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Walter 'Siks-a-num' (Blackie) S. Wetzel
Walter "Blackie" Wetzel 88, died on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003.
Blackie was born to William and Henrietta (Veileaux) Wetzel on June 27, 1915, near Cut Bank Creek on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. In 1922, he experienced a major setback due to the death of his mother. During the most trying period in his life, Blackie was sent to Haskell Institute, Lawrence, Kan. Being lonesome for home prompted him and two other Native American students to catch locomotives back to Montana in the middle of winter. After several tries, they made it back to the Big Sky Country.
Blackie managed to overcome the barriers and became a star athlete in nearly all sports. Blackie had completed his senior year at Shelby High School and went on to the University of Montana where he lettered in three sports and completed four years of study. While attending the University, Blackie was taught by Mike Mansfield, who became his mentor and one of his closest friends. Mansfield and Blackie together were given the Distinguished Alumnus Award at the University of Montana in 1990, from this an engraved brick with Blackie name was placed in the oval at the University. In 1938, he married
Doris L. Barlow and they raised 9 children - Marlene, Bill, Helen, Walt, Don, Mike, Sharon, Christine and Lance. On March 23, 1988, his beloved wife, Doris, the strong force of his life, passed away.
Blackie was also an outstanding boxer and had the notion to try the professional circuit. While attending Haskell, he had boxed a tri-state champion and won the bout. But his father quickly changed the young warriors mind and convinced him to stay in school. Blackies boxing career reached an intramural apex when a six feet three inch tall, handsome and muscular student named George Letz from Conrad challenged him. Blackie gave up about six inches in height and more than that in reach. It was a very knock down drag out battle, but Blackie managed to pull it off. He recalled hitting his opponent with a twisting jab that split his lip. The young defeated student later changed his name to George Montgomery, and went on to be a Hollywood celebrity and star. They remained great friends for years. Blackie pointed out to his sons the still-visible scar on the actors lip.
Other special interests and items which highlighted his life were being a drummer for a jazz band, dancing with movie actress Donna Reed and being the Medicine Man in the movie, "Grey Eagle, " which was filmed in the Helena area. Blackie was also very proud of being the force behind the Indian Chief logo of the Washington Redskins pro football team. Blackie and his Washington Redskins cap were inseparable.
At the beginning of World War II, Blackie was studying drafting in Helena. He later applied for detail at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California. He was hired by the Air Force as a property and supply clerk, 840th Special Air Depot, Mather AFB. He expressed an interest in being a pilot and took a series of testing for men with pilot potential. Blackie passed all of the tests and was ready to enroll for pilots training. An unfortunate health issue kept him from attaining this goal.
When Blackie returned to the Blackfeet Nation, he developed a strong interest in tribal politics, which would provide him the opportunity to serve his people. He began running for council in 1948, which continued until 1964. Chief White Calf gave him a right of passage of the chieftainship of the Blackfeet Nation and named him "Siks-a-num, " Blackfeet man or man of the Blackfeet people. "Siks-a-num" served as chairman of the Blackfeet Nation and was also elected President of the National Congress of American Indians in 1961. His exploits within the government circles allowed him to make contacts with many great leaders of our country. One of them, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, whom Blackie named "High Eagle, " became a personal friend of Blackies.
Blackie learned the power of prayer at a young age, spent several hours a day praying for all his family, extended family and friends. Our greatest gift will be to carry on this tradition of prayer.
Blackie was preceded in death by his wife Doris, daughter, Helen, son-in-law, Manuel White and granddaughter Susan. He is survived by five sons, Bill, Walt, Don, Mike and Lance; three daughters, Marlene, Christine and Sharon, 26 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held Tuesday at Retz Funeral Home, along with a vigil service at the Cathedral of St. Helena. A Rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. today at the Glacier Homes Community Center in Browning. Mass of Christian burial will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Little Flower Parish in Browning. Interment will follow at Willow Creek cemetery. Memorials in Blackies name may be sent to P.O. Box 5293 Helena, MT 59604.
