Charles “Chuck” Conley was born to Donald and Barbara Conley on a hot summer day in Malta, Montana, on July 18, 1960 and passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, MT on Monday, October 12, 2015, surviving more than 3 years after a Stage 4 Colon Cancer diagnosis. “Charlie’s Angels” (his wife, Connie, daughters, Angela and Sara) and his sister Ruth kept a vigil at his side until his peaceful passing.
Chuck was the fourth child of six, often being a bit of a scamp to his sisters. Growing up was pretty crazy, since there were six children born in eight years. He was a boy scout in his younger years, and then later on delivered newspapers. In high school, he excelled in his studies and participated in the National DECA competition his senior year. Chuck started working his way through college by laying carpet for his dad. Chuck paid for his tuition as he studied, and completed his course of study, achieving a Bachelor’s in Travel, Business and Commerce with a minor in computers essentially building his own degree.
Chuck met his wife, Connie, during his last year of college. On July 2, 1983, the couple married in Havre at First Lutheran Church, and they moved into the apartment of the group home until they were able to purchase their first home on 3rd Avenue. They welcomed their daughter, Angela Mary, on Feb. 7, 1989, and moved to Helena soon after. Their second daughter, Sara Ann was born in Helena on Feb. 5, 1991. Chuck worked for the State of Montana as a computer systems analyst/architect, and then transitioned to the private sector, working for TRW, BDM, UNISYS Corporation, and finished his career with several years working for Morrison-Maierle Systems, until his cancer diagnosis in 2012.
After 10 grueling chemotherapy treatments, Chuck recovered and began “chemo maintenance” totaling over 40 treatments in 3 years. He called himself a “man of leisure,” took up photography, spending time with his family whenever he could, and taking little trips when his strength was good. A special group called “Splashes of Joy” needed some help with their website, and in them he found a great new group of friends, and a creative outlet for his computer knowledge as well as photography. Jeannie and Harley became treasured friends of his, as well as the extended Splashes family.
More than anything, Chuck treasured his family and was “bursting with pride” whenever he spoke of his daughters, Angela and Sara. He was an avid reader, and studied new photographic techniques on-line, often asking his family to be his guinea pigs in trying the techniques he was currently interested in. His favorite movies were Monty Python and anything directed by Mel Brooks. His humor and positive attitude during his cancer diagnosis and treatment was an inspiration to so many people, and he often took time to step people through their first treatment, injecting humor and sometimes playing tricks on the nurses in the Cancer Treatment Center. The nurses took his humor and gave it right back to him, one even nicknamed him “Chuckie-poo” and then he dubbed her “Princess.”
We are so thankful for the amazing and compassionate care that he received at St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center and Oncology wing, especially Dr. Tom Weiner and Emily Burton for all her support throughout this process. We are also thankful for the support of St. John’s Lutheran Church & Sanctuary Choir, the staff & residents of the Touchmark retirement community, and the special people of “Splashes of Joy.” Special thanks go to the families of Connie’s music studio, for your patience and support, with a special thank you to Diana Sizemore. Thank you to Morrison-Maierle for continuing to support and uplift us throughout these last 3 years.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 32 years, Connie; his daughters, Angela Mary, Sara Ann (fiancé Ben Kugler), his parents Donald and Barbara Conley of Havre, his siblings: Cathy (Ken) Kihara, Ruth (Rick) Lagerquist of Plentywood, Mike Conley of Havre, and Carol (Grant) Sather of Poulsbo, WA, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Conley Nivens and his maternal and paternal grandparents.
A celebration of Chuck’s life will be on Monday, October 19, at 11:00 am at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Ave, Helena, MT, with a luncheon following the service. Friends and family are invited to the Red Atlas section of the Staggering Ox, 400 Euclid Ave, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm to raise a glass to his memory, share laughter and humor in his honor.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts in Chuck’s honor to “Splashes of Joy” www.joysplashers.org or to the St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center.
