Obituary: Greg DuRette

Gregory Alan DuRette, 59, of Ovando died on Saturday, July 24 in a motorcycle accident along Highway 200, west of Lincoln. Born on March 6, 1962 in Portland, Oregon, Greg was adopted by Hugh Richard and Arlene DuRette.

Greg grew up in Eugene and Lincoln City, Oregon. He graduated from Lincoln City High School. He enlisted in the Navy and had an honorable discharge at the end of his four years, finishing out his military service with two years in the Navy Reserve. Greg was a member of the American Legion, Post 9, in Lincoln, Mont.

Greg struggled with Post Trauma Stress Disorder from his Navy service. In the early 1980's, he was involved in rescuing Seal Team Six during an ill-fated mission in the Grenada conflict. Greg also lived with a Traumatic Brain Injury from a fall while working construction.

Greg was a frequent visitor to the Ovando area and made his final move in 2016. He was employed at Montana Mountain View Ranch, helping Jack and Karen Hooker with their ranch and outfitting business. Most recently, he worked on ranch jobs in the area as a private contractor.

Greg is survived by his mother, Arlene Fessler DuRette of Salem, Ore .; his uncle Jerry Fessler (Francie) of Salem; adopted sister Cindy DuRette and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Hugh Richard DuRette. He also leaves behind close friends Karen and Jack Hooker and his favorite cat, Toby, the therapy cat.

Cremation was handled by Cremation Burial Society of the Rockies. A memorial service is pending in Ovando, Mont.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Post 9, P. O. Box 234, Lincoln, Mont., 59639. Cards may be sent to Karen Hooker, 380 Outfitter Ln., Ovando, Mont., 59854.