Charles “Chic” Ralph Hepburn, age 83 of East Helena, passed away Monday, February 13, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born to the late Ralph and Roberta (Birch) Hepburn on January 23, 1929 in Livingston, Montana.
Charles grew up in Gardner, Montana and graduated from Gardner High School in 1947. He worked for Jardine Mining Company when he was 15, in high school and when he was 16, he worked for the Yellowstone National Park measuring and painting the center lines of the highways. Charles then went to work with the LaLonde Construction Company working on the Hungry Horse Dam project driving a Euclid.
In 1953, Charles enlisted into the United State Air Force. Worked with missiles at the Malmstrom Air Force Base, 341st Missile Maint. Squadron with the Strategic Air Command in Great Falls and flew missions with a clandestine Special Air Group based in Turkey and Germany. He then was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force and retired in 1972 as Tech Sargent.
After retirement from the Air Force he returned to the Yellowstone National Park Company firing broilers and worked on radios and Seismographic equipment and taking care of the mules, then retiring from the park service in 1974.
He met and married Nancy V. Tripp on March 27, 1972 in Great Falls, Montana at the Malmstrom Air Force Base Chapel. Charles and Nancy moved back home to Gardner and moved to Helena in 1996 to be close to their family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Big Jim Hepburn, nephew Little Jim Hepburn. Charles is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter, Karolee and Gus Weickum of Helena; children, Kayann Stone of Juno, AK; Ronald (Patti) Martin of Albuquerque,MN; Richard Martin of Helena; grandchildren, Willie Weickum, Megan (Zach) Genthner, Ricki Weickum , Chase Thomas, Kelsey Martin, Patrick Martin, Rachael (Joe) Horner, Branden McIntosh; 1 great grandchild, Braxton Paul Richard Horner and various nieces and nephews and loving friends and care givers.
Family will receive friends from 12-3 p.m., Thursday, February 16, 2012 at Retz Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, February 17, 2012 at Retz Funeral Home Chapel. Memorials may be sent in “Chic’s” name to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 1075 N. Rodney St., Helena, MT 59601. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Charles, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com .
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Ricki Weickum says
Condolences
The Hogg Family says
Condolences
Barb Riley (Hape) says
Nancy and family:
I’m so sorry to hear of Chic’s passing. I know you’ll all miss him terribly and my thoughts bring me back to working with him while we worked for the National Park Service, plus, his years in Gardiner. My prayers are with you all.
karolee Weickum says
I have lost the Greatest Man I have ever known. My Dad, My Mentor and the most giving and caring man ever. I love you Charlie and I miss you so very much. Kj (your daughter)
Megan Peterson Genthner says
My dearest grandpa Charlie I love u with all my heart and will miss you every single day. You were my inspiration, and artistic motivation. You were the best show and tell and grandfather a girl could have dreamed of. Thank-you for always being there for me and sharing all the wonderful story you truly had a heart of gold.
Love your girl