Henry “Hank” Burgess, 82, passed away on August 28, 2012 from prostate cancer, in the comfort of his home, which he built 50 years ago. His beautiful wife Dorothy and family were at his side. Hank was born in Anaconda, on November 27, 1929 to James and Loretta Burgess. His family lived on the corner of Birch and 7th St., in the area of Anaconda often referred to as “Goosetown.” He attended St. Peter’s Grade School and graduated from Anaconda Central High School in 1947.
Hank graduated from Carroll College in 1951 with a degree in Philosophy. In January 1952 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and was called to serve during the Korean War. It was during this time that he would learn the art of boxing that later became one of his fondest memories. Upon completion of his service to his country, he went on to teach English and Latin at Prosser High School in Prosser, Washington. Along with teaching, he coached football, boxing, and tennis. Two years later he left Prosser and entered a graduate program in English Literature at the University of Montana. He received his MA in British Literature in 1957. After completing graduate school he returned home to Anaconda and considered himself “lucky” to land a job “as the highest educated burial engineer (grave digger) in the country!” More importantly, a year as a grave digger allowed him to court “[his] friend, wife, the love and anchor of [his] life Dorothy Mehrens.” Hank and Dorothy were married on June 28, 1958 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Anaconda. In spring 1958, while visiting his close and dear friend Father Jack Flynn, a knock on the door proved to be Fr. Dutch Hunthausen, at that time the President of Carroll College and later the Archbishop of Seattle. Upon finding out Hank had recently earned his MA in British Literature, Dutchie invited him to teach in the English Department at Carroll. What started as a simple conversation between old friends turned into a long and distinguished career in the English Department at Carroll College, department chair for over 27 years. Thirty six years, in 1995 he retired. The passion he had for Shakespeare, British Literature and Black Literature was instilled in each and every student he taught. Hank went out of his way to help students through personal difficulty, found the humor in a grim situation, demanded some well needed discipline or cut them a much needed break.
In his early years at Carroll he also worked as a school bus driver. In summer months he worked at Helena Sand and Gravel, and spent two summers with his friend and colleague Al Murray as boat captains for the Gates of the Mountains. More often than not, the “captain” would bring one of the kids with him. In 1974 Governor Forest Anderson appointed him to serve on the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole. He served on the board under four different governors for the next 25 years, 20 as Chairman.
Hank was awarded Professor Emeritus in 1997. Since retirement, he was inducted into the Carroll College Hall of Fame, Faculty Hall of Fame, Athletic Hall of Fame, received the Warren Nelson Award for his contributions to Saints athletics. Most recently he was awarded an Endowed Professorship, an award he cherished the most. His love for Carroll College, its faculty and staff, students, boxers, and the entire Carroll community remained within his heart and now in his soul forever.
From 1995-2005 he was an active member of the Blackfoot Legacy, a conservation organization dedicated to preserving the Blackfoot River. Hank made it a lifetime commitment helping the under-privileged through charitable organizations such as Toys for Tots. In 2004 he received the Archbishop Alexander J. Burnett Medal for Social Justice, an award from the Thomas Francis Meagher Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
He loved his wife Dorothy more than words could ever explain. He was an incredible husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, teacher, colleague, friend, and neighbor. He was proud of his Irish catholic heritage and his membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians. His dedication to his catholic faith and love for Carroll and Notre Dame Football were without doubt.
Hank was dedicated to spending time with his children, their spouses, and grandchildren; whether it be snowmobiling, attending sporting events, gardening, reading poetry, or time at his cabin he built with his family and friends near Lincoln on Stemple Pass. He touched many lives along the way was loved by all.
Hank and Dorothy recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. Their life, commitment and love toward each other brought them 8 children, 24 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Dorothy (Mehrens), sisters Ruth Radonich and Evelyn Niland of Anaconda, and Rita Wilks of Cupertino, California. He is also survived his daughters Jean (Dan) Gruber, Theresa (Mike) King, Kathleen (Dirk) Beccari; Mary Kay (Jon) Puckett, Judy (Mark), Margie (Tim) Dugan, Sarah (Mike) Volesky and his son Tom Burgess. His grandchildren include: Pat, Jenni (Gruber), Maura Gruber; Ryan King, Maggie (Nelson); Dominic, Sarah, Jimmy Beccari; Shannon, Kyrstin, Sean Puckett; Danny, Michael, Amanda Schilling; Emily, Anna, Alicia, Connor Dugan; Matt, Erika, Brigett Burgess; and Colin, Alex, Thomas Volesky. Hank was preceded in death by his mother Loretta (Gillespie) and father James Burgess.