Patrick Martin Purcell
Patrick Martin Purcell, age 41, ended his great adventure of life on Monday, Nov. 24, 2003, at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls following an automobile accident on Nov. 14 near Helena.
Pat was born May 27, 1962, to James Martin and Florence (Grainey) Purcell in Helena. He graduated in 1980 from Helena High and attended the University of Montana for one year.
In 1981, he began his 18 year career in the dairy business, first working for Clover Leaf then Meadow Gold. He worked for a short time at Columbia Paints in Helena and then began work at the States Property and Supply Warehouse in 2000 where he worked until the time of his death.
On August 29, 1986, Pat married
his one and only love, Janice Moore, in Coeur d Alene, Idaho, and thus began his greatest adventure as a father to Janices daughter, Ashleigh. He was a wonderful father and taught Ashleigh and her friends the true meaning of adventure.
Pat lived life to the fullest each and every day. He made friends wherever he went and could always bring a smile to your face.
He enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting with friends and family; golfing on the course and on his home-made yard course with his buddies Chuck and Jan; having daily lunches with his mom; making and losing bets with his friends and his nieces and nephews and handing out many IOUs. He also enjoyed spending time playing with his dog, Baily. Family and friends have many wonderful memories of their adventures with Pat and his infectious love of life and have many stories to share.
Pat was a devoted and loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He was always willing to help others whenever asked, and he will be deeply missed by all.
Survivors include his mom Florence; wife Janice; daughter Ashleigh Heimbach; brothers Dennis and Emmett; sister Ann Marie Purcell and Mark Hoy; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Donna Purcell, David and Nancy Moore, Meri and Greg Hudoba, Jerry and Sharon Johnson; special aunt and uncle Betty Goetz and Bernard Grainey; and his very special nieces and nephews, Mike Miner, Aubree and Sam Hudoba, Andrea Morre, Josh and Danni Johnson; and numerous cousins and very dear friends too numerous to mention.
Pat was preceded in death by his father, Jim; brothers, John and Tim; his grandparents; several aunts and uncles; and his father-in-law, Hugh Moore.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, at Retz Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Cathedral of St. Helena with interment to follow at Resurrection cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Martys Place (c/o Rev. Richard Purcell, 1167 Treat Ave., San Francisco, CA 94110) or to an organization of the donors choice.
Bruce Marck Hamilton
Bruce Marck Hamilton, age 61, of Helena, died at his home on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003.
He was born in Miles City on July 23, 1942, to James Harold and Iola Marck Hamilton, and spent his early years in Billings. In 1952, his family moved to Livingston and purchased the Jet Cleaners. Bruce completed elementary schools there and graduated from Park County High School in 1961. He then attended Eastern Montana College in Billings.
It was in Livingston that Bruce found his passion for motorcycles and racing and could be found most weekends racing at the Grannis Track. During those years Bruce spent his summers at the Karnes Ranch in Paradise Valley, learning to love horses, cattle, wide-open spaces and the ranching life. He always held a special place in his heart for the people and the mountains that taught him so much.
Bruce spent many years working at lounges in Livingston and Helena where his wonderful smile and winning personality earned him lifelong friends. He came to Helena in 1969 and helped open Mr. Luckys where he worked until it burned down in 1979. Bruce belonged to the Operating Engineers Local Union 400 for most of his life and was known by his peers as the best screed setter in the state of Montana. He possessed a remarkable talent for nearly any piece of heavy equipment he operated, while his skill and high work ethic soon earned him the position of foreman with some of the most respected construction companies in the Northwest.
On June 7, 1975, he married
the love of his life, FayDee McCormick and her two small daughters, Kimberly Lynn and Shannon Denise, who soon became his own. In June of 1976 they were blessed with another daughter, Brandi Darlene, and life and love smiled down on them. Bruce and FayDee raised llamas and started the first llama 4-H project in the state. His three beautiful girls were the sunshine that lit up every day of his life until he was called home this past gorgeous autumn Sunday.
