​Casey Lynn Gates was born on July 9, 1978, in Norton, Kan., and passed away at the age of 44 from stroke complications on March 17, 2023, in Missoula. Casey was the beloved husband of Amber Gates (née Smith of Deer Lodge) and devoted father to Brielle Gates; little brother to Lori Starnes (Royce City, Texas); and Rusty Gates (Malaga, Wash.); cherished uncle to Aislin Sparks, Trevor and Sarah Gates; and a friend to many. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Sharon Gates (Winfield, Kan).
Casey spent his childhood on a farm in western Kansas. His family eventually relocated to Winfield in his eighth-grade year. He graduated from Winfield High School with the Class of 1997.
After graduation, Casey lived in Arkansas City, Kan., and worked at Calmar in Winfield, while attending Cowley College and earning associates degrees in Criminal Justice and Machine Tool Technology.
He married Amber on Dec. 18, 1999. The couple moved to El Dorado, Kan., in 2003. Casey joined the staff at El Dorado Correctional Facility in 2008, eventually working on the Special Security Team.
In 2012, the couple moved to Deer Lodge where Casey worked at Montana State Prison for two years. He later worked for Boeing for five years before transitioning to facility maintenance at Deer Lodge Medical Center in June of 2021, where he worked up to the time of his passing.
When Casey wasn’t working at a job or around the house, he spent time traveling, fishing, and hiking with family or cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs. He had just completed his bucket list item of seeing his team win an AFC Championship and was planning to check off a 2,100 mile through-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2024.
Although Casey’s time with us was cut short at just 44 years, he lived a full life with 23 of those as a husband and four as a father. We can learn from his life to love family deeply, work hard, dream dreams and follow those dreams passionately.

​Donald William Briggeman, 98, passed away Monday, March 13, 2023, in Deer Lodge. He will be remembered as a person who deeply cared for people and for the impact he made as an educator and administrator of schools.
Don was born on Nov. 3, 1924, in Deer Lodge at St. Joseph Hospital. He was raised on the family ranch at Jens along with his brothers, Bernard and Martin, and sisters, Frances and Carmel.
Don attended high school in Deer Lodge before enlisting in the Air Force in 1943. He served in the South Pacific and returned home from the war in 1945. He was working at the Conoco gas station in Deer Lodge when he first saw Georgia Davis passing by on her way to work. They eventually met, had a first date at a fireworks display on July 4th, 1947, and married in 1949. They were together for the next 66 years until Georgia passed away in 2015.
Don continued his college education in Missoula and Dillon before starting his career as a teacher in Deer Lodge. From 1951-1969, he worked as a junior high and high school English and Social Studies teacher, and then as high school principal. He was a charter member of the Deer Lodge Jaycees during that time and was also instrumental in the early construction of the Deer Lodge Golf Course. Don was an avid golfer and played into his late 70s.
Don and Georgia moved to Billings in 1969, and he eventually took on an administrative role at the newly formed Career Center for the local high schools. He retired in 1979, and the family moved with their six-year-old son, Vince, back home to Deer Lodge. Their house, south of town, became a hub for family gatherings on both sides, as well as the meeting place for Vince’s friends over the years.
Don is survived by his son, Vince (Yael Livny) of Portland, Ore., and his grandchild, Georgia.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on May 6, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 605 Clark St. in Deer Lodge. Rite of Committal with Military Honors will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at St. Mary’s Hall following the services.
Please visit www.axelsonfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Donald.

​On the evening of March 2, 2023, Cecilia “Cece” Burgess, 77, passed away at the Community Hospital of Anaconda due to complications from cancer. She was born in Deer Lodge on Aug. 30, 1945, and was the fourth child of Velva and Ora Bain. Cece spent her childhood in Gold Creek before moving to Garrison as a teen.
She married her husband, Bob Burgess, on June 5, 1964, and the next year, on April 15, 1965, welcomed their son Clifford to the world. Four years later they decided to make the trek with their son from Montana to Oregon where they would spend the next 40 years building their lives.
There Cece saw the birth of her two granddaughters, Shauntee and Shelby, and was able to watch them grow from babies to adults. She devoted her life to being a good wife, mother, grandma and nana. If Cece wasn’t spending time with her family, she enjoyed doing crafts, especially sewing as well as gambling - she loved a good bingo hall.
In 2009 Cece and Bob decided it was time to come home to Montana, and they did just that, buying property just outside of Garrison and building their dream home where they could live their retirement in the place they knew they were meant to be.
Cece is survived by her husband, Bob; son Cliff Burgess; granddaughters Shauntee and Shelby; sisters Mary Canary, Joy Tuttle, Lee Bain; and her great grandson, Hunter Burgess.
Please visit the longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of Cece.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home has been privileged to care for Cece and her family.

