Don Lytle died February 1. He was 76.
Don owned bars and restaurants in Helena over the years, most notably Hap’s. He collected and beautifully restored old cars and trucks.
“He did it his way” is how his family summed up Don’s life. As his best friend, Dave Clark, said, “We were grateful to have him as long as we did.” His grandchildren said, “Grandpa didn’t know how much he was loved.”
Don was active in the Scottish Rite, Shriners and their Scooter Patrol and Jesters of Montana Court No. 5. He belonged to the Montana and Tri-County Tavern associations, and was president of the latter for three years. Don had a fondness for cats, most recently his cat Keno.
He was born Oct. 9, 1943, in Buhl, Idaho, to Winton R. Lytle and Josephine Lytle. His father died in a car wreck in Missoula when Don was 12. His mother later married Harold Mitchell.
His family ran the stockyards in Missoula. At age 11, Don was put in charge of 25 men working there. “He’s been the boss forever,” his family said. As a young man, he drove rodeo stock from Hot Springs to Drummond.
Don graduated from Waitsburg, Wash., High School in 1961. He played football, basketball and baseball in high school, where he acquired the nickname “Sugar.”
In March 1962, Don, who was working as truck driver, met the love of his life, Terry Fox, from Walla Walla, at a drive-in. He was driving a 1957 Chevy, with his best friend riding shotgun, while Terry, whose nickname was “Foxy,” was in a car with five other girls. Don and Terry were married Oct. 11, 1963.
Don enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in October 1962 and trained in Texas. While his friend was assigned to communications detail at the White House, Don was sent to Glasgow Air Force Base in Montana as a cook. His next assignment was supposed to be Vietnam, but instead he was sent to the Philippines to be part of a support group for men coming back from Vietnam.
Honorably discharged from the Air Force in July 1966, Don worked at Boise Cascade in Salem, Ore., loading paper. Don met a man who encouraged him to get involved in managing a food service business. The family moved to Helena, and Don took over as food service director at St. Peter’s Hospital from 1970-1973.
On the side, he bartended at the Rialto.
“Being a bartender, Don felt he was on stage,” Terry said. “He always wanted to be an actor or a song writer or singer.”
In 1973, the Lytles bought what had been George OK Café and turned it into Station 408 Café on Main Street. It’s now the Western Bar.
In 1975, Don leased and then bought Hap’s from George Schneider, and owned it for 44 years until his death. He also ran the kitchen at Green Meadow Country Club and started and sold Big Dorothy’s Saloon, current site of the Windbag.
At one point, Don owned Hap’s, Big Dorothy’s Saloon, Hap’s Hideaway and Fez’s Pizza, both in Kauai, Red Meadow Bar and Hap’s Corner in Townsend.
He also bought the former bus depot and moved it to Euclid and leased it and bought and moved the Budweiser warehouse. He collected and stored hundreds of damaged wheelchairs in an old railroad car. They were restored by correctional workers and sent overseas.
Surviving are his wife, Terry; son, Brent (Shawna); daughter, Gina; grandchildren, Brennan, Alex and Garret; sister, Linda (Tim) DeRuwe; and half-brother, Jimmy Mitchell, and nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., Thursday, February 13, 2020 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. A Celebration of Don’s Life will follow with rock ‘n roll music at Haps Bar, 1505 Railroad Ave., Helena.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the transportation fund to take children to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607; Lewis and Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604, or Cohesion Dance Project, 1020 Argyle St., Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Don.
Bob Gilbert says
I am saddened to see that Don has passed away. He, I and Terry had a lot of fun for many many years.
My condolences to Terry, Brent, and Jenna. I have many great memories of Don.
Vanessa Tolson says
Terry & family, we were saddened to hear of Don’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with at this very difficult time.
Chuck & Vanessa
Sally Russell says
We were sad to hear about Don’s passing. He was a good soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, now, and
the days ahead. God Bless
Sharon Bowker says
Brent, please accept my condolences on your father’s passing. Thoughts and prayers for you at this difficult time.