Bruce loved the Lord and served as an elder and board member at both Our Redeemers Lutheran Church and later East Helena Foursquare Church. He was a loving father who spent many days at track meets, horse shows, Bengalette performances and basketball games proudly watching his daughters participate. He enjoyed skiing, golfing and loved to travel, especially road trips over highways he helped to build.
One of the things Bruce enjoyed the most was working and building at the home he shared with his family in the Spokane Hills. He poured his heart and soul into the dream they shared and carved a beautiful place that continues to bring peace and joy to his family, especially his two grandsons who ride, romp and genuinely delighted their Grandpa Bruce there. He will be remembered and loved for his sense of humor, his smile, his willingness to help and his gentle heart.
To our hero:
Your days with us filled our hearts with laughter and love. You have earned your rest Dad, walk peacefully ~ Your girls
Bruce was preceded in death by his father, "Hap" Hamilton, his stepfather, Glen Kinch, and his father-in-law, Jack McCormick. He is survived by his mother, Iola Hamilton Kinch, of Bozeman; his former wife, FayDee Hamilton, of East Helena; his three daughters, Kimberly Spiroff, husband Wayne and son Zachary; Shannon Olson and her significant other, Jim Hadley; and Brandi Tesch, husband Rob and son Kyler, all of East Helena; and numerous relatives and many friends.
A celebration of Bruces life and potluck dinner is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25, at 2 p.m. at the family home, 5845 Johnson Road, East Helena. Memorials may be sent to the Lewis and Clark County Sheriffs Reserve in Bruces name.
Hilda Potter
After 96 years of love, laughter and life, Hilda Potter gently passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2003.
She was born Hilda Bess Hefley on Dec. 29, 1906, in Chisomville, Ark., to Dr. James Austin Hefley and Edna St. Clair Hefley. She was the second of three daughters; Helen Hefley Bronson, the oldest, and Frankie Hefley White, the youngest.
Hilda lived most of her young life in Arkansas, attending and graduating from business college in Ft. Smith, Ark. She later moved to Los Angeles where she worked as a dental assistant.
Hilda met Helena native Hugh Kirkendall Potter in California in the late 1920s. They married
in San Bernadino, Calif., on July 31, 1930. They moved to Montana in 1934 and set up a homestead in Rimini for a year before moving into Helena.
Hugh helped originate and was a member of the first Montana Highway Patrol in 1935. He passed away March 23, 1964.
Hilda was a favored landlady for 39 years, and many of her beloved tenants became lifelong friends and part of her extended family.
She was a member of St. Pauls United Methodist Church and a devoted Girl Scout and Brownie leader for many years during her younger days.
In addition to her husband, Hilda was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Helen and Frankie, and many dear friends and cousins.
Survivors include her daughter, Terry and Paul Melvin of Great Falls; granddaughters, Sheila and Bob Habeck of Helena and Mickey and Chris Campbell of Bozeman; grandson John and Wendy Melvin of Missoula and great-grandchildren, Addie, Keaton and Colin.
The family wishes to give a special thanks to Shelby Cleveland and her staff at Shelby House, Dr. Tracy Dill and Dr. Dwight Heisterman for their constant and professional care.
A private interment will be at Forestvale cemetery on Friday. A memorial service will be at St. Pauls United Methodist Church Friday, April 11, at 3 p.m. A celebration of Hildas life will be at Jorgensons immediately following the service.
Memorials contributions are suggested to Shelby House, P.O. Box 1167, East Helena, MT 59635, the Florence Crittenton Home, 910 N. Harris, Helena, MT 59601 and Shodair Hospital, 2755 Colonial Drive, Helena, MT 59601.
