Obituary: Gary Bishop

Gary Bishop, 51, Basehor, died Dec. 17, 2002, at his home after fighting a long battle with cancer.

Mr. Bishop was born Sept. 20, 1951, in Lawton, Okla., the son of Bob and Lois Bishop. He spent his early years on his family’s Hereford operation in southwest Oklahoma. He attended Oklahoma State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1973. He married Vickie Brooks on May 22, 1982, in Big Horn County, Montana.

Bishop first began working for the American Hereford Association in 1973, his first responsibilities being in the total performance records department serving as assistant director. Bishop also served as the director of youth activities.

Bishop left the AHA in 1983 to manage his family’s purebred and commercial Hereford ranching operation in south central Montana. He was actively engaged in the Hardin, Mont., community where he held an elder position in his local church. He also served his community for many years as a 4-H leader where he coached several successful livestock judging teams and was a mentor to numerous young people in the Hardin community.

In 2002 Bishop rejoined AHA as the director of breed improvement and field service. Under Bishop’s leadership the whole herd reporting program was launched.

He is a former president of the AHA State Presidents Council, American Junior Hereford Association National Advisor, and vice chairman of the Montana Stockgrowers Seedstock Committee.

Survivors include his wife, Vickie; three daughters, Jodi, Tami and Kristi, a Tonganoxie High School senior; and a sister, JoAnn Bishop-Dees.

Memorial services have been held at Tiffany Fellowship, Kansas City, Mo., and in Custer, Mont.