Pat and Colleen McCutcheon says
Terry, Brent, Gina and the Lytle family, we will all miss Don. He was a great man and friend. He loved his family dearly and worked hard to support them. Don has completed his journey on earth and is now at peace with our Lord.
He’s enjoying the company of his deceased family members and many good friends especially, Jack and Shirley Mahan, Max Dana, Sugar and many more.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lytle family and all those who loved Don.
May God bless us all.
Roxianne Verworn says
Terry, Brent and Gina my heart goes out to you and your families with the loss of Don. 30 plus years of memories come to mind. May the good memories always stay in your hearts to help you through this difficult time. Don is now with many of our good friends having a toddie or 2 with Little Dick Sampson, Sug, Little Al, Art, Max, Jim – the list goes on! Always remember he will always be watching over you – never far away!
Many blessings and peace be with you!
Love and God Bless!
Don Bartsch says
Don was by far the hardest working guy I ever worked for. There was no task he would not do himself before asking you to do it. Nothing below him and he found every angle to make a buck. Really enjoyed the time he agreed to join a bowling league on a team with my dad. We had a blast for a few years. I knew he loved golf, but Don was fun at the bowling alley as well. I’ll miss running into him at Hap’s or his shop working on something. Terry, Brent and Gina I am sorry for your loss.
Tim Easton says
Terry, Brent and Family.
So sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed my visits with Don when I was in the beer business and at the golf course. He will be missed. God Speed to Don and all of you.
Sonja "Toni" B. Osterloth says
Brent, my heart and prayers go out to you, your family and friends during this sad time. God bless each of you and may your father rest in peace!
carla tevis Franklin says
Brent so sorry to hear of your dad passing, I never met him but have heard many nice things about him.
Diana Krieger says
Terry, Brent and Gina, I am so sorry to learn about Don. I thought of him as a good friend to Art and me. Will miss him.
Beth Williams says
Don was a very good person. He came to visit my Dad “Pete Williams “ when he had cancer. It meant a lot to us. We also shared the love of Lincoln
Kelly McArdle says
I sure have a lot of good memories of bartending for Don at both the Corner in Townsend in the 90s and another 9 years at Hap’s. You never had to wonder what was on his mind; he pulled no punches. I always had a great admiration for his commitment to his family. He had a great sense of humor, too. I’m sure he is enjoying a toddy with his pals listening to the great big jukebox in the sky. Hopefully they also have kitties up there. 🙂 My deepest condolences Terry, Gina, and Brent!
Steve Wong says
A lot of guys have a few old cars, a few guys have a lot of old cars. But when a guy has a genuine love for that old iron that flows through his veins, well that , to me, is someone special. That was the Don I knew. I will miss seeing Don at his shop, working hard on his latest project. Foot off the brake, Don, pedal to the floor!
Don at The Bird Nest says
We at The Bird Nest are all so sad to hear of Don’s passing. Our condolences to his loved ones. He was a customer of ours for many years while he restored his Thunderbirds. He was always kind and appreciative of the tech help.I I will miss our conversations, and how he talked about Hap’s, all the great cars he’s had over the years and still had. He loved history and cars and liked to tell us about them. Godspeed, Don.
Bonnie Finstad says
Terry and family, We were saddened to read about Don. We send you our comfort and love for knowing you aver the years. John and Bonnie Finstad…Bigfork, Mt
Cathy Schneckloth Dawe says
I am sorry to hear about Don’s passing. I worked for him at St. Pete’s then at Station 408 during the summer of 1973 or 1974! He was a great person to work for. May God give you peace and comfort during this very sad time!
Marlene Barbour says
Dear Terry ,Brett ,Gina, So sorry for your loss.I have very good memories Tony and I having coffee with Terry And Don at Station 408 almost every morning while we were downtown. Take Care, Marlene Barbour
Mark Kasperick says
My condolences to the family – sad to hear of Don’s passing. He was a legend of generations passing through his many establishments that provided us all good food, drink and an environment to meet and have fun. Don was supportive of Helena business and athletics and will be missed by many. Thanks Don!
