Arthur J. Hall, age 82, of Helena, passed away December 26, 2017 at St. Peter’s hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Art was born in Butte, Montana on June 19, 1935. He was the only child born to Glenn and Teane (Mackey) Hall.
He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1953. Art attended a host of universities, and although he was just a few credits shy of graduating, he considered Northern Montana College to be his alma mater.
On a weekend home from college, Art met the love of his life, Shirley Nyhart, of Twin Bridges. It was love at first sight for Art, and after some coercing; they began dating and later wed. They were married over fifty years and together they raised six children.
Upon leaving college, Art moved back to Boulder and dedicated his professional life to social work. He spent many years working at the Montana State School, the Intermountain Deaconess Home, the Montana Developmental Center and Westmont.
Art loved sports and his favorite teams included Capital High, Montana State, the Lakers and the Dallas Cowboys. His most loved team though, was any that his children or grandchildren played on. He was known to heckle many a referee and it was not unusual for him to be “asked to leave” a sporting event.
Art’s greatest achievements were his children and grandchildren. He had a special bond with each one. He was always stern but quick to forgive.
Art was diagnosed with terminal bladder cancer 4 years ago and he defied the odds. He fought a courageous battle, but in the end his body just gave out. His family finds comfort knowing that he is at peace and is free of pain in the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Art is survived by his wife Shirley; sons, Glenn “Chip” Hall, Deac (Laurie) Hall; daughters, Lisa Gadaire, Vina (Bryan) Watson, Tabitha Hall; grandchildren, Seth (Shannon) Gadaire, Brittany Middlesworth, Kelsi (Jeremy) Watson, Kruze Gadaire, Kieffer and Kobie Morley, Sage Hall, Rainee Watson, Mikayla, McCoy and Mikenlie Hall; four great grand children, sister-in-law, Gladys Davenport; brother-in-law, Ervin (Judi) Hedegaard; numerous nieces and nephews; and many “kids” who called him Dad. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Ronald Banks.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 12th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, with a reception to follow. Memorials are suggested to St. Peter’s Cancer Fund, Compassus Hospice or to donor’s choice. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Art.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday January 12, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Friday January 12, 2018
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday January 12, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Friday January 12, 2018
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Holly Holbrook says
To the Hall family
I was lucky to meet Art, his wife and some of his kids while he was in rehab last year. My dad Myron shared a table and many meals with Art. I really enjoyed talking with him especially sports and might even root for the Cowboys, but only when my Broncos aren’t playing. Please know our family is sad about your loss as we know it all to well, dad passed last November. God bless ~ Holly Holbrook.
Williams Family says
Condolences to the Hall family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” May God bring you comfort and peace.
Jennifer Dahlke says
Oh, Hallbillies. If there was ever a man to defy the odds, we all knew it would be Art! He was brutally honest, said what was on his mind but yet had a heart that was bigger than his enormous personality. He laughed easy and often and with a sparkle in his eyes that showed a little mischief, as well. A great man that will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Beth Gadaire says
Lisa, Seth, Brittany, Kruse sorry to hear about your dad and grandfather. I has the pleasure of knowing Art and Shirley for a short period of time when I lived in Helena. My prayers are with each of you. Art can rest in peace now. No more pain. I remember your family opening up their home for Paul and I on several occasions. Always had a great time being around them. My condolences to the family. Peace be with you, my peace I give to you!
LaDonna Fabian says
Tabby and the rest of the Hall family, my prayers are with you. Art was a good man. My first meeting with him was in 1993 when I first started working in disability services. I was at Shopko trying to get a gentleman with mobility difficulties into a van. Art came over, introduced himself, and offered to help. He had the gentleman laughing while he picked him up and put him in the van. It saved the gentleman from the pain and difficulties of getting into the van and saved me from frustration and possible injury if I had done it myself. I had many other great interactions with him through the years. I know he will be greatly missed by a lot of people! May God wrap His arms around you and comfort you in the coming months.
Lois Simpson says
To the Hall family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I was fortunate enough to work with Art at Westmont for a few years and can honestly say he was one of the best and kindest people I had the pleasure to work with. My condolences to your family and I will keep you in my prayers.
Susan Pesta says
Tabby, Lisa and family –
Sorry for your loss. May you find peace in your wonderful memories of your dad.
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
Dearest Hall family – Matt & I were so sorry to hear of Art’s passing. He will be greatly missed by all. He is now in the hands of the Lord. You will have many memories to look back on. God’s Blessings to you and your famiy.