Gary Dean Littell

Gary Dean Littell, 59 of Billings, passed away suddenly at his home on March 23, 2006. Gary was born on January 23, 1947 to Fred and Olive (France) Littell in Glendive, Montana. He went to high school in Glendive and graduated with the class of 1965. Gary followed his fathers footsteps playing varsity football for four years with the Dawson County Red Devils. When he was a senior in high school, he had the distinction of being the youngest winner of the Mr. Montana contest. He attended Dawson Community College in Glendive and Lower Columbia College in Longview, Washington.

In 1968 he started his fitness and training career, moving to New Jersey. He worked with the YMHA or the Wayne Jewish "Y", as well as with many of the New York Giants Football players. Gary became close friends with many of the leaders in the health and fitness industry, including Jack Lalane and Bob Delmonteque. He worked with the European Health Spas, PlayTex Fitness, and helped start more than three dozen health clubs across the country. Gary enjoyed the time he spent training many of the NASA astronauts during his tenure in Houston, Texas.

Gary and his family moved to Aspen, CO in 1980 where he became admired and respected by many of the wealthy residents and tourists clients. He moved back to Billings in 1990 where he established his current list of clients and friends.

Everyone Gary has met or worked with during his 16 years in Billings would consider him a close friend. His positive attitude and zest for life was contagious. He will be remembered for his spirituality, wisdom, and love for everyone and his love for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The greatest accomplishment in Gary's life were his three children, Kimberly, Kirstie, and Gary Fred. Gary never boosted about himself, but told many stories about the accomplishment of his kids. He was especially proud of the grandkids, Maya Faith, Joseph Gary, Austin, Johnny and Zach.

Gary was who he was because of the perfect love he shared with his life partner, June Hansen. Once a year they traveled to Yellowstone Park to renew their "Vows of Life."

He would want to remind everyone to be "Happy, Healthy, and Terrific." He now starts a new page in a new Journal.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Fred E. Littell. He is survived by his best friend and soul mate, June Hansen of Billings; mother, Olive May Littell of Glendive; daughter, Kirstie Lynn (Jason) Ferguson of Snow Mass, CO and their son Austin; daughter, Kimberly Ann Gennerelli of Battlement, CO and her children, Johnny and Zachary; son, Gary Fredric (Amanda) Littell of Bellingham, WA and their children, Maya Faith and Joseph Gary; and brother, Bob Earl (Tami) Littell of Glendive, and their children, Bob Jared and Jillian Rae.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 28, at the Elk's Lodge, 943 Lewis Ave. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Billings YMCA, 402 N. 32nd St, Billings, MT 59101.