Janet Coughlin says
Terry, I’m so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Love and hugs to you and your family during this difficult time.
Matt Posewitz says
Dear Terry, Gina, Brent and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have the most amazing memories of Don taking Brent and me to Hap’s on the weekend, to Station 408 and Big Dorothy’s for lunch, boating at Canyon Ferry, loading up the black truck for adventures far and wide, and listening to the Beach Boys at the Madison street duplex. A life well lived and a man who embraced the world and its opportunities in the biggest way possible. My deepest condolences.
Evy Burris Sass says
Dear Terry, Brent & all the loved ones of Don. I just now read in the IR about Don’s passing. Reading this took my breath away. Don’s HAPs has always held years of memories for me. It is always a welcoming place, great personnel & great patrons that come from all walks of life. Brent is a true chip off the ole block (Don) keeping Hap’s running like a well oiled TBird. ( I have one that Don could of added to his collection). Well, Don is going to be missed. I’ll bet he’s saying Hello to Tomcheck, Sug, Fuller, & All his fav bunch of guys. We all know the names that have gone on before us. Life is so precious, our days are numbered, we don’t know when. I call Don friend, CHEERS & BEERS DON.
Ken Davis says
Sorry to hear about Gina and Fuzz’s Dad. Great generous guy who fed us when we were hungry and little, gave us a drink later in life when thirsty. Supporter of Hawthorne alumni and those less fortunate.
Tom Hirst says
Terry, Brent, and Ginq, I am so sorry to learn of Don’s passing. I 3njoyed the times we spent together years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. If I can be if an yuh help at any time please ask.
Ken Dunham & Janelle Fallan says
Don was a unique guy, and a lot of his kindness and compassion for people was not widely known. We were friends for more than 30 years. A trip back to Helena always includes a visit to Hap’s. The stories from there are legendary. Our condolences to all of you family members and his many friends. He will be missed and is in our prayers.
Maggie Davis says
Don’s presence was a big plus for a variety of communities in Helena and he will be very much missed. My thoughts are with Terry, Brent, and Gina, his family and many friends.
Brenda and Jerry Schutz says
Terry, Brent and Gina,
We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless You,
Brenda and Jerry Schutz
Brenda and Jerry Schutz says
Terry, Brent and Gina,
We are so sorry for your families loss.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless You,
Brenda and Jerry Schutz
Brenda and Jerry Schutz says
Terry, Brent and Gina,
We are so sorry for your families loss.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless You.
Debbie Taylor Crawford says
Terry, Brent and Gina – I am so sorry for your loss. Don had a smile that would light up a room. No doubt he is up there with Dad, drinking a beer and talking about the good old days at the cabin.
May his memories forever live in your heart.
Debbie
Justin Greve says
The thing I remember most about Don, that always impressed me, was the way he treated people. It didn’t matter who you were, he treated everyone the same. He was a “good guy”.
Mary Kay Bennett says
Terry & family:
I remember the good old days on the west side of Helena & our Hawthorne School acquaintances.
I am so sorry!
I didn’t hang out at Haps but for what it’s worth, I always wanted to.
Mary Kay Bennett
Bob and Bernadine Czajkowski says
A great guy and good friend that I was proud to serve with in the US Air Force.
Don and Terry were also kind enough to visit us while in Ohio. We still have your letters and my ‘tattered’ Hap’s t-shirt.
Our deepest sympathies to Terry, Brent, Gina and the entire Lytle family. We are very saddened by Don’s passing.
Cimby Edelstein says
Terry,
Way too long in connecting with you all. So sorry to read about Don. I always loved the time we spent together. You are always in my heart. If ever in the Seattle area I would love to see you.
With much love,
Cimby
Robin N David says
I first met Don and Terry on Kaua’i. Later moved to MT. and sorta’ became family. I loved his “nothing is impossible” attitude. He once told me ” Don’t worry about it, have a beer to kill the fear.” I sure loved sharing the years I did with him, Terry, Brent and little Brennan. All the best to the Lytle family. God speed to one of the most incredible men I’ve met in this life. ~ Big Don!