to Walter and Louella (Johnson), in San Diego, California.
When the family returned to Montana, they started a guide service taking people on horseback in the Gallatin Forest. Located at Karst Ranch in the Gallatin Canyon. They ran this business for 30 years. George began working for the guide serve when he was 5 years old, taking tourists up into the Mountains. He spent his childhood summers working in the mountains and fell in love with them.
George graduated from Bozeman High School in 1948. He was drafted by the Army Corp of Engineers during the Korean Police Action, serving from 1951 to 1953, stationed in Alaska building roads. He moved to Billings in 1953 to work at the Montana Bar that he purchased with his parents. He worked there for the next 4 years.
In 1957 George met the love of his life Beverley Mattson. They decided to get married, which they remained until his death for 65 years. They decided to relocate to Bozeman and start a new life. George decided to go to work for the National Forest Service as an Engineer. He found his calling, and his precious Mountains which he loved!
In the years that followed they had a daughter in 1959, Lori, and in 1960 they had a son, Scott. George transferred in 1963 to Clarkia, Idaho as a Forest Engineer. In 1965 George transferred to Dickinson, North Dakota. George was the Engineering Instructor for the Forest Service North Dakota Job Corps. In 1969 George transferred to Paisley, Oregon to be the resident Forest Engineer. George and his family really enjoyed the little town which had 125 people. In 1971 George transferred to Lakeview Oregon and the Forest Service supervisory Offices for the Fremont-Winema National Forest. He was the District Engineer.
In 1978 the family returned home to Montana and settled in Huntley. George built the Blue Cat Bar and Restaurant in Huntley. George and Bev owned and operated the Blue Cat until 1984, when they sold the business. George then built the Express Way convenience store in Huntley as well. George and Bev owned and operated that business until 1987 when they sold the business. George went into retirement and Beverley went to work.
My father was an honorable man, if he said he would do something he always did it. I know many people had a great deal of respect for my dad. He taught me to always keep your word, be a good person, respect people, and be kind. My Mom and I are really going to miss him. I hope the Lord knows that he got a good man, a very good man.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his son Scott. He is survived by his wife Beverley and his daughter Lori, and various nieces and nephews.
There will be a graveside internment & memorial service at the Huntley Cemetery, where George will be buried with military honors at 2:pm on Friday, June 9th.
A big special thank you to the Riverstone Hospice Home and staff for their kindness to George and his family.
