Alexander Scott Warden III “Al”, age 58, departed from this world on April 10, 2015. Alex was born October 1, 1956 in Great Falls, Montana. By seventh grade he moved with the family to Helena and integrated strongly into this loving community. During his youth, Alex was well known for his risk taking adventures which led him into the roofing and lineman trades. As a young man, he worked on various construction lineman jobs and ventured across the countryside with his wife and two babies, finally planting his own roots in the Dalles, Oregon. Unfortunately, Alex suffered from several work related head and neck injuries, with his last work injury having been electrocuted in 1993. He luckily survived, but it was an ending to his lineman career.
Alex eventually came back to Helena and began to heal as best he could from the lingering residue of the injuries; he found some solace in the activities he best loved. Being with is children and grandchildren were his prides and joys. He loved being in the mountains and at the family cabin near the Dearborn River, fishing with his dad, brother and sister at Bean Lake or up Falls Creek, and plunking on his guitar. Al was always up for a game of cribbage, one time claiming three “29” hands within a week (some of us were reluctant to play with him for quite some time after that). Friends and family meant the world to him. He loved reading and talking about Montana history and was fascinated with Native American culture and Native people which brought about many, special friendships; too many to name here. Al was also an artist in his own right. He walked and walked until he found just the right piece of driftwood or diamond willow stick and carved and carved until the awe inspiring images would take their shape and show themselves. Sadly, life and stamina got harder and harder for him…
Al tried his best to also overcome the persistent struggles with bipolar depression along with failing health. He couldn’t find his inner peace. Son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend too many, Alex will be sorely missed and never forgotten for his gentle kindness and giving spirit (if you needed 5 dollars, he would bring you 7). Rest in your inner peace my dear, dear brother.
Alex was preceded in death by his parents: Scott and Jean “J.F.” Warden; his sister, Rye Warden and his brother, Spery Warden. He is survived by: his son, Zachary (Jeanie) Warden; his son, Lucas Warden; his former spouse and third son, Therese Bagnell and Jonathan Brown; his grandchildren, Neillea Warden, Melina Warden, and Alexander Warden; and lastly, his sister, Dundee Warden (Don St.Clair and daughter, Beth Skeel). Cremation has taken place.
A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena, Mt 59602. A potluck reception will immediately follow the memorial service at Staggering Ox, 400 Euclid Ave., Helena, MT. Memorials in Alex’s name can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Alex.
Rhonda Robertson says
To Alex’s Family and Friends,
We are saddened to hear of Alex’s passing. We just saw him a few weeks ago and had a nice conversation with him. We graduated high school with Alex and both remember his gentle quite manner. We pray that all the wonderful memories that you hold close within your heart with sustain you in the days ahead. You have our deepest and heartfelt sympathy.
Bruce and Rhonda (Strainer) Robertson
kelly schroeder rhimer says
To the Warden Family, the world is a sadder place, but upstairs is a much happier place. Now Alex will be more comfortable and happy. So sorry for your tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sunni Mergenthaler says
I’m so very sorry to hear this sad news. Prayers to the Warden family at this difficult time.
Jane burgess says
Zack
Jim and I are so sorry for your loss. I remember the times your Dad and I talked when you kids got into mischief. He was so kind and reassuring. Just know this will get easier and your wonderful memories will make you smile. You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts.
Sherry Morrow Benjamin says
My life long friend will missed, his friendship and delightful conversations will be missed by many, there’s nothing he wouldn’t do if you needed help and then some, we had great camping trips and looking for that special piece of drift wood, rest in peace Al 🙂 To Dundee and the boys I am so sad and sorry for your loss and you are in my prayers, I know Al is in a good place, I will never forget him.
David Mazurek says
Alex my brother and friend my heart is saddened by the loss of you.I will truly miss our conversations that we would have I often joke and say if you’re going to have a conversation with Alex be prepared to set a few hours aside Alex I’m truly going to miss that.I promise not to tell too much about our past but you know I’m going to haha.love and miss you your brother David
Susie Reber Orr says
i remember well when Alex joined the neighborhood gang, going into 7th grade at c R Anderson . Alex moved in across the street from Kelly Kuntz (may he rest in peace) and Jon Sterling. David Mazurek was down the street and Rick Casteel as well. Hard to believe it was so many years ago, because when I heard of Alex’s passing, those days all came rushing back. The crazy wonderful days of our youth. Alex and I had a facebook friendship starting a few years ago, and our conversations were profound for the wisdom he had. I remember his laugh his smile and his wild ways. Oh my god Alex , give Kelly and Jim Scribner and Stacy De wolf and Scooter a big hug from all,of their classmates! May you find peace among the stars, as you make them shine brighter with your presence.
Susie
dachia Gardipee says
Uncle al u will be missed,my thoughts and are with your family!
Jay Reardon says
Dundee so sorry to hear of your brothers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and his family.
Jay
Tashena Gardipee Morris says
What a wonderful man Uncle Al was!We will miss you!My deepest sympathies are with your family!