Retz Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Tom Winsor
Tom Winsor passed on to God on April 7, 2003, surrounded by family members at his Helena home after a brave, hard fought battle against cancer. His enthusiasm and love for life, his wonderful sense of humor and laughter, and his integrity, generosity and love for others will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Born on May 15, 1938, in Blue Island, Ill., (now part of Chicago), he grew up in Omaha, Neb. Before graduating from Benson High School in Omaha, Tom enlisted in the Army Reserve program and served for several years.
He graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a BS degree in English and political science and earned a MS degree in history and political science from MSU in Bozeman.
Tom married
Pearl Nickey in Bozeman on Sept. 2, 1962. He was with Mutual of Omaha Insurance in Omaha and St. Louis and returned to Bozeman in 1967.
He and his family moved to Helena in 1971 where he was chief lobbyist and public affairs officer with the Montana State Chamber of Commerce. Tom was involved in various small businesses until he attended the University of Montana Law School and received his juris doctorate in 1994. While at law school, he was part of the trial team that won the National championship competition.
Originally with the Smoyer Law Firm, he started his own firm and was in practice with his son Michael Winsor at the time of his illness. He had a strong commitment to justice and service to his clients.
Tom enjoyed big game hunting, fishing and skiing. He delighted in his German shepherd dogs. He was an avid reader and intrigued by history. Tom loved his family dearly. He believed strongly in his church and for 15 years Tom, Pearl and their children provided music and a Christian morning prayer service for the residents of the Helena Nursing Home. He was active in politics through the years.
preceded in death by his father, John Winsor, and brother Jack Winsor, he is survived by his mother, Dorothy Winsor; brother Herb Winsor; sister Mary Sue Catlin; and family members Pearl, Stephanie, Michael and Joshua Winsor.
Visitation will be at 6:30 p.m. Sunday evening, April 13, followed by a vigil service at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Mass of Christian burial will be Monday, April 14 at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral. Burial will be at Resurrection cemetery followed by a luncheon in the social center of the Cathedral.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions may be sent for the Tom Winsor Memorial Fund, c/o Valley Bank, P.O. Box 5269, Helena, MT 59604, which will be used for his youngest sons college education.
Retz Funeral Home is caring for arrangements.
Wilber Lysle Squires
Following a brief hospitalization Wilber Lysle Squires, 89, of the Waterford Retirement Home passed away at noon on Monday, April 7, 2003, at the Cooney Convalescent Home in Helena.
Wilber was born March 5, 1914, at Plainview, Neb., the son of Wilber G. and Anna A. Squires. The family moved to Montana in 1918 and he attended elementary school and two years of high school in Butte and graduated from Beaverhead County High School at Dillon in 1931. He attended the University of Montana at Missoula and graduated in June of 1934 with a pharmaceutical chemist degree. He passed the State Board of Pharmacy examinations and was licensed as a registered pharmacist in March 1934. After graduation he was employed at Gossman Drug in Dillon until he purchased DeYoungs Pharmacy in Helena in August 1957 and operated it as Central pharmacy until 1969. He was a staff pharmacist at St. Peters Hospital in Helena for the following nine years retiring in October 1978.
Wilber married
Hellen L. Rogney of Bozeman, a student at the Dillon Normal School, at Dillon Jan. 9, 1938, and to this union two children were born.
He served in the U.S. Army 1943-45 in England, France, Germany and Czechoslovakia as a Combat Medic with the 318th Infantry, 80th Division and later joined the 32nd Medical Depot of the 3rd Army. He received five battle stars and a Combat Medics Badge.
Wilber has been a member of Dillon Lodge No. 16, A.F.&A.M.;, since April 24, 1937, and served that lodge as Worshipful Master in 1946.
He was a member of Dillon Chapter No. 8, Royal Arch Masons and served as High Priest in 1950. He was appointed Grand Sentinel of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Montana in 1957 and was elected Grand High Priest June 12, 1963. He was made a member of the Order of High Priesthood in 1954.
He was a member of Zabud Council No. 2, Cryptic Masons at Dillon and later transferred to Helena Council No. 1, serving as its Illustrious Master in 1964. He was designated as Honorary Past Grand Illustrious Master of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Montana in 1982.