“I aspire to inspire until I expire.” -Chuck Conley-
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Monday October 19, 2015
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Celebration of His life
Monday October 19, 2015
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Social Gathering
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday October 19, 2015
Staggering Ox
400 Euclid Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Monday October 19, 2015
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Celebration of His life
Monday October 19, 2015
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Social Gathering
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday October 19, 2015
Staggering Ox
400 Euclid Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
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Karen Bryson says
Dear Connie,Sarah, & Angela,
My heartfelt sympathy to you with Chuck’s passing. The journey of grief is a difficult one. I will keep you in my prayers.
Donna Owens says
Ah Chuck, those bright eyes, ever searching for the good…..and your wonderful captivating smile…you will be missed dearly my friend. Connie, Sarah and Angela you are in my prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. Feel embraced by those who love you! Peace to each of you!
Verna Kroll says
Connie, Sarah & Angela
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful husband and dad with all of us here at Morrison-Maierle Inc./Systems! He was a joy and we will miss his visits and amazing attitude that always was so uplifting!
Know you are in my prayers as you go through this season of loss, like I told Chuck when I left the hospital Friday, this is not good bye but I will see you later. God Bless to you all.
Susie Schend says
I met you in Havre over the summer at a friends dad’s funeral. I hadn’t seen Chuck in years!!!! Was great to see him and meet you! So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers going out to you and your family
Liz ( Otto ) Goulet says
Connie and family, prayers to you all. So sorry for your loss. As I can remember chuck was always a fun and kind man.
Vern Cichosz says
I went to high school with Chuck. I remember a time in PE class we were playing floor hockey and I hip checked him and after I apologize and Chuck says, “No problem Vern, it’s hockey.” I admired him from that day. Truly sorry for your loss.
DeAnn Caussyn says
The Conley family was a very important part of my family as Connie was my daughter’s gifted and inspiring music teacher. Although we didn’t spend much time with Chuck, I always knew he must be a fine man to have such a happy (and extremely busy!) wife and wonderful daughters. We are all thinking of Connie, Sara and Angela at this time with fond memories and are very sorry for your loss.
Barb Evilsizer says
May God’s peace surround and comfort you … sincere condolences
Greg Zeihen says
Connie, Sara, and Angela-I’m so sorry for your loss. I feel privileged to have known Chuck, and he was a true bright spot in this world. Keep his memory close and know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of all of your many friends and students.
Melody Welch Hoover says
I also went to High School with Chuck. As a good friend of his sister, Mary, I got to know Chuck and enjoy his wry sense of humor. He was so good-natured! Praying for God’s comfort for you all.
Dale and Barbara Heishman says
We send our heart felt sympathies to Chuck’s family. May our LORD bless each one of you.
Dale and Barbara Heishman
Dean and Beverly Heishman
Cathy Kovich (Pullin) says
Connie, Angela and Sara,
May it help to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Bless the passing of your wonderful husband and father. May all the good memories soon replace your sorrow. We are so sorry for your loss.
Carra Palmer says
Connie,
So sorry for your loss of Chuck. There are no words that I can even imagine to share during this time of sorrow for you. Just know that you are in my prayers and that you find comfort in knowing that you are surround by love.
Hugs my friend.
RHONDA LEAHY says
My thoughts and prayers are with Don and Barb, Cathy, Ruth, Mike, Carol and of course, Chuck’s wife and children. Chuck sounds like he was just as amazing as an adult as I remember he was as a teenager. God bless you and comfort you.
Carolyn DeYoung says
Connie, Angela and Sara
We pray your memories of Chuck give you comfort, and your faith gives you peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lynn and Carolyn DeYoung
Mary Jo (Marra) Larsen says
Dear Ruth,
What a great picture, of Chuck, my prayers are with all of you during this tiime.
Ronna Polette says
Connie … I was saddened to hear of Chuck’s passing … you and the girls are in my prayers.
Chris Deveny says
So very sorry for your loss.