Barry “Spook” Stang
December 5th 1950 – January 22st 2023
Our Beloved Dad, Grandpa, & Friend “Senator” Barry “Spook” Stang passed away January 22st 2023 in Helena, MT.
Spook was born the middle child of three in Missoula, Montana on December 5th, 1950 to Leo and Angie Stang. He spent his formative years in Missoula until Leo moved the family to St. Regis, in 1958 to open Stang’s Food City. The grocery store was a family enterprise where all five of them worked, played and even had a few arguments throughout the years.
St. Regis is where he grew up and it has always held a special place in his heart. As is the case in most small towns he was a band and sports kid. He loved all sports and was apparently the third best player to ever strap on a helmet at St. Regis High. Right behind Jim Jensen and Chris Moore. It took only one drink, Tequila of course, to hear of the epic football battles between St. Regis and Superior in the 1960’s.
Spook was good with knifes and numbers, and numbers brought him to Carrol College. While pursing a bachelor’s degree in accounting at Carroll he met MANY life long friends, which was another thing he was great at, being a friend. He took an accounting job in Helena after graduation where he met the mother of his two children JoAnn Harris (McGarvey).
Spook and JoAnn were married in Butte and moved to Hamilton where his daughter Mandi was born in 1977. Shortly thereafter the family of three moved back to St. Regis, where he exchanged numbers for knifes and became the butcher alongside his father Leo at Stang’s Food City. His son Ryan was born in 1979 to complete the family of four. Spook was a great friend and an even better Dad. If you needed to find him the first place to look was at one of Ryan or Mandi’s sporting events. He was always in the front row with his popcorn cheering them on and “instructing” the refs. He remained steadfast and true to their every need long after their school days ended. In addition to being an outstanding dad to Mandi and Ryan he always stood out as a champion father figure to all of their friends throughout the years as well.
While working at Stang’s Food City he started his next career as a politician, the good kind. He was elected to the state legislature in 1986, and then the state senate in 1992. He loved helping people and looking out for the little guy. He had numerous friends on both sides of the aisle and was known for his ability to work with both parties. The stories and achievements from his years in Helena can’t be done justice in the time we have here. But we will recount as many as we can as we celebrate his life.
His bipartisanship would serve him well in his next career as Executive Vice President of the Motor Carriers of Montana. His 14 years of legislative experience proved beneficial while at the trucking association where he strived to make the roads safer through legislative action and public outreach. He worked there until his retirement in 2020.
Although Spook and JoAnn ended their marriage in 1994, he could still be found at JoAnn and Jimmy’s house with the rest of the Stang clan for Christmas dinners.
Spook later had the opportunity to rekindle his romance with Daun Clemens and jumped at the chance which also gave him another opportunity to do some of the Dad things he so enjoyed. He loved Daun and her kids Ty and Evan. Daun and Spook had a shared loved of boating and much of their vacation time together was enjoyed on a lake or river. Spook especially enjoyed his Harley motorcycling trips with his cousin mike, ATV adventures in Arizona, and he would never turn down a bird-hunting excursion.
A world without Spook is a very difficult place for his family and numerous friends to comprehend but he loved his people, lived life to the fullest, and will be missed immensely.
Preceding Spook in death are his parents Leo and Angie Stang; brother-in-law Bob Pickering; and his hunting buddy Bob, his beloved dog.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Mandi and Bill Brunckhorst; Grandchildren Kylee and Ryan Brunckhorst; his son Ryan Stang; Sister Judy Stang; Brother and sister-in-law Richard and Nancy Stang; Niece and Nephew Larissa Moe and Eric Stang; Dear fiends Daun, Evan and Ty Clemens
A Funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 28th at St. Mary Queen of Heaven in Superior, MT. Burial to follow at the St. Regis cemetery. A reception following the services will take place at the Trestle Creek Golf Course in St. Regis. In lieu of flowers, Spook’s family asks that a donation be made to a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of life will also take place at Jorgenson’s in Helena, MT February 17th starting at 5 pm, for those unable to make it to St. Regis. Please feel free to attend both of you like.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 28, 2023
St. Mary Queen of Heaven
Superior, Montana 59872
Burial
Following the service
Saturday January 28, 2023
St. Regis Cemetery
St. Regis, Montana 59866
Reception
Following the burial
Saturday January 28, 2023
Trestle Creek Golf Course
St. Regis, Montana 59866
Celebration of His Life
5:00 p.m.
Friday February 17, 2023
Jorgenson's
1720 11th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 28, 2023
St. Mary Queen of Heaven
Superior, Montana 59872
Burial
Following the service
Saturday January 28, 2023
St. Regis Cemetery
St. Regis, Montana 59866
Reception
Following the burial
Saturday January 28, 2023
Trestle Creek Golf Course
St. Regis, Montana 59866
Celebration of His Life
5:00 p.m.