Wilber was a member of St. Elmo Commandery, Knights Templar, at Dillon and was designated as Honorary Past Grand Commander of the grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Montana in 1980. He served for many years as Grand Treasurer of the grand York Rite Bodies of Montana.
He was a noble of the Mystic Shrine of Bagdad Temple at Butte and transferred to Algeria Shrine Temple in 1957. He became a 32nd degree member of the Helena Valley of the Scottish Rite in 1963. He was a member of Montana Past Officers Association No. 3. He was a member of Mizpah Chapter No. 13, Order of the Eastern Star at Dillon and served as Worthy Patron in 1948. He was a member of Saint Paul Tabernacle No. XXXI, Holy Royal Arch Knights Templar Priests, and served as its Very Eminent Preceptor in 1978. He was a member of Big Sky York Rite College No. 74. He was a member of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor.
Wilber became a member of St. Peter Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine at Helena on Dec. 4, 1965 and served as its Sovereign in 1976. He served as Montana Intendant General of the Red Cross of Constantine for 16 years and was designated a Knight Commander of Constantine on June 5, 1994, as a reward for his services as Intendant General by the Imperial Grand Council of the Red Cross of Constantine.
Wilber was a 58-year member of the American Legion at Helena. He was a life member of Helena lodge No. 193 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and served that lodge as Exalted Ruler in 1974-75. He was also a Past Montana District Deputy of the Elks.
Wilber spent his leisure time enjoying playing Bridge, bowling, bird hunting and fishing.
Wilber was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Genevieve Adair. He is survived by his wife, Hellen; son Wilber David Squires and wife, Annette, of Fountain Valley, Calif.; daughter Diana Helen Knoyle and husband, Melvin, of Salem, Ore.; grandsons M. Douglas Knoyle and Timothy Scott Knoyle of Salem; granddaughters Annette D. Squires of Fountain Valley, Calif., and Diana Lynn Squires of East Helena; great-grandsons Wyatt T. Kerr of Fountain Valley and Wiley Trond Squires of East Helena; and great-granddaughter Saje Anna Kerr of Fountain Valley.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Wilber will be held at Retz Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 8, at 1:30 p.m. with Lay Minister Mike Sass and Morning Star Lodge No. 5, A.F. &A.M; officiating. A reception at the Lewis & Clark Reception Room at the Waterford Retirement Home, 915 Saddle Drive will immediately follow the service. Interment will be at the cemetery in Dillon.
Memorials may be sent to St. Peters Hospital Cancer Treatment Center, 2525 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or to the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 5598, Helena, MT 5960-5598, or to a charity of the donors choice.
Retz Funeral Home is caring for arrangements.
Gladys M. Knight
AVON - Gladys Marie Knight, age 70, died Tuesday, April 8, 2003, at Missoulas Community Medical Center.
She was born Nov. 4, 1932, in Pendroy to Charles and Violet Thomas. She received her education in Deer Lodge schools and was married
to Earl Knight on Dec. 17, 1950 in Deer Lodge. The couple ranched in Avon their Entire married
Life. Gladys enjoyed her close family relationship and her ranch life. Her granddaughters were her pride and joy.
Survivors include her husband, Earl of Avon; a son, Hank (Mary Ann) of Ovando; daughter Lynn (Terry) Woods of McMinnville, Ore.; brothers Leo (Phyllis) of Garrison, John (Gayle) of Ennis, Richard (Shirley) of Gold Creek and Allen (Marlyin) of Deer Lodge; sisters Louella (Walt) LeBrun of Elliston and Joyce Marie of Butte; and granddaughters, Alyssa Woods and Pamela and Kelly Knight.
Gladys was preceded in death by young daughter Fay in 1964.
Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. today, Friday, April 11, at the Avon Community Church, with the Rev. Doug Forbes officiating. Burial will follow at the Avon cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the donors choice.
Jewell Funeral Home is assisting the family with cremation arrangements.
