Brian John Mack passed away on December 8, 2024 after an extended illness. Brian was born on August 20, 1940 in Hazen, North Dakota to John H. Mack and Marie R. Mack. Brian grew up in Helena, Montana and graduated from Helena High School in 1958. He enlisted in the Navy and was overseas soon after graduation. Brian returned to Helena after his active service, met JoAnne C. Wilkens, and they were married June 23, 1962 at the Cathedral of Saint Helena Catholic Church among 300+ family and friends.
Brian and JoAnne had two sons, John (living in Colorado) and Mike (Michael) also living in Helena. Brian was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years JoAnne, his parents John and Marie, and his brothers Eugene and Dean.
On many occasions, Brian said “I lived a full life and had a lot of fun”. In the 1960s, Brian and JoAnne sold earthworms, night crawlers, and Christmas Trees all over Helena to make extra money. He was an excellent craftsman and custom built many things, including backpacks for the family, a camper for his truck, custom welded snowplow, and an addition (“the Rec Room”) to the family home complete with a fireplace that used river rock boulders for the facing and shale slabs for the bench. Brian loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, backpacking, and camping. Getting wood for the winter and prospecting were also good reasons for going up into the hills. One of his favorite places was the family cabin and he visited it often with family and by himself. Brian loved dogs and we always had one growing up. Later he and JoAnne continued to enjoy their “grand puppies”. In addition, he loved playing Pinochle with his wife, parents, and all of the extended family. He even played on his computer. Brian and JoAnne always had a garden and for years, really big ones. Later in life, Brian continued to plant at least a small garden, and every year planted at least some potatoes on Good Friday.
Brian worked for 30 years at the Kaiser Cement Plant (later Ashgrove) near Montana City, Montana. He enjoyed another 30 years of retirement to the fullest and often said he was busier and had more to do during retirement than when he was working. Brian had many friends and others who met him always remarked how kind he was. Indeed, he was a good example for the rest of us of how we should help out and treat each other.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Thomas Juhl says
I knew Brian growing up in the 6th Ward. May he Rest In Eternal Peace…….
Jim Backsrom says
I grew up with Brain in the 6th Ward. He was a great guy.
Darlene Miller Scott says
John and Marie were our backdoor neighbors when I was just a little girl living on Gallatin Street. They were such wonderful people. I can remember my parents playing pinochle with them many nights. And Johnny always had a nice garden. When I was 3, Johnny helped me plant macaroni, but I had no success in it growing. Brian, Eugene and Dean were like my big brothers. They were always so good to me, helping me to learn how to ride a bike, and sharing their dog with me. I can”t for the life of me remember that dogs name, but on command it would climb a ladder and sit on the roof of the house. We continued to be friends for many years, but as life goes, and I got married and moved on, I lost contact with them. The world needs to go backwards, and take a lesson about neighbors being like family. Brian will be missed as is Johnny, Marie, Dean and Eugene. I’m confident that wonderful people like them have a special place in Heaven. RIP Brian.
Darlene Miller Scott
Brenda Schutz says
John and Mike, I am so sorry to read of your loss.
Brian was a wonderful, kind man. Jerry worked at Ashgrove with him, and I worked with your beloved Mother.
Sending deepest sympathy.
Brenda Schutz
Scott Marshall says
Brian will be missed. I met him several years ago at the VA. He was always one of my favorite people to interact with out here, and was pleasant and kind EVERY time i met with him. I will miss him. Peace to Brian’s family.
Darrell Miller says
I knew the Mack family as a result of being neighbors. I worked with Brian for a short period of time at the cement plant. Brian had a great personality and loved a good practical joke. He tried his best one time to get me to eat a sandwich which turned out to be a sucker sandwich. He will be missed but left a lasting mark on those who were fortunate enough to know him.