Ronald G. Gore

On Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015, Ronald G. Gore, 81, slipped into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior at Riverstone Hospice House in Billings, Mont.

A celebration of life is tentatively planned for Ron's birthday on April 15, 2016, in Billings. Please watch for details in the Billings Gazette and Glasgow Courier on April 1, 2016.

He was born April 15, 1934, in Billings to George R. and Margaret M. (Belluomini) Gore. He was an athlete, teacher, coach, artist, sculptor, photographer, trap shooter, hunter, small business owner, builder and had a great gift of gab.

After graduating from Billings Senior, he attended Rocky Mountain College playing football, baseball and basketball on scholarship while obtaining his bachelor of science degree in science and physical education. During his senior year at Rocky, he proposed to the love of his life, Loretta Strauch. They were married on July 20, 1957, in Billings. Ron then began his career as a teacher and coach in Sunburst, Mont. While in Sunburst, their family grew by two darling daughters, Mony and Sissy.

He moved his family to Glasgow in 1964, where he continued his teaching and coaching career. While in Glasgow, he pursued his master's degree at San Diego State, Oregon State, Rapid City School of Mines, Montana State and the University of Montana – Go Griz! He coached football, track and rose to varsity basketball coach of the Glasgow Scotties. He also served as Exalted Ruler for the Glasgow Elks Lodge.

After retiring from teaching in 1990, he and Loretta opened Gore's Studio in Glasgow, where he combined his love of photography, art, and framing and matting.

In 1995, they moved to Billings to be closer to family, and to own and operate The Big Sky Frame Shop.

He had a lifelong passion for art, which was a central theme throughout his career. His love of art led him from science to audio-visual education which then led to photography. Art was even influential in his coaching as he created the Glasgow Scottie mascot image which he painted on the basketball court. That mascot image is still used today.

He is preceded in death by numerous extended family.

Survivors include his wife, Loretta Gore; two daughters Melody McIntyre and her husband, David, and Tami Nicholas and her husband, George Jr.; grandchildren, Nathan and Patrick McIntyre, Justin (Veronica Vine) and Chad Nicholas; a sister, Betty Waite and her husband, Gary; and brother-in-law Ken Strauch and his wife, Bertha; and other extended family.

Memorials may be made in Ron's name to Riverstone Hospice House or the charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place by Smith Funeral Chapels.

"Good night, honey. I love you – see you in the funnies."

Smith Downtown Chapel of Billings was in charge of arrangements.