George Brown, 71, of Helena

George “Big Dad” Anthony Brown

On the evening of May 23, 2014 George passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, MT after a 22 month battle with lung cancer. George was 71 years old and had the opportunity to share his last days surrounded by his immediate family.

George was born in Lewistown, PA on October 4, 1942 to George William, and Mary Elizabeth Brown. His dad passed away when George was 17 years old, at which time his uncles (Joe, and Paul) stepped in and continued to mentor him into the wonderful man he would become. His mother eventually remarried Robert Edward Andrews who also was a big influence in his life. His dad, uncles, and he shared a passion for fishing and hunting, and would spend most of their available time in these activities. George graduated from Lewistown High School where he lettered in football. George never attended college unless you count sneaking into his beloved Penn State football games with his friends. In 1960, George was drafted into the army where he eventually attained the rank of 5-A.

On April 23, 1966 George married Frankie Colleen Hensley of Strong City, OK. They were happily married for the remaining 48 years of his life. He was truly a loving, generous, reliable, and dedicated husband to Frankie (known to most as “Colleen” but to whom he lovingly referred to as “Tiger” or “Red”).

Upon honorably leaving the military, George worked for a short period of time with the Pennsylvania State Government before ultimately embarking on what would be his career as a U.S. Postal Service clerk, in Harrisburg, PA. He would remain there until he retired in the spring of 2000.

In April 1968 George and Colleen gave birth to their first son “Craig William”, followed in November 1969, by son “Kevin Dwain”, in November 1972, son “George Robert”, and finally in September 1974, daughter “Tere Elizabeth”. As his children reached their later teenage years, this 5’7″ 160lb “mountain of a man” proclaimed himself “Big Dad” a nickname which would stick for the rest of his life.

Being an avid fisherman, hunter, and all around outdoorsman, living in Montana was a lifelong dream for George. In the spring of 2001 he was blessed in getting to realize that dream. George and Colleen relocated to Montana following their son Kevin and daughter-in-law Linda who moved to Montana in 1996. Within a short period of time the entire “Brown Clan” relocated to Montana. His passion for hunting, fishing, golfing, and NASCAR was shared with his sons and Linda.

George was an only child and felt so very blessed to have such a large family in later years. He enjoyed tremendously getting to spend most of his retirement years with many grandchildren Miranda, Kaylin, Amber, Victoria, Cody, Mary, Mikey, and Jaxon.

George was preceded in death by his parents George William Brown, Mary Elizabeth Andrews, stepfather Robert Edward Andrews, and mother-in-law Teresa Hensley.

George is survived by his wife Colleen, children Craig, Kevin, George, and Tere, father-in-law Manuel Hensley,  daughters-in-law Linda and Beth, grandchildren Miranda, Kaylyn, Victoria, Amber, Cody, Mary, Mikey, and Jaxon, and finally his best friend in later years “Duke” his dog that he did everything with.

Service Schedule

Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.

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