Garry Allen Cotant

Garry Allen Cotant, age 80, of the Shields Valley passed away suddenly of a heart attack on Friday, May 8, 2020 at home with the love of his life, Sharyl at his side. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 14 at 1:00 P.M. at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Fairfield, MT, we will meet at the cemetery. Veterans honors will be presented.Garry was born on June 23, 1939 in Cherry County, Nebraska the fifth of nine children born to W.M. Harvey and Elva Pearl (Willis) Cotant. He was raised in Mullen, NE working his grandparents ranch and doing ranch work at other ranches as well. He was a graduate of the Mullen High School, class of 1956. Following high school, he took trade schooling in carpentry.Garry then relocated to Montana. He worked a ranch near Big Timber before he was drafted into the U.S. Army on January 22, 1963. He served in Korea during the Viet Nam war. He was honorably discharged on January 21, 1965. Upon returning to Montana, Garry worked at the Double UU Ranch in the Shields Valley. He had participated in rodeoing for some time and was competing in Bozeman at the winter fair when a lovely gal timing his team roping competition caught his eye. He would have the great fortune to marry Sharyl Hatcher in Bozeman on May 10, 1975.They started their married life in Livingston residing there for five years. Garry was working for the Montana State Engineering Department as a surveyor. They later moved to the Cotant Ranch where they have resided since. Garry retired after a thirty-year career in 1995.Garry was never one to shy away from hard work; and he made sure the work was done the right way. Garry was a true cowboy at heart; he was particular too, but always kind. He loved his land, his horses, roping, his friends, and most of all his wife of 45 blessed years, Sharyl. Peace be with you Garry.He is survived by his wife, Sharyl Cotant; his siblings: brother, Willis (Linda); sister, Vonnie Mae Barr; brother, Doug; sister, Mary Jane (Don) Younkin; Dennis "Mick"; sister-in-law, Dolores; brother-in-law, Vernon Shear; sisters-in-law, Nancy (Terrell) Schenk, Sharyls twin sister, Shirley (Jim) Ross; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.Garry is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Elva Cotant, brother who died in infancy, Harvey; his brother, William "Harold," sister, Shirley Shear; brother-in-law, Dale Barr.Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.