Vigil Services will be held Monday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Helena Cathedral, followed by Funeral services Tuesday, September 4 at 12:00 Noon at St. Helena Cathedral.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to: Family Promise Program at Our Lady of the Valley (Shelter for homeless families), Student Scholarships, c/o Carroll College, Helena, Montana 59601, or Toys for Tots.
Special thanks for the staff at the VA Medical Center in Helena, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, his friends and Carroll family.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday September 3, 2012
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, MT 59601
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Monday September 3, 2012
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 4, 2012
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 North Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday September 4, 2012
Brondel Center; Cathedral of St. Helena
530 North Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday September 3, 2012
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, MT 59601
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Monday September 3, 2012
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 4, 2012
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 North Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday September 4, 2012
Brondel Center; Cathedral of St. Helena
530 North Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59601
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J. Dennis Sheehy says
I will miss Mr. B. very much. My sympathies to his wonderful family. Like hundreds of others I would not have made it through Carroll College without the guidance and mentoring of Hank. At a particularly rough time in my life he gave me hope and friendship. Hank got me involved with the Hibernians and he exhibited his values as an Irishman, Catholic and Family Man through this organization. Hank was known and respected whereever he went. The words charisma. dignity, intelligence, compassion, leader by example and dedicated mentor are just a brief description of Hank. He will be greatly missed by all he touched. God has great source of wisdom and humor at his side.
William Puckett says
My prayers are with Hank’s family. I remember Hank from the 1960s when I attended Carroll College. His legendary “smokers” were really a big annual event. I really believe that Hank lived a wonderful life and was a very “giving” person. Hank’s prescence would “brighten” anyone’s day.
Lynn Worsech says
My thoughts and prayers are with Hank’s family. He had a very big heart. He will be missed by many.
Mark and Kellie Samson and family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all Burgess family. Hank is a Legend not only with Carroll College but throughtout all of Helena. The lives he touched as a teacher and friend are countless—-those lucky enough to be taught by Hank are blessed by one of the great educators ever in Helena. God Bless—
Mark and Kellie Samson and family
Cathy Shackelford says
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there however circumstances prevent it. Uncle Hank was truly a remarkable man…one with passion, kindness, forgiveness, and genuine love. Mom told me many stories about the antics they pulled together…he must have gotten
His sense of humor from Nana! May the God of comfort be with your family while you endure this pain….much love from Louisiana!
Glen Cuchine says
Mr. Burgess was my advisor while I was a student at Carroll; what a super guy, wonderful friend and superb professor. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Joannie Volesky says
I am so saddened to hear of Hank’s passing. (Always Mr. Burgess, to me!!) I adored him and respected him so much. I had him for several classes at Carroll…almost 30 (!) years ago, and up to the last time I ran into him last year…he still remembered my name! After all those years, and all of those students… I was always amazed and touched by how well he knew and took interest in ALL of his students. He was a great man, teacher, community member, and family man. He is one of those people you will never forget. What a lasting legacy dear Hank left through the many lives he touched and changed. I love you Mr Burgess! My love and support to all of you at this sad time.
Rick Bach says
Hank-
You were my mentor, my coach, my Brit Lit Prof. I went from learning Burns’ poems in your oft bad brogue during class, only to have you use me as your punching lesson in ‘Smoker Class’ later in the evening. You taught me to take a punch, and to see the stars inside the boxing room as nothing to be concerned about.
In later years, our discussions dealt with the parole of a particularly evil person I knew well that was granted parole, a singularly difficult discussion about sales tax that about had my old professer ready to deck me, and a great rendition of the “Minstral Boy” you sang me in our last meeting at the Haufbrau one evening.
Hank- You were one of the most singularly important persons in my life. I won’t ever forget your chuckle, the gleam in your eye, the love you had for all your students, and your love for the boxers you put together in the Smoker Program at Carroll.
God love you. As we all do.
Rick Bach
Dick and Lori Schultz says
Dorothy and family, Lori and I send you our deepest condolences for you and the family…I will always remember the good conversations I had with Hank over the years and the respect I had for him…..Dick and Lori Schultz…( The Optical Shop)
Mike & Marilyn Niland says
We are sorry for the loss of the great husband and father of the Burgess family. Hank was an exceptional leader and his pursuit of excellence was apparent in everything thing he did, from raising a family, leading the Carroll English Department, and in his many other interests. We don’t know if we have ever known a finer man. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Mike & Marilyn.