​Margaret Ellen Channel, 78, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, March 19, 2023. She was an avid lover of music, and enjoyed playing piano and writing songs. She was born in Harlowton on Aug. 19, 1944 to Vern and Marion Jenks.
She is survived by her brother, James Jenks in Salt Lake City; her daughter, Andrea Fabian; and granddaughters Alyssa and Natalie Fabian of Pittsburgh, Penn.
No services will be held at the wishes of the decedent. She will be lovingly missed by all who knew her caring and compassionate ways.

​Jeffrey “Jeff” Jay Johnson, 69, of Deer Lodge, passed away on March 6, 2023.
From an early age, Jeff loved fast and risky things. He has a long history with a love for and use of hang gliders, ultralight airplanes, his Harley and Corvettes. No matter how many times he fell and crashed, he always got back on or up. That’s what his family and friends loved about him. He is very much missed.
Jeff is preceded in death by his parents John Johnson and Lillian Janosko.
Jeff is survived by his wife Lorna; his sons John, Jared, Matthew and Justin; sisters Barbie Pierce and Aimee Kniaziowski; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
Please visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Jeff.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Jeff and his family.

​Maynard (Bud) J. Bolin Jr., 81, passed away on March 4, 2023, in his home. He was a longtime resident of Deer Lodge.
Bud was an avid hunter, fisherman and archer. He cherished his conversations and fellowship with his longtime friend Suzette Pentland and many others. He instilled in his daughters to be independent, teaching them about cars, hunting and fishing.
Bud was born Sept. 20, 1941, to Maynard (Buss) J. Bolin Sr. and Florence I. (Wilson) Bolin, while raised in Great Falls, along with his sister, Bonnie Dahlen. After graduating from Central Catholic High School, he enlisted in the Navy. After the Navy he worked at the Smelter in Great Falls and married Sharon D. (O’Reilly) Collinsworth on Aug. 21, 1965. The family grew with welcoming twin daughters in 1968. In 1972, the family moved to Deer Lodge where Bud accepted a Corrections Officer position at the Old Montana State Prison, working in Tower 2 with his father.
In 1974, Bud and Sharon welcomed another baby girl and in 1975 an additional baby girl, rounding out the family of six. When the New Montana State Prison opened, Bud continued his career as a Correctional Officer and retired from service after 30 plus years.
Bud is preceded in death by his parents, sister and Sharon Collinsworth. He is survived by his daughters Debe Rito (Charles), Dena Barnes (Jim), D’ann Farr (Maher), Dawn Ohren (Brent); his brother-in-law Dick Dahlen; long time friend Suzette Pentland; distant Bolin family members; and several O’Reilly family members.
He had nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and another great-grandchild on the way.
A private graveside service was held at Hillcrest Cemetery on March 10. The family asks for privacy at this time.
Please visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Bud.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Bud and his family.

​Eugene Ronald Comes, 85, passed away on Thanksgiving, Nov. 24, 2022, in Billings. Gene was born in Lewistown, graduated from St. Leo’s Catholic High School in Lewistown and lived his entire life in Montana. He attended Carroll College where he was an active member of the Carroll College debate team. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Carroll College and a master’s degree from the University of Montana, Gene dedicated his career to education, first as a teacher and principal and then as Superintendent of Schools in Edgar, Brady, Deer Lodge and Belt.
One of his greatest accomplishments in education was overseeing the funding and construction of the Central Park Center, a new gymnasium and swimming pool benefitting both students and the community of Deer Lodge.
Gene kept his wife and four children busy with family activities including hunting with cousins, uncles, and Grandpa Comes and the International; camping seemingly every weekend in the summer; motorcycling on virtually every trail in the Little Belts, road biking with the Rainmakers; backpacking, including that epic trip in the Bob Marshall with rain and snow that we barely survived; running, cross-country and downhill skiing, and golf, all of which created many lasting memories for his children and family.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Sally Comes, and his sister, Janet Burnham. He is survived by his sister, Marilyn Barrick; his children, Patty Cahill (Howard Hold), Keith Comes (Deb), Sandy Burt (Howard), and Kathy Harris; his grandkids, Chad (Sheeana), Cole and Claire Cahill, Tanner and Ben Comes, Michael (Taylor) and Jordan Burt (fiancé Trent Pearson), and Zach and Libby Harris; great-grandchildren, Emmie Burt and Quinn and Avery Cahill; and former wife and life-long friend, Lorraine Dooner.
Gene’s family would like to thank the care providers at both Billings Clinic and the Advanced Care Hospital of Montana for the exceptional care Gene received throughout the past 20 years, and especially in his last days of life. Gene always said, “They are good people. They are taking really good care of me here.” The family would also like to thank Keri Henan, who provided in-home care for Gene, allowing him to achieve his goal of remaining independent for as long as he was physically able.
Services will be held at Saint Leo the Great Catholic Parish in Lewistown at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 28. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations in Gene’s name be sent to Carroll College in Helena, in honor of the deceased.
Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. Gene’s family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com.

Joseph “Joe” Rainville, 75, of Deer Lodge, died March 7, 2023. Services will be held summer 2023 and will be announced when set. The obituary will be published next week. Please visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of Joe.

