SACO-Paul
Lawrence Gairrett, of Saco, MT died November 16, 2011 at Frances
Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow, MT. The many stories of love and happiness that Paul's children, grandchildren and great grandchildren have will be expressed at his memorial and celebration of life services. Per Paul's request, services will be in the Fireplace Room at the Red Door in Billings, MT at 1pm on November 29, 2011. Please make it a point to join us in remembrance of this great man. Donations may be made to the Hi-Line Retirement Center, PO Box 770, Malta, MT 59538. Condolences for the family may be left at www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com. Kirkwood Funeral Home of Malta is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his children, Darrell Gairrett, of Saco, Jim Bob Gairrett, of Tennessee, Phyrne Gairrett, of Billings and Charlie Gairrett, of Roundup.
He was born September 27, 1923 to John Henry and Julia Adelphia (Smith) Gairrett. While Paul's mamma was on her way to be with her mother in Missouri for help with delivering Paul, she went into labor early in Lawrence, Nebraska. The train had to be stopped for Paul's delivery and this is how he got his middle name. Paul's parents homesteaded along with John Henry's brother, Newton, and his wife, Ina Gairrett in 1910 in the Missouri River Breaks area along CK Creek. Ina and Julia were sisters, and both families had four sons, making all eight double cousins. When Fort Peck was flooded, they became River Rats in the 1930s. After this, they moved to Roy for a short period of time, then finally moving to a farm between Laurel and Billings, MT. Their first harvest got hailed out and they moved to Wyoming disappointed.
Paul was third in line of the four sons, and followed his brothers into welding and working in saw mills after trying his hand at logging and cowboying in Red Lodge and Belfry, MT and Cody, WY. He ended up in California building liberty ships during WWII. After the war, he returned to Clark, WY and working in a saw mill. There he met Betty Leona Alexander, the school teacher for grades 1-8 in Clark, WY. Paul purchased a brand new 1953 Studebaker and set out to impress and win over Miss Alexander. They were later married on December 24, 1953. Paul then worked life long as a plumber pipefitter with Local Union #30. They went on to have five children, Darrell, John, Jim Bob, Phyrne, and Charlie. Paul enjoyed hunting, ice fishing, caring and cooking for his family. In 1984 he was the Montana State Chili Champion.
Guest Book
From: Sherry McIlhattan
I am so sorry I can't be in Billings to be with all of you to remember Paul. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
As I remember Paul, he was the rock of the family, always there in the background. So solitary and quiet, yet so solid. I know you'll miss him.
Please accept my sincere sympathy.
I have sent a memorial contribution to the Hi-Line Retirement Center.
From: Hank and Betty Bratsky
Out Thoughts and Prayers are with you all at this time.
God Bless you always , and Darrel , thanks for all you did for a great Dad.
Butch sends his condolences also. Stay strong and Take good care of yourself..
Sorry we could not be at the memorial, as Hank has a very hard time to walk at all now. Thinking of you .
The Hank Bratsky's
From: Karen (Bunn) Bales & fam
Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone.
Sorry we were not able to come and share in all the great memories. Good ole Clark days. Our deepest sympathy to the family from all the Bunn family Elmer Barbara Gary Noreen and Karen
From: Joyce Holter-Collins
Sad to hear of Paul's passing, yet there will surely be a joyful reunion in heaven! I loved visiting about the old days (especially the first hand story of the dam flooding of the Gairrett land) and oh what a wonderful dancer! Glad to have become his buddy too. sorry couldn't be there to hear more memories.
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