Bozeman's Gordy Vance, Saying Goodbye to One of the Good Guys

Gordy Vance was definitely one of the good guys in the Montana Legislature. There's good people on both sides of the aisle, don't get me wrong- but Gordy was one of those guys that just made you feel at home during the legislative session.

I did two days of radio shows during the 2023 legislative session here in Montana. It was fun running into former State Senator Gordy Vance (R- Belgrade) and seeing his warm smile. I think we joked about how he must be just carrying his wife's purse around the capitol now, as his lovely wife Shelley Vance followed in his footsteps as a state senator. Good people!

Montana's Attorney General Austin Knudsen is close with the Vance family, especially after his years in the Montana Legislature. He shared this shortly after the news became public that Vance had passed away at the age of 72.

AG Knudsen: As some have undoubtedly heard by now, former Montana State Representative and Senator Gordy Vance, of Bozeman, passed away Friday at home. Gordy was a dear friend and mentor to me; we always joked that he and Shelley were my legislative parents. Shelley is dealing with her loss, and as she does not have any social media, she asked that I let everyone know that she is overwhelmed by the outpouring of condolences and support.

Tributes were also shared by the Montana Senate President, Governor Greg Gianforte (R-MT), Congressman Matt Rosendale (R-MT02), and others. Democrats like Missoula's Ellie Boldman also shared their love for Gordy. "Love you, Gordy… you took care of my boy and I in the Capitol for many years. Biggest heart in the room. Thinking about you, Shelly."

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Gallery Credit: Katelyn Leboff

Source: Bozeman’s Gordy Vance, Saying Goodbye to One of the Good Guys