The Garoutte's says
We are so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful life! I hope good memories and time with ease your loss. May the celebration of his life be wonderful! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Don & Sue (Schilling friends)
Irma Tomlinson says
Judy,
I am sorry for your loss; may you find the comfort you need in our Healer and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Susan MIngs, PhD says
Professor Henry Burgess started me on the path to where I am today, and instilled in me a love of literature that has been my constant joy. I am sad to learn of his passing, and I hope it is some comfort to his family to know of all the lives he touched. I was hoping to seeing Prof Burgess in one of the Gulch bars after the homecoming game in 3 weeks, just as I saw him there last time I returned to Carroll for a homecoming game 21 years ago. Well, he’ll still be hanging around the Gulch, I think … When he’s not busy with the Smoker, or teaching English Lit, in heaven. Thanks not only for the education, Professor, but especially for always making it fun. Sincere condolences to his family, and gratitude to Professor Burgess. –Susan MIngs, BA English Lit, 1982
Rosalie Hirschman says
Sorry to hear of your loss. May your faith and time be kind to you as you remember the good years and good times you shared together, My prayers and thoughts are with you.
(An IBM friend)
Mary Diamond (Schilling friend) says
Judy, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your dad sounded like a terrific man and a wonderful dad. Hold your memories close. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sandi Lum says
I was recently reminded that without fail on the other side of winter is spring. What a well lived life your Dad had Judy. The testimonies speak for themselves. I can just hear the Lord saying, Well done, good and faithful servant, come and share your master’s happiness; Matthew 25:21.
God be with you and your family at this time. (Another IBM friend).
Helen DeLaHunt says
I am so saddened to hear of the lose of your father. Thinking about (Mr. Burgess) as we called him way back then, and the entire family and the many memories of Leslie Street. He was a kind, mentoring, wonderful man who will be missed.
Much love and prayers for your family.
Mark Meister says
Mr. Burgess epitomized the love of family and faith. In my teaching duties today, I strive to care about my students and subject master as much as he did
To Mrs. Burgess, Sarah, Tom, and to all: I extend my deepest regards and blessings.
MARK MEISTER
Kathy and Chris Lynch says
Please accept our warmest thoughts and prayers to help you through your time of sorrow. May you find comfort knowing that your Dad will always be in your heart. Please know that, In time, your wonderful memories will bring a smile to your face. Take care. With warmest regards, Love, Chris and Kathy.
Marc Racicot says
On behalf of our family I would like to offer our sympathy and prayers during this most difficult time. When I came to Carroll College as a student in 1966, “Mr. Burgess” was my teacher and advisor. As we often recalled over the years, advising me as a student and an English major was no easy chore. But, Hank never gave up, and I am grateful to this day for how profoundly and repeatedly he touched my life. Although I am not able to be with you to remember and celebrate Hank’s good and substantial life, you all will be in my thoughts.
John E. "Bobo" Kelly says
Dorothy & Family,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this time. Hank was always the gentleman with a smile on his face. When I was a PO his words of wisdom stayed with me as he had told me to remember that the felons on my caseload were people and to treat them as humans, not animals.
I have been blessed by God for having Hank in my life and will miss him but I will also celebrate his life ! We need more people like Hank in the world. Slainte’
Jay and Shari Redfern says
Dorothy and Family,
So sorry about Hank. He was always so upbeat anytime we ever saw him. Prayers to you and the kids. Jay and Shari
Carol Dowd says
Judy, I am so sorry for your loss of your father, he sounded like a wonderul man. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tami Quinn says
Burgess Family… What a Awsome Family to have as neighbors growing up… Hank was a great listener and a good man. My prayers and sympathy to all of you. God Bless. Tami Quinn
John Johnson says
Hank was my neighbor for a couple of years and knowing him was the highlight of my first years living in Helena. From our yardside conversations and over breaks while snowblowing the driveways, with a voice that sounded of the Irish countryside, I learned among other things that he had been a professor at Carroll (never a clue he had been Dept Chairman for almost three decades) , had been a Navy corpsman with the Marines (that’s how he got involved with Toys for Tots), was imensely proud of his Irish heritage (tolerated me despite my mixed Irish-Italian-English background) and had built his own house (but was not allowed to build fires in the basement wooodstove; something about almost setting the house on fire). I was incredibly fortunate to have such a man as a neighbor and more importantly as a friend. Hank seemed to know everyone one and everything going on. You knew you could always drop in on him and be assured of a warm welcome. Hank was a unique and special man, a class act through and through. Though Anaconda raised and proud, Hank represented all that was best about Helena. He will be missed greatly by all that knew and loved him. My sincerest condolences to his wife Dorothy and his extended family.
Ed Foley, Jr says
To Kathleen and Family:
It was an honor to work with Hank over the years as he served on the Parole Board. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Ed