Gurney Montgomery Palin, 80, passed away on February 19, 2025, in Hamilton, Montana.
Born on December 19, 1944, Gurney spent his life deeply connected to the land he worked and enjoyed watching and listening to his grandchildren share in the joys of their lives as they were growing up.
Gurney graduated from Darby High School in May 1964 and went on to attend Montana Tech in Butte. He worked alongside his father and brothers at the Conner Log Mill during high school and after his short time at Montana Tech, he returned home to help his father out at the mill again. Gurney met and married Arlene Lyons in February 1970. Together they welcomed a daughter, Robin, born in October 1971. In 1973, they moved to Colorado to continue working in the lumber industry before returning to Darby in 1975 to take up logging once again.
In 1976, Gurney embarked on a new journey into ranching, moving to Hummer, Idaho. The following year, they relocated to Aubrey, Texas, and welcomed their second daughter, Michele. They remained in Texas and ranched for over 13 years before making the decision in the fall of 1991 to return home to the Bitterroot Valley. By 1992, Gurney was working for Mikesells out of Florence, then transitioned over to a position at the Stock Farm out of Hamilton. In 1994, Arlene and Gurney divorced. Gurney remained working at the Stock Farm until taking an early retirement in 2009.
Gurney was preceded in death by his parents, Imogene and Elmer Palin of Hamilton; brothers Greg, John, and Rick Palin; sister Mae Remfert; and grandson Jerry Cassidy.
He is survived by his daughters, Robin Palin of Hamilton and Michele Morris (Clint Morris); grandchildren Lynnlee, Cienna, and Lance Morris of Stevensville; grandson Shawn Cassidy of Augusta, as well as two nieces and a nephew.
Private services will be held. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
Gurney’s life was one of hard work and resilience. His memory will live on through those who knew him.
Born on December 19, 1944, Gurney spent his life deeply connected to the land he worked and enjoyed watching and listening to his grandchildren share in the joys of their lives as they were growing up.
Gurney graduated from Darby High School in May 1964 and went on to attend Montana Tech in Butte. He worked alongside his father and brothers at the Conner Log Mill during high school and after his short time at Montana Tech, he returned home to help his father out at the mill again. Gurney met and married Arlene Lyons in February 1970. Together they welcomed a daughter, Robin, born in October 1971. In 1973, they moved to Colorado to continue working in the lumber industry before returning to Darby in 1975 to take up logging once again.
In 1976, Gurney embarked on a new journey into ranching, moving to Hummer, Idaho. The following year, they relocated to Aubrey, Texas, and welcomed their second daughter, Michele. They remained in Texas and ranched for over 13 years before making the decision in the fall of 1991 to return home to the Bitterroot Valley. By 1992, Gurney was working for Mikesells out of Florence, then transitioned over to a position at the Stock Farm out of Hamilton. In 1994, Arlene and Gurney divorced. Gurney remained working at the Stock Farm until taking an early retirement in 2009.
Gurney was preceded in death by his parents, Imogene and Elmer Palin of Hamilton; brothers Greg, John, and Rick Palin; sister Mae Remfert; and grandson Jerry Cassidy.
He is survived by his daughters, Robin Palin of Hamilton and Michele Morris (Clint Morris); grandchildren Lynnlee, Cienna, and Lance Morris of Stevensville; grandson Shawn Cassidy of Augusta, as well as two nieces and a nephew.
Private services will be held. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
Gurney’s life was one of hard work and resilience. His memory will live on through those who knew him.
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