Jane Koster says
The journey I have had with the Warden family has led me to become a better person. I am relieved that Alex no longer feels the pain of living in this world. For all of you who call Alex, brother, father and grandfather, are also in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
Bill Coddington says
My heart is saddened tonight to read about Alex’s passing. He was a one of a kind! When I first had Alex in class he had the ability to make my day miserable – the little rascal! But before I left Capital High I was quite close to Alex, in part because I had been friends with Rye but mostly because he wasn’t able to beat me in checkers during study hall period. I grew to love him and, again, I’m saddened.
Bill Coddington
Capital High 69-74
Mary Sather says
I have not seen Alex for many years but do remember the years in High School fondly. I am empathetic to his sister and his children. I am hoping they can see their way through this journey of healing. It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this. Health and Emotions can be the hardest trial. Now he is at peace. Thoughts, blessings and sorrow go out to his family and friends.
Tim West says
I didn’t know Mr. Warden, but I know his son Zachary and I would like to express my sorry for Zachary. Mr. Warden must have been a very good person, because his son Zachary helped the West family though some bad times, and what I have read it must be a father like son. If there is any thing we can do let us know.
Patricia Boedecker says
In losing Alex we of The Wardon family have lost a brilliant shining light to the heavens and honor the glorious shinning light that remains through all the loving compassionate kindness
Ever flowing through his family . Love ,grace and peace to you all ,and may you sing a joyful song in your heart ,in rememberance of him for all the blessings he shared and eternity of freedom you share together in wholeness and peace. Forever more. Love Pat Boedecker
Debi Belgarde-Ruybal says
Alex was a true, long time friend and part of the family. Our kids and grandkids called him uncle Al and always anticipated a turn of the eyelids or the missing thumb trick! I was looking forward to seeing him next week when my brother Dan came to town . I will miss getting together with him for a meal and having a great time laughing about the good ole crazy days! Our thoughts go out to the entire family and we hope you will find peace within.
Alex, you will always be in our hearts and minds. Love you, Debi
Nini Snyder-Ennis says
Dundee,
I am so sorry. My heart is so sad. I have been gone from Montana for many years, but the memories have never left my heart. When your family moved to Harrison St, all of our lives were changed. Alex moved into our band of friends and he and I moved in a continuing rotation of being friends, brother/sister, attached, caretaker of each other…all to start over. Duke and Rye were the same. I have many smiles and great memories of Alex and can’t believe we escaped so much by the skin of our teeth. I have prayed for him so many times during the years, wanting him to find peace and be happy. I pray he has now. Across the miles I send my love and hope someday we finally can meet up for coffee. Nini
Sara Margie Graveley says
My thoughts and prayers to Alex’s family. May he remain in your hearts forever. ! He is in good company with our dear Cory Cummins. Love, Margie.
Tim & Elaine Myles says
Zach & Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your dad’s death. I once told Alex what a fine job he did raising such a nice young man like you Zach. He was very reluctant to take any credit for it and gave all the credit to you mom, but I believe he was a better father than he thought. Maybe not perfect, but who is! I know how much he loved you and is very proud of you. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Paddy Ferriter says
To Dundee, Zach, Luke, and grandbabies,
We don’t want to tell all our secrets, but let’s just say, I am lucky I moved our senior year because I might not have graduated hanging out with Alex. Always an adventure. Always a heart big as the moon. Always there. Always a friend. Missing you Alex and all my love to your family.
Shirley Davis Giles says
I was shocked to hear of the news of Alex. As I just looked at our 40 year Class Reunion, it is hard to believe so many years have passed. Alex was one of my very first boyfriends lol!!
Many memories of the Alex and the gang. He will truly be missed by many. All of you are in my prayers for healing and peace. Love Shirley
John Sandford says
It’s with fond memories that I recall the times I spent with Alex and the rest of our classmates, primarily in Junior High (hanging out by Hawthorne School), but also those times after High School. Alex always was happy to see you, and had a smile on his face. The Warden Family, you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
LaRain Herrera says
To the Warden family:
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Peace
The Romero family.
Sara Stotts says
My dearest family,
I was devastated to hear of the loss of my wonderful cousin Al ! We had a few very long conversations over the last few years, some full of joy and laughter and others very deep and philosophical ! We shared a lot of memories from the times we were terrible fun loving teens to becoming grown ups. I’m thankful to have had him in my life as I am to have all of you! He will be at peace now! My heart felt thoughts and prayers are with you all! Please know how much we loved him and we love you too. God bless and please take care!
Sharam Assary and family says
To my dearest brother and friend Alex,
What a sad day indeed! I will truly miss you buddy! Then again, your kind soul, intelligence, sensitivity, caring, and big heart was too large for this small universe. You needed to be at home, among angels, your soul mates.
Only God knows how much you helped me in my darkest moments, when inside, you were hurting just as much, if not more, brother. I will never forget that. I will also never forget all the memories and stories we shared and went through with you and beloved Mrs. Warden.
May you rest in peace.
