Gary Lance Basso

Gary was born on August 17th, 1939, in Sidney to Francis and Margie Basso, and grew up in a home that was formerly a stagecoach stop in Tokna. He graduated from Savage High School in 1958, attained a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Montana Billings, and later earned his Master’s Degree from the University of Northern Colorado. After teaching briefly, he went on to a successful career as an insurance professional, including 38 years with Hoiness-LaBar Insurance (later Payne West Insurance), where he was a Partner and a Certified Insurance Counselor.

For many years Gary was involved with several local, state, and national business and charitable organizations: YMCA, Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch, Knights of Columbus, Montana Chapter of National Multiple Sclerosis Society (Board Member), Montana Heart Association (Chairman), Special Olympics, Chamber of Commerce – Jaycees (State President, and designated Junior Chamber International Senator, which was considered a US Ambassador of this leadership development and service organization), and an MSU Bobcat Booster and enthusiast!

He was an active member of Hilands Golf Club for 40 years and ultimately served as Club President. His farm on the Big Horn River was a special retreat for Gary, where he made many wonderful memories while hunting, fishing, boating, and bird watching. After retirement, Gary and Pauline spent 12 winters in Sun City, Arizona golfing with friends in the sunshine.

Gary is survived by Pauline, his wife of 52 years, daughter Susan Stoltenberg (husband Dave), son Michael, stepdaughter Lorri Meredith (husband Timothy), and great-grandson Salvador. He is also survived by his sisters: Sheila Franks (late husband Garret), Dianne Bunton (late husband Randy), and Tamara Warwick (husband Bill); and many loved nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Francis and Margie, brother Lane (Cheri), and granddaughter Brandi Hodgin. Gary found heartfelt comfort from his great-niece, Ellie Crouse, who was his caregiver in the final months of his life.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, January 17th at The Hilands Golf Club in Billings. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Billings Clinic Foundation, Riverview Cemetery (PO Box 221 Savage MT 59262), or a charity of your choice.