Obituaries | Sheridan Press

Phillip Douglas Gilmore

July 7th, 1955 - January 22nd, 2026

Sheridan Funeral Home

July 7, 1955 - January 22, 2026 Phillip Douglas Gilmore, 70, passed away in his home on Thursday, January 22, surrounded by his loving family.Phil was born to Bruce and Audrey Gilmore and grew up in their home in Alberton, Montana. He was the fourth of six children. He developed his lifelong love of the outdoors early on and wasn't afraid to venture out alone, even in less-than-ideal conditions. As an Eagle Scout, he completed his solo 50-mile hike while suffering from a fever. Phil attended Montana State University for a year before he decided to join the Navy. He bought a motorcycle and drove halfway across the country to serve for four years. Afterwards, he returned to college. He graduated in 1982, earning a degree in construction engineering. Phil met his wife of forty-one years, Janelle Gray, while working at the Hunter Ranger Station outside of Buffalo. The couple always wanted to be parents, first hosting a foreign exchange student from Sweden, Thorbjorn, before staying in Peru and Guatemala to adopt their children Brenna and Ben. A few years later, they were surprised by a biological child, Maya. Phil and Janelle prioritized travel throughout their lives. Almost every summer, the family camped in the Big Horn Mountains or traveled to some corner of the U.S. or even visited overseas. Phil was a co-owner of Landon's Greenhouse for over two decades with Janelle and her brother, Wayne. He created landscape designs, led the landscape crew, and dug holes with his own two hands. He planted countless gardens throughout Sheridan, literally reshaping the town's landscape—to say nothing of the handiwork he put into his own home. There is no telling how many places and people his quiet leadership, hard work, and creativity touched. He was a mentor, friend, and father figure to many people around him, always happy to just listen, to lend a hand, or to offer advice. From investing to construction to fly fishing, he had good advice about many subjects. Phil was a beloved member of the Sheridan Unitarian Universalist Fellowship for many years. He was a major advocate for finding a permanent home for the fellowship. Once a building was purchased, he spearheaded the remodel, visiting almost every day for two months to organize volunteers. Despite a years-long struggle with cancer, he was a problem-solver and a thoughtful, generous person until the end. Phil is preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Audrey Gilmore, and his wife, Janelle Gray. He is survived by his children Brenna Montagne (Danny), Benjamin Gilmore, and Maya Gilmore, and his grandchildren Madix, Eliana, and Malakai Montagne, as well as siblings Pamela Cole (Timothy), Gregory Gilmore, Winona Forme (Steve), Russell Gilmore (Peggy), Melissa Gilmore (Todd), their children, and many beloved friends. A celebration of life ceremony will be held in early March. More details will be announced soon. Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.

Publication date: January 31st, 2026