Our prayers and love for Dundee, Luke, Zack and extended families.
Love, kisses and hugs to all of you.
Sharam and family
Sierah says
Uncle al I wish I coulda seen you one last time! I know I have Ben traveling a lot and haven’t seen you in a long time, I still have all the rocks you gave me when I was little and all the pretty necklaces and jewlery(“; I’ll keep them forever! You may not be by my side doin magic tricks but all the memories of you are still here! I’ll see you someday uncle al!!! RIP <3
Quentin Lee Schroeter (for NAMI Mont.) says
I remember “Al” as being an eager, conscientious ‘student’ in our Peer to Peer group with the NAMI Organization. At the end of the course, during the evaluations, he said: “I was enlightened .” And at the end of the NAMI WALK, he came up to me and expressed his Gratitude : “Thank you, Quentin, for demonstrating how we do NOT’
have to be stigmatized by Mental Illness.”
Thank YOU, “Al” for showing us how curageous one can be: “. . . . Despite All”.
Clementine says
Dundee, Zac, Lucas, and the rest of the clan:
I have so many Warden memories of my early childhood. Spending time at Jeffs house, knowing all the Warden children and then growing up with Zac and Lucas. I send big hugs, lots of love and laughter to you all as you maneuver through this time.
Ken and Jo McLean says
Alex was a sweetheart and it was a privilege to have gotten to know him. He will be greatly missed!
Patty, Cassie, Amy, Brian & Tom (St Peter's pharmacy staff) says
We will miss Alex. He always had a friendly smile. His kind nature was evident and we enjoyed the interactions we had with him. He was always a gentleman. Our condolences to his family.
Sassy Hardy says
Alex was my cousin. We played together as children and then met again as adults. One time when I was visiting the family, Alex woke me up one morning and said he wanted to take me on an adventure. We loaded into his white LTD and started cruising the back roads of Montana. Just at the point I did not think we could get much further in that car, he asked to blind fold me. He got out of the car and figured out how to turn on the electricity in the old Stern Hall where the ranchers used to meet and square dance. As kids, we used to fall asleep on the benches waiting for our parents to finish partying. Everything was still there. He led me into the hall, took off the blind fold and said I guess everyone else went home. It’s a memory I will cherish forever, as I do my dear cousin.
Ferriter Family says
To the Warden Family, So sad to hear of Alex. He was always willing to offer a hand, genuinely interested in others, and always quick to greet you with a smile. Alex will always be remembered. Out thoughts and prayers are with you. Sorry for your loss.
The Ferriter Family
Michele O'Donnell says
Jim and I have known Alex for a very long time. He always had a friendly smile and he was such a kind and gentle man. He will be so missed. We have wonderful memories and will hold them in our hearts forever. At this difficult time our hearts and prayers are with you all.
Jim & Michele O’Donnell
Randy Dix says
Across the years, I had the privilege of running into Alex in many public places. Invariably we would sneak a cigarette together, dare each other not to smoke more, tell really off color jokes and then Alex would get serious. He’d talk with pride about his sons, express his incredible wealth of knowledge about events and places without even knowing how well-informed he was and I would walk away in wonderment at this understated man who seemed to possess the infrequent quality of true curiosity.
Alex, I’ll see you again. Randy Dix
LaMonte says
From one of the greatest families to ever grace the Westside, came a great and true friend. Lineman, mountain man, poet, musician (he got a lot better at this over the years), artist, sheep-docker, judo champion (yeah, he really was) – generous and fearless to a fault, Alex faced life on his own terms.
Although, he wasn’t one to shy away from a tall tale, it seemed like he always placed a high value on a sort of authenticity in himself and others. Many times I heard him complain about those “plastic people” and their plastic ideas. It was difficult to deal with, sometimes, talking to him and wondering if your cellophane soul was showing. It might have been this desire for the “real” and “authentic” that led to his love of native people and culture. Although, proud of his Scottish heritage, I think Alex’s idea of heaven would be in a tipi somewhere, 150 years ago.
In the 7th grade, when he first moved to Helena, Alex fell in with a notorious local gang and quickly rose to prominence. When we’d reminisce about those times he’d always refer to them as “the good old days”. In some ways, they were probably the best days. He wrote a poem for me back then. I’ve been looking for it for a week but, of course, can’t find it. But, I remember it end with something like, “I know I’ll never forget the time when Hawthorne wasn’t just a rhyme”.
Well one thing’s for sure, Al, no one’s forgettin’ you. Please save me a spot next to your campfire.
Janice Frankino Doggett says
This is a great picture of Alex, I can see the twinkle in his eyes. In high school Alex was so much fun and so kind, this obituary is well written and captures the spirit I remember. Thanks to those who helped him in this life, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Vaughn Kauffman says
Dear Dundee;
you’re a rock, and I have an inkling how deeply you adored your brother. Know you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers. Praying that you feel your brother’s love and care tickle you with the breeze and thump you when you get too overwhelmed. let me know if there is anything I can do-besides walking Charlie.
love you