Gary Lee Darlington, 70, passed away peacefully at his residence on March 24, 2017, due to natural causes. His funeral service were held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 27, 2017, at the Big Sandy Methodist Church with Pastor Sharon Robertson officiating. Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at the Big Sandy Cemetery. Memorials in Gary's name may be made to Chouteau County Hospice, Chouteau County Cancer Association, or to the charity of the donor's choice. Please visit Gary's online memorial page at http://www.bentonfh.com to leave a message of condolence for the family.
Gary was born to Harley and Alma (Chartier) Darlington in Fort Benton, Montana, on September 29, 1946. He was raised and educated in Big Sandy, graduating from Big Sandy High School. The Darlington family and the Kassmier family were close friends and that is how Gary met Rose. They were high school sweethearts. Gary enlisted into the United States Army in 1965 and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1968. Gary returned home to Big Sandy to his family and began farming with his father. He and Rose were married October 19, 1968, and made their home on the Darlington Farm. He and his brother Kenneth later formed a partnership together for the farm and ranch operation.
Gary was a talented metal fabricator who could build anything. Throughout his years of farming he was frugal in his purchases and thought if something was too expensive that he was able to build it at a lower cost, and he did. He built a horse trailer, a calf-catcher, a tractor and other numerous things to keep his hands busy. Gary was a perfectionist who always wanted things done correctly the first time. He was a true craftsman who could build anything. His greatest passion was "dirt work". He enjoyed operating his CAT and large equipment moving dirt.
Being outdoors was an absolute must for Gary. He had his commercial pilot's license and crop-dusted for area farmers. He enjoyed riding ATV's and motorcycles, long range shooting, and attending "hunting camp" each year in the fall with his friends and family.
If you truly knew Gary, you would know how important family was to him and above all else his grandchildren were his world. Gary was a hero to his eight grandchildren. He was able to live out his final weeks at home under the love and care of his wife, children, and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harley and Alma Darlington and two brothers William & Robert Darlington.
Gary is survived by his wife, Rose, of 48 years. Two daughters; Trina Prindiville and Rachel (Brad) Fernandez. One son Scott (Jennifer) Darlington. Two sisters Mary Marty and Nora Miner and one brother Kenneth Darlington. 8 Grandchildren and 3 Great-Grandchildren.
Although on the outside Gary may have had a rough and gruff exterior, he was very loving inside and will be remembered for his infectious smile and wonderful sense of humor.
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