Father Raymond Vincent Gilmore, a priest of the Diocese of Helena for 37 years, died May 24, 2009, at his home in Missoula.

He was born Aug. 4, 1936, in Butte, to John and Laura Gilmore. After graduating from St. Joseph’s Grade School and Boys Central High School, he attended Carroll College and St. Thomas Seminary in Seattle. He was ordained a Catholic priest on June 2, 1962.

Father Gilmore began his priestly ministry at St. Paul’s Parish in Anaconda. Then he taught theology at Girls’ Central High School while assisting at Sacred Heart Parish.

Next, he served at St. Michael’s Parish in Conrad and the Cathedral of St. Helena.

He served six years as pastor of the tri-city parishes – St. Mary of the Assumption in Laurin, St. Joseph’s in Sheridan and St. Patrick’s in Ennis. Then he served six years as pastor of St. Ann’s Parish in Butte. He went on to serve 17 years at St. Francis Parish in Hamilton before moving to St. Ann’s Parish in Bonner. Then he was extended senior status and retired to Missoula.

Survivors include his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerry (Carol) Gilmore of Lolo, Michael (Loretta) Gilmore of Roseville, Calif.; sisters and brother-in-law, Sister Rose Frances of Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters of Chula Vista, Calif., Mary Margaret Gardiner of Santee, Calif., and Kathy (Gary) Oing of Groveland, Calif.; his biggest supporter and loving niece, Merissa Gilmore Mazur; and many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Father Gilmore was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John Jr. and Timothy James, and sister, Marie Bernadette. He loved his faith and priestly ministry, especially the Eucharistic celebrations offered with his parishioners.

A vigil service was held May 31 in St. Ann’s Church in Butte. Mass of Christian Burial took place June 1, also at St. Ann’s. Burial took place in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Father Gilmore loved his Catholic faith and his priestly ministry, especially the Eucharistic celebration offered with his parishioners throughout the diocese.

Memorials may be made to the Clergy Retirement Fund for the Diocese of Helena, P.O. Box 1729, Helena, MT 59624 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Duggan Dolan Mortuary took care of arrangements.


Published in The Montana Catholic, Vol. 25, Issue 6, June 19, 2009.