Merrie Gene Powell Young, 79, was born Aug. 16, 1943, in Caster Valley, Calif. She attended Caster Valley Public Schools and earned an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene. She married Robert Eugene Young in November 1963 until his passing in December 1994. She then married Jack Young in December 1996 until his passing in June 2015. She died a widowed woman. Merrie enjoyed growing flowers, baking bread and participating in activities with the Red Hat Ladies. She is survived by her two children with Bob: David and Heather (Marvin) Shepard; step children/nieces/nephews: Sandra (Butch) Jacke, Jeff Young, Conda (Tim) Poland, Melinda (Paul) Florchinger, Rachel (Randy) Martin. Granddaughters Devinne, Audrey and Ruth Shepard, Delacy and Desiree Landreth-Lloyd, Sage Tedds; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A get-together is being planned for this summer.

​Johnathan David Bennett died on Jan. 31, 2023, as a result of violent crime in Portland, Ore.
He is survived by his parents Dawn (Tim) Heiydt, Steve Morton and David (Conie) Bennett; his loving brother Jared (Bennett) Morton; and step siblings, TJ Heiydt, Alexa Heiydt and Angelica Bennett.
Jon was laid to rest in his hometown of Colfax, Wash., next to his sisters, Margaret Ann (Megann) Bennett and Michaela Dawn Bennett.
Jon was born on Mother’s Day, May 8, 1988. He is my favorite Mother’s Day Present! He was a huge baby – needy and loud from birth. He always gave me the biggest and best hugs.
Even at a young age, Jon had a tender and compassionate heart. He had a special bond with his sister, Megann, born with special needs. He played with her and comforted her always. He would pick her up by her chest, arms in the air, dragging her to me, saying, “Her crying.” I would tell him often, “Jon-Jon, don’t pick up the baby….” He was the Best Big Brother.
His sister, Michaela, and brother, Jared, were within four years of one another. Like all siblings, they loved each other and fought with each other. Jon and Jared, being only 12 months apart, were often mistaken as twins. They were known in Colfax as “The Bennett Boys.”
Between them, they had eight paper routes for several years. They were known to be good, hard workers, helping people with odd jobs. They were also naughty! Riding their bikes down the middle of Main Street; climbing onto the neighbors’ rooftops, trying to cut the power lines; taking turns burying each other in the garden and riding their motorcycles dangerously down the hill into the pea field! Many others, too many to list… and many more I’m sure I don’t know about.
Jon started wrestling at the age of 5 and wrestled Little Guys through grade school, then junior high and high school wrestling. Going to State three times but never placing was a disappointment to him, but he later realized that being on the mat at the Tacoma Dome was amazing. Wrestling was our family for many years. Our coaches and wrestling family were a significant part of Jon’s life and our family’s story. Thank you, Steve. The kid could bridge!
Jon struggled in school with a learning disability. Many nights, he and I sat at the kitchen table doing homework to keep him eligible for sports. Jon worked twice as hard and got half as far. But he never gave up. To quote him regarding his senior project, “I will exceed their expectations.” And he did!
Jon wanted to join the Army after graduation but struggled to pass the ASVAB test. He joined Job Corps instead and learned different trades. He did finally pass the ASVAB and chose to go to college. Jon is the first of our children to graduate from college. A huge victory to Jon’s credit and one I am so proud of.
Known as Bennett at this time, he met Lora. Together they moved to Portland. Bennett and Lora shared many beautiful adventures together and loved each other very much.
Jon was the BEST uncle to his nieces and nephews. Because he was fun and larger than life. Uncle Jon – above and beyond.
Jon loved Portland, the city of “Keep It Weird.” When we would visit, he enjoyed taking us around to his favorite breweries, pubs and clubs, antique stores and beautiful places that he loved. The stories we have are priceless.
About seven years ago, Jon was diagnosed with mental illness: Bipolar II with Schizophrenia and Psychosis. He was open about his diagnosis and therapy. He was able to manage it through ups and downs for a few years. He wanted to be a counselor and help others.
However, during COVID, mental health services shut down, causing a lack of support for Jon. He quit taking his meds and began a spiral of mental health crisis. As a family, we tried to help Jon with what we thought was best. We spent three years, thousands of dollars and lots of heartache trying to get our Jon back, losing him bit by bit.
The reality of this is that even though we felt we were losing Jon, he was happy living his life the way he wanted. To quote Jared, “Mom, Jon is fine. He is doing and being exactly what he wants. It’s us that are devastated and lost without him.”
I’m grateful that Jon has a supportive and loving community in Portland who will miss him as much as his family and friends.
Mental illness took the life of Jon in the streets of Portland.
This is the awareness. This is the compassion I think Jon would want… to help those who cannot help themselves. To be kind and to be loving.
I love you always, Jon.
xoMOMxo

David Martin, 90, of Helena, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023.
Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.
To view the obituary and share remembrances, visit www.SimpleCremationMT.com.