Gary Lynn Bishop

Gary Bishop, 82, died peacefully at home on November 2, after struggling with pulmonary fibrosis for the past three years. Despite the limitations of his illness Gary remained cheerful and uncomplaining. Gary loved the LORD and loved life and brought great enthusiasm to all who knew him.

He was born in Erie, PA to Ned and Edna Bishop, in 1941. After High School he joined the army and served in the Military Police for three years. He participated in the Cuban missile crisis, the Berlin airlift, while stationed in France. He then returned to PA and married his first wife, adopting and raising her two small boys and together they had a daughter Tricia.

After three years he reenlisted, this time becoming a helicopter pilot, serving two tours in Vietnam where he earned a battlefield commission. He was awarded a Silver Star for gallantry in action. His distinguished military career took him to several US states, Germany and Kenya. While assigned to Nairobi to teach the Kenyan army to fly he met Licia, who was on vacation from England. (They liked to joke that she was on a “husband hunting safari” and clearly bagged a good one.) They married in 1982 and enjoyed over 40 happy years together, living in KY, Kenya, Germany, GA and for the past 20 years here in Bozeman, MT.

Gary’s final assignment was to the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment, Fulda, Germany during the last days of the Cold War, guarding the East/West German border. After returning to the US, he spent 12 years in the business world which prepared him for his last career, teaching  at MSU in the Jake Jabs College of Business for 15 years. He loved his time there and his interaction with his students as he prepared them for careers in the business world.

Gary is survived by his wife, Licia, daughter Tricia, granddaughter and great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, half-sister, stepsister and his two adopted sons, and his dear dog, Cooper.

Gary is to be buried in Arlington, in Washington, D.C. at a later date. His funeral will be at 10AM on December 7 at Grace Bible Church in Bozeman.

Many thanks to family, friends, neighbors, hospice and our church family at Trinity, PCA for their love and support. Memorials may be made to Samaritans Purse for Operation Christmas Child or The Blackhorse Association.