Bruce Garbe

Bruce Richard Garbe, 51, of Bozeman, Montana passed away December 1, 2009 in Billings. Bruce was born August 11, 1958 to Richard and Patricia (McKinnon) Garbe in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1968, the family moved to the ranch at Big Timber, Montana. Bruce was a graduate from Big Timber High and then attended Northwest Community College in Powell, Wyoming. Bruce lived and worked in Montana and Wyoming for most of his life. In 1997, Bruce met his best friend and love, Donna Pilon, and they have shared their lives together ever since. The couple was married on May 22, 2008 in Bozeman. Bruce enjoyed restoring military vehicles and participated in many local parades. He enjoyed history, especially of the Civil War and Bruce counted many WWII veterans as his friends. He was an avid black powder shooter and competitor. Bruce loved the outdoors and hunting, especially with his stepson Adam. Survivors include his wife, Donna K. Pilon of Bozeman; daughter Britta L. Garbe of Bozeman; step daughter Erin Pilon of Bonnie Lake, WA; three step sons, Michael Pilon of Billings, Vincent Stackhouse of Sequim, WA, and Adam Pilon of Bozeman; step granddaughter, Leslie Stackhouse; parents Richard and Patricia Garbe of Cody, WY; brother and sister-in-law Steven P. and Sheryll Garbe of Cody; sister Lynn P. Hoover of Las Vegas, NV; nephews, Jacob Garbe of Paducah, KY and Chase Hoover of Los Angeles, CA; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws. A celebration of Bruce#8217;s life will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, December 6, 2009 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Bozeman VFW, 2005 N Rouse Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715 or to the Belgrade VFW, 31 W Main St, Belgrade, MT 59714.