Charles “Hal” Manson, 90 years young, passed away on April 15, 2013 at St. Peter’s Hospital following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loved ones.
Hal and his twin brother, Edwin Jr., were born in Helena on February 28, 1923 to Edwin and Annie Manson. Edwin Jr. preceded him in death.
Hal was raised and lived in the Helena Valley until he joined the Army Air Corps. He was trained as a pilot and flew bombers over Europe during WWII. During that time, he was able to meet and spend time with his Mother’s family in England in between missions.
After WWII, he returned to Helena and worked various jobs until he was sent to serve in the Korean War. When the conflict was over, he returned to Helena where he worked for the State of Montana and cared for his parents until they passed away.
Hal held many positions in the American Legion, including State Commander. He also was a mentor for many years in an American Legion Leadership program through the Helena schools. He was so proud of the students from the program that went on to hold important leadership roles in their jobs and/or the community.
Hal retired from the State in the mid-80’s and met and married the love of his life, our (step-mother/grandmother, Kathleen “Kay” Maroney. That is when he joined our family and learned that family doesn’t have to be in the blood as long as it’s in the heart. Over the years, we were fortunate to hear his many interesting stories of his very full life. Anyone who knew Hal, knows what a great storyteller he was and what a wonderful sense of humor he had.
In 2011, Kay passed away. Hal missed her terribly and although he said in recent years “I have lived a good and long life”, he also said one of his few regrets in life was that he hadn’t met her 30 years sooner. In the few years before Kay passed and since then, a strong and special relationship had developed between Hal and his “adopted” grandson, Dennis. Hal and Dennis would spend time together each week just talking about life, what projects Hal had for him to do, or which one of Dennis’ meals he was craving. Hal loved traveling to Great Falls or Belgrade for holiday get-togethers with all the family.
Hal is loved and missed by his family: Valerie and Dennis Bolitho, Pam Donovan, Georgia and Jan Steir, Jon, Angie, Makayla and Jessie Steir.
Visitation will be from noon to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, April 25th at the Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral services celebrating Hal’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 26, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will then be held in the social center of the funeral home. Per Hal’s request memorials in his name are suggested to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society P.O. Box 4455 Helena, Montana 59604. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Hal.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday April 25, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday April 26, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Friday April 26, 2013
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday April 26, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday April 25, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday April 26, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Friday April 26, 2013
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday April 26, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Mrs. Carol E. Bonner says
To each of you,
Your Dad was such a caring, loving man. He was a dear friend of our family. As a retired Colonel, our father spent many luncheons at retired officers with your Dad and in their younger years I remember the formal dances they all attended. Your Dad came to give us support after Pappa passed away in 2009 ~ his presence meant so much to us! He will be thought of often with loving thoughts.
Sincerely,
Carol Kalberg Bonner
Erik & Tristan Ulmer says
Hal was our neighbor and we enjoyed hearing his life stories. We are sorry he had to leave so soon, yet the last time we talked, he said “I’ve lived a good life, 90yrs.” He was like a grandpa to us and he will be missed. Praying for the family.
Milton Coty says
Hal was a childhood buddy & friend , we servived the YMCA towel snapings in childhood. &
two Wars, ROA Meetings & lots of good times. I pray that when you get to Heaven our friend Lewie is there to greet you. I’M SO GLAD TO HAVE SEEN YOU LAST MONTH AT ARRBEES AND HAD THE PRIVLEGE OF HAVING MY SON RANDY MEET YOU !
Rest well Old Friend. Love Milt
FRIEND