Friday February 17, 2023
Jorgenson's
1720 11th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Dave Galt says
I first met Spook when I appeared before the legislature back inThe 90s. He was always fair, fun and treated people well. He followed me as the director of the Montana Motor Carrier Vice President and was a founding member of the “GooseBusters”. He loved to hunt birds. He was a great man and a true friend. May Spook rest in Peace and May Perpetual Light Shine upon Him
Theresa Eckermann Pagano says
While attending Carroll College I was fortunate to befriend Barry ‘Spook’. His kind and humorous ways helped to narrow the East/West cultural gap! (I am from New York.)
Thank you Spook. Coz and I remember you fondly. Rest in peace amigo.
Cary Hegreberg says
Spook and I became unlikely friends when we realized our association members were closely aligned and that climbing into a blind surrounded by goose decoys at ten degrees below zero made us, with Dave, Bud and Mack, official members of the GooseBusters Club. Spook and I went to Canada three times busting geese, we pounded them in the Helena Valley, we hunted pheasants in ND, SD, eastern Montana, and we shot on the same trap team for nearly 20 years. Whenever he shot a better score than I did, everyone on the grounds knew about it. He was always “a good sport,” and would seldom decline an adventure. Laying on the frozen grounding scanning the horizon for “incomers” will never be the same without my Big Buddy. And for the record, he was a terrible caller!
Dela Chatriand says
My thought and prayers are with all of Spook’s family. I lived working at Stang s in High School!
Brian Donahue says
A good friend and roommate, especially after college. Didn’t know his name was Barry until then. First on 6thAve and then the mobile trailer at Canyon Ferry.. We had some memories for sure! Looking back there are only joyous thoughts of Spook. To say he was fun to be around would be quite the understatement. Fortunately, we were able to reconnect last summer in Helena and share some stories/memories. May God Bless this good and loving man!
Carol Eckermann says
Carol Eckermann Donahue
Spook remains a dear friend and college budfy. We had some wonderful adventures together at Carroll College. He was a kind and generous spirit who continues to make me smile. Bless you always.
Eric Stang says
Spook was the best. Was the life of party not to be the center of attention but to make sure everyone was having a good time. Was fortunate enough to have him as an Uncle and appreciated being a Senate Page in 1993 and watching him work. Was clear and concise when speaking and promoting bills that he valued and believed in. Very supportive always of my sister and myself and our endeavors. Was looking forward to him giving me a hard time as a basketball ref. Rest in Peace Spook.
Thais Parrick says
I don’t know where to even start. Growing up with Mandi Spook was at every single sports game we had it felt like. She was always giving the refs as much crap as they could take. His smile and laugh were the best. My heart hurts for you all. All I can say is what a wonderful man.
Mike Dalton says
Spook was a good friend during our Carroll years as we both came from small towns in Montana. Many memories of those fighting Saints four years together with our Class. Every memory puts a smile on my face and a laugh in my heart. He always had a positive outlook with some philosophy to match every situation. I was so fortunate to share lunch with he, and Brian and Carol Donahue this past summer and enjoy some great stories and laughs. As was mentioned he was great at being a friend. Thank you Spook for touching my life and blessings to your family.
Brian D Sunwall says
Enjoyed getting to know him while I was on the MCM board. Genuine and positive person. Great guy who did great things for the trucking world of Montana! RIP my friend.
Eileen Oatley says
I have such great memories of Spook. As kids, we saw them “at church” in Superior, coming in the pink Lincoln(?). Then later, summers in St. Regis working for Jack, and his visits to Tacoma.
I so appreciate the Stangs for having such a strong sense of community. Spook was at the burial of my mother in Missoula, at the funeral of my dad and my brother Bob in Superior.
I cannot be at his funeral but I will visit his grave.
Eileen
Blake Sevalstad says
My condolences to the family. Spook had such an infectious laugh, and would light up a room with it. His personality along with his laugh made a lot of children happy when he would dress up as Santa Claus for the Superior Lions Club at Christmas time and help deliver all those presents and food baskets all over Mineral county to lots of families. Rest in peace Spook
Jyl Story says
I had the pleasure of working with Spook at the Motor Carriers of Montana office. We had many good times topped off with a good dose of laughter. He used to joke about me getting my “red pen” out to correct his letters. He was such a kind and thoughtful man. I will miss you, my friend. My love and prayers are with his family.
Melanie McCulloch says
To all who loved and cared for Spook,
He was a good man. We shared many good times with him and have very fond memories. Rest in peace, dear friend.
God bless those left behind….
Melanie and Ben McCulloch
Cindy Younkin says
Everyone loved Spook. He really knew how to relate to everyone on both sides of the aisle.
A great guy. Hugs to Daun, my old friend.
Wade VAN Gilder says
I was Sheriff’s in the 80s and Spook was a good man. RIP.
