Court Sheriff IIl “Van”, 97, of Canyon Ferry, MT passed away at home on November 12th, 2014.
Van was born on April 27th, 1917 to Court and Emma Sheriff.
Van’s sisters Mary Spain and Jo Cope preceded him in death.
He leaves his partner Peg Rhodes, his step sons Jim (Debbie Senecal) Shaw, Barry (Saundra) Shaw their daughters Kelli and Leigh Shaw, nieces, nephews and many friends.
He was a life long resident of Canyon Ferry. In his early years he owned and operated several businesses to serve the workers during the construction of Canyon Ferry Dam. Including a grocery store, tavern and lunch counter, post office, self service laundry and apartment houses.
Van worked as an engineer for Boeing during the second World War. Canyon Ferry drew him home. He built Yacht Basin Restaurant and Marina, operating the marina until his retirement.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 29th, at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave., Helena, MT 59601. A reception will immediately follow at Retz Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family suggests Frontier Hospice of Helena, 800 Front St., Helena, MT 59601 or the charity of your choice. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Van.
Jerry & Donna Geney says
Thoughts of deepest Sympathy are with you and yous at the time.
Pat Downs says
Dear Peggy, I am so sorry for you losing your best friend, I will remember him as a good neighbor and how happy the two of you were. Those are treasured times for sure. You take care of you, and sorry I missed you when I was home in August.
Ann Hovdenes- Rapid City,SD says
I was fortunate enough to spend time in Van’s Canyon Ferry home and enjoy getting acquainted with him and Peg. He was a kind and gentle man, and he will be missed. Our condolences to Barry, Saundra, Kelli, Leigh, Jim and Deb, cherish your memories they don’t make them like Van anymore.
Bette Kimbrough-Rapid City, SD says
Van had a warm and friendly nature that made those who came to his home feel sincerely welcome. I feel fortunate to have met him and know he had a great influence on the lives of those who were close to him over the years. He was a wonderful man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Ken Ralston says
I loved him so much. He was like a father to me. So blessed that my life was influenced by him.
Billie Stanley and Rene Requa says
Dear Peggy – My son and I did so enjoy our visit with you and Van last winter at your Condo, sorry we didn’t get together this summer, Norwegian Wood Ranch is a busy place in the summer. If you have time give me a call 475 3286. Our deepest sympathy at your loss. You were so fortunate to have shared the years together. The good times will always be in your heart. Our best to you….Rene and Billie
Annie Williamson says
Dear Aunt Peg,
We are so sad to hear of Van’s passing. You two were wonderful together. A match made in heaven, for sure. Few people are blessed to be so well suited for each other. You were like two pieces of a puzzle that fit together perfectly. So glad you had so many happy, amazing years with each other. We love you so much and are holding you in our prayers and thoughts.
Annie Williamson and your great niece, Evie Schustrich
Rhonda Strainer Robertson says
To the Shaw Families:
I was saddened to hear of Van’s passing. I did run into him just a few years ago and he certainly hadn’t changed much. We had a short nice conversation. It’s been many years, but what I remember about him was his quite manner and gentleness. He was generous and I have fond memories of nice dinners at Yacht Basin and also fun times at Canyon Ferry and Arizona. I hope the memories you hold close in your heart sustain you in the days ahead. You have my deepest sympathy.
Rhonda Strainer Robertson
Peter & Jessie Peterson says
Dear sister,
How fondly Jessie & I remember the times we spent at your home at the lake and in Helena.
Van was a great man and companion. He will be missed by all of us
Our love and caring thoughts go out to you. Pete & Jessie
Harvey & Rita deMars says
Dear Peggy,
I remember sitting in church with you and Van many Sundays. You two made a nice couple
together and it was always nice to seeing you enjoy each other. Van had a long and
productive life and you were a big part of that. He enjoyed his last years with you.
Were in AZ now and won’t be able to attend but our prayers and thoughts are with
you.
Love and sympathies, Harvey & Rita
Elaine Cooper Power says
My sympathy to you and family in the loss of Van. I have known him since high school days, he was a true friend of my bother and later at Yacht Basin. May God comfort you and give you peace. Sorry to have to miss his memorial service. Elaine
Kim Coe says
I am sending condolences to your family from Boise, Idaho- the G-G granddaughter of John Gustafson- a good friend to Court Sheriff Sr. I visited Canyon Ferry twice as a child with my grandmother Mary Elizabeth Gustafson Baldwin. I was told that on of the S Court “Van” Sheriff took us all out on his boat to allow us to visit her father and sister’s grave at the Island Cemetery. Even though I was young I remember how nice he was to us and his stories about my family. We were able to visit the old Gustafson homestead as well. The cabin was still there although collapsed.
I searched for the Sheriff family about 4 years ago and found Court Sheriff’s phone number wanting to ask him about my family there in Canyon Ferry but he wasn’t at home. My grandmother and mother had passed away in the 1990’s and I had no one to ask. I meant to call back as I was planning a trip to Helena and hopefully find my families old cabin with his help but when my trip fell through I didn’t call him. I didn’t know his age until seeing his obituary tonight.
I am now planning on a trip next month and did a new search for Court and to ask his help in finding the cabin if it is still there and find that he has passed away.
Either he or his father purchased our original homestead sometime after my GGGrandfather died. My grandmother told many many stories of Canyon Ferry- and of the kindness of the Sheriff family.
It is so sad when our elders are gone and with them our hearts.
With deepest sympathy,
Kimberly Coe