“When an elder dies, a library burns to the ground.” A large library was lost with the death of Gary Dean Beckwith on June 20, 2026, at Billings Clinic Hospital in Billings, Montana. He died peacefully with his family by his side.
Gary was born in Atkinson, Nebraska, to Leslie Dean and Nona Bressler Beckwith on January 20, 1941. He graduated from Tekama High School in 1958. He graduated from Doane College in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in history.
Gary married Janice Lee Westover-Beckwith. They had two children. Michael and Michelle (Micha).
Gary taught social studies at Golden High School, Golden, Colorado for five years. He also coached football, basketball, and wrestling during his teaching career. During his lifetime he worked for two insurance companies in California and Colorado.
Gary married Maxine Huber on May 3, 1968, in Hazen, North Dakota. Their son, Jason, was born October 31, 1972, in Wheatridge, Colorado. Jason was the “apple” of Gary’s eyes. He was so proud of Jason as a man and person.
Gary was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, great-uncle and friend of many.
In 1974, Gary and Maxine moved to Hazen, North Dakota. Gary worked for Huber Construction. He became owner and operator of Huber Construction company and built many homes in the Hazen area until 1982. He then became a full-time farmer taking care of the acreage his father-in-law owned. Gary and Maxine and Rodney and Michele Huber formed a farming partnership, TH Farms. He and Michele worked hard and kept each other in line. Gary loved working the land and the freedom of being in God’s creation.
Being involved in sports was a part of Gary’s life. He was a bowler and also an avid golfer. He liked being with younger people as a coach. He coached Legion Baseball. Boys’ basketball in Golden Valley and Hazen and also girls’ basketball in Hazen.
During the Bicentennial in 1976, Gary was a part of the 7th Cavalry. He had a horse named Lady. His brother-in-law, Harvey Huber, got him interested in being a part of this group. Again, many friendships resulted. Gary, Harvey, Rodney and Jim Bentley took a 5-day ride from south of Medora into Medora in 1973. It was a very memorable trip for Gary.
Much joy was brought into Gary’s life on July 21, 2001, when Jason married Jennifer Mosbrucker. When Bauer Dean Beckwith was born on July 3, 2009, the buttons on Gary’s shirt about popped off. Gary enjoyed his grandson so much. Gary loved going to Bauer’s activities whether it was a piano recital, band concert, football game, track meet or playing pinochle.
After Gary retired, Gary and Maxine enjoyed 16 wonderful years wintering in Mesa, Arizona. Gary golfed with his brother-in-law, Rod Huber, several days a week. He also enjoyed playing golf with total strangers. A pinochle group gave him the opportunity to make his “teasing” comments that created an uproar of laughter.
As Gary’s body no longer allowed him to be active in golf, he turned to painting. He refused to take lessons but was mentored by a good friend, Don Christianson. He won several ribbons at the Leisure World Art Show. Gary also became a lover of flowers. The front and back patios of the Billings home are decorated with potted flowers. 😊
Gary was a ferocious reader. The morning paper was read from cover to cover including the advertisements. He read several books a week. As a result he had an abundance of knowledge.
Survivors are his wife, Maxine; sons Jason (Jennifer); Michael; grandson, Bauer; brother- and sister-in law Harvey and Kathy Huber; niece Christie Huber-Obenauer (Matt Clarys), great-nephews Isaak Obenauer, Kordon Obenauer and great-niece Elle Obenauer; niece Stephanie Huber (Jason Obenauer) great-nephews Juno Obenauer, Bohdan Obenauer, Magnus Obenauer, Rohan Obenauer; brother-in-law Rodney Huber, niece Jennifer Johnsrud (Rory), great-nephews Jacob Quast, James Quast and great niece Chloe Johnsrud; niece Amanda Huber, great-niece Ashlee Huber (Will Kemp); niece Nancy Zarambo, great-nephew Matt Kutchera, great-niece Erin Kutchera; niece Susan Zarambo (Mike Miller), great-niece Payten Miller-Zarambo; nephew Greg Zarambo (Maria), great-nieces Anna Zarambo and Abby Zarambo; niece Julie Zarambo (David Haas), great-niece Sarina Haas, great-nephews Kyan Haas and Andre’ Haas.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Leslie Dean and Nona Bressler Beckwith; daughter Michelle Beckwith; in-laws Theodore and Anna Huber; brother- and sister-in-law Stan and Loretta Zarambo; Sister-in-law Michele Huber; niece Callie Jo Huber Meehan; friend Jerry Obenauer, Jr.; and great-niece Anna Michele Taylor.
A Celebration of Gary’s Life will be held at the Hazen Golf Course Clubhouse on Saturday, July 25th from 11 am to 1 pm.
Memorials may be given to Hazen Bison Boosters, the charity of your choice or you can plant some flowers to brighten the life of someone.