Garth Jacobson says
Spook was a wonderful roommate during the early 90s sessions. He stayed at my house during the sessions. We enjoyed great times together and an unforgettable trip to the final 4 ncaa tournament in Seattle. He was generous, kind and alway amusing. Though I haven’t seen him for some time I always think highly of Spook. He was one of a kind and truly deserving of respect.
Sheila Rice says
I served with Spook in the 1991 and 1993 legislative sessions. He made me laugh everyday, taking the tension out of a hard job. He showed me the ropes, helped me craft bills and supported my amendment to Fish and Game bills to limit debate to female members of the House to save two days of debate. It was a joke, of course, so Spook loved it. He was a hard working, fun loving, people caring kind of guy – one of a kind. He is missed. Rest in peace, Spook, you made the world a better place for all of us.
Thomas Juhl says
It’s been a long time, R.I.P. Spook……..
NAN LEFEBVRE says
I had the privilege of working with Spook when he was a State Senator and I was a Legislative Fiscal Analyst. He was so fun to work with and made legislative staffers feel truly valued and appreciated. He was a true public servant and a great man. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.
Matt Clyde says
Prayers for all of the Stang family for the loss of a great man. I was blessed to have a lot of childhood experiences with Spook. Spending a lot of time with Ryan across the street growing up and through all the sports we played. You could always count on spook to be very involved with us in our sporting endeavors from coaching little league baseball to being at all our other events supporting us all! RIP friend!
Craig Siphers says
I knew Spook through Leo Giacometto. Two wonderfully fun and outrageous individuals both who will be greatly missed.
Brent Huseby says
I knew Barry for a few years in the 70s in Hamilton Montana as a his Missoulian newspaper carrier…then went to work for him at Stangs Economy foods grocery store in Hamilton as a freshman in high school….in the 9 months there he taught a huge amount about a grocery store to me….including cleaning the pain in the a.. meat bandsaw!!…I just got to know him then and he moved back to St Regis…thanks Barry for teaching me!!….RIP!
Glenn & Gay Rost says
Gay & I got to know “Spook” while working for Quality Transportation out of Baker, MT., what a great person and super representative for not only the MMCA/MCM but the entire trucking industry, always there to give everyone the support and guidance they needed. He attended several of our company safety meetings and we always enjoyed visiting with him at the state wide association meetings..he was always up for a visit about what was going on in trucking, we’ll miss his big smile and that hardy laugh! Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Stang Family
Bernard and Sharon Patterson says
Our sympathies to the family of Spook Stang. He was a good man, and friend. It was Spook who got Bernard hooked ice fishing, something he continues to do and always remembers Spook as he sits on the ice. Spook was a great boss, as I worked at Stang’s for several years. Find comfort in all the memories as this will keep him alive in your hearts. God bless each of you during this this time of transition.
Tony Hunthausen says
Spook was a good friend during our Carroll years, and we were also roommates in Helena for time after college. Unfortunately, we lost touch over the years after I moved to CA, but my recollection of Spook is exactly as in the picture above minus the gray. He had wonderful sense of humor and pretty much always had a smile for you. This was the exterior of a kind and generous person who was fun to be with. Spook always accommodated and took care of his friends whether it was packing us into his Mustang for a ride home or spending time on the lake with his boat. You were a blessing in my life and so I say God Bless you Spook, and may you RIP in the arms of Our Lord.
Duane Superneau says
My sympathies and condolences to Spook’s family, close friends, and all who knew Spook. We met at Carroll College. Also, I roomed with Spook one summer after college while on break during grad studies. We were both working in the area. Spook taught me how to water ski that summer at Lake Helena. Unfortunately, we lost touch as others might have, but the “butterfly effect” continues because his memory lives on, and that spark in the heart that he gave is still felt and reflected. Thank you to all who can sound in. It is a pleasure to hear how Spook touched lives. Spook was always a good and kind man. May he now enjoy his eternal reward. God bless all.
Ken Rauch says
I was introduced to Spook through the Montana Motor Carriers Association ……….I enjoyed working with Spook and getting to know
how the Montana State Legislature operates. Spook was a true friend and would help you with any problem you might encounter in the
transportation business. Montana lost a great Statesman! He will truly be missed…………God Bless you Spook!
Ken Rauch, Pres. K.R. Rauch Co. – Wilson Trailers – Billings,Montana
Mike Newton says
I had the great pleasure of knowing Spook for over 20 years, we would quite often get together when I came to Helena for a meal and a drink and a good BS session. I had the privilege of hunting pheasants with Spook and quite often we were the blockers with always trusty Bob by Spook’s side. We had a really big time playing golf together at Pryor Creek when Spook retired from the MTA. I loved his stories about Bob crawling on his hands and knees to find the pheasant, which he quite often did. I have very fond memories of my friend and I miss him very much. My most heart felt condolences to Spook’s family, always remember, never forget. Rest In Peace our dear friend.