Gerald Gilbert Daymude

Gerald Gilbert Daymude, 75, fondly known as Cowboy Gerald, went home to be with his Lord after a courageous battle with cancer on Dec. 16, 2013 in Whitefish.

Born June 22, 1938 in Washington, D.C., he was raised on his parent's estate in Kensington, Md. He attended school in Montgomery County and the Fort Union Military Academy. He then went on to learn his father's business in plumbing and heating.

Daymude remembered lessons as a child on the importance of proper dress. It was in the late 60s that he adopted his Western attire. Drawn to the West since childhood, he made his decision after watching an evangelist on television plea for a maintainance-missionary to the Navajo Indian Nation in Flagstaff, Ariz.  It was in 1988 that he moved out west to Flagstaff.

In early 2003 he found Whitefish and knew he was home.

He was known around town for his flamboyant cowboy attire. His colorful custom made boots numbering in the 50s and his custom made hats numbering in the 60s drew attention from residents and tourists alike. You could find him almost every day making his way on foot around town visiting and spreading the good word.

Gerald lived his life demonstrating his love of his many friends and the gospel. He was proud to have read the Bible cover to cover eight times.

Gerald was the son of the late G. Leonard Daymude and Maude Howes Daymude. He is preceded in death by a son John Daymude and a brother Larry Daymude.

In Maryland he is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth Crandall (Edward) and Shirley Jameson (Terrell), two sisters, Shirley Lones Curtis and Amelia Pattan (James), also 20 nieces and nephews. He leaves behind so many good friends who will never forget the impact he had on their lives

He will always be in our hearts and on our minds. He was just a fancy dressing little “Cowboy,” but his memory will live on with all who had the privilege to know him.

Service for Cowboy Gerald will be 1 p.m. Jan. 7 at Austin's Funeral Home in Whitefish.

Donations can be made directly to hospice in his name or to Glacier Bank of Whitefish.