George Steven Derry of Fairview, Montana passed away due to chronic health problems on April 18, 2020, just a few days after his 66th birthday.
George was born in 1954 to Frank and Betty (Anderson) Derry of Libby, Montana, joining an older brother, John. A sister, Beverly, joined the family a year later. George grew up with a love of the outdoors, especially fishing, which stuck with him for the rest of his life. He graduated from Libby High School in 1972 and joined the United States Navy in 1973 as a computer operator aboard a submarine.
After completing his Navy service in 1974, George moved back to Libby. A few years later, he moved to Circle, Montana. There he met Rachael Kahm, who he married in 1979. George and Rachael had two children together, Kristin and Matt, and made their home together in Fairview. They divorced in 2009 but remained friends.
George held a variety of jobs in his lifetime, including jeweler, FSA crop inspector, school custodian, and driving trucks for construction and during sugar beet harvest. He was also an active member of the volunteer fire department for 14 years. After the truck he was driving was hit by a train in 2006, George went back to school and studied massage therapy. He graduated with an associate’s degree in massage therapy in 2010 and was passionate about healing and using his skills to help people.
George loved people and had a lively sense of humor. His favorite hobbies were fishing and rock hunting, and he spent a lot of time on the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers. He loved his family and was a doting grandpa to three granddaughters.
George is survived by his brother, John Derry of Libby, a son, Matt (Eden) Derry of Williston, ND daughter Kristin (Ed) Thompson of Williston, his ex-wife, Rachael Derry of Moxee, WA, brother-in-law Gus Kamp of Brockway, MT, and three granddaughters, Harley, Eva, and Lily as well as honorary family members Rusty Carico and Roman Kowatch. He will be remembered and missed by many other family members and close friends.
Due to the current restrictions on public gatherings, a celebration of George’s life will be held at a later date. Fulkerson-Stevenson Funeral Home of Sidney is caring for the family. Remembrances, condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.