George Daniel Pouliot, 94, passed from the loving arms of his family into the blessed arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 26, 2015, and into the loving embrace of his beloved wife, Mary, who has been waiting for him. George was born in Bozeman, Montana, on August 21, 1921. He was the youngest of 5 children born to Alfred and Rose Pouliot. He attended Rosary elementary and high school, where he met the love of his life, his forever soul mate, Mary Belle Marley. They graduated together in 1940, and on New Year’s Eve that same year, in marriage they promised to love, honor, and cherish each other for the rest of their lives, and they did. New Year’s Eve became the very special day to celebrate and renew their love for one another.
He was in the Navy Reserves his last 2 years in high school, and in 1944, with three small children at home, he enlisted in the Navy. He served as a baker and cook aboard the USS Casa Grande in the Pacific in 1944 and 1945, attaining the rank of First Class. After the war, he returned to Bozeman and worked at the BonTon Bakery. In 1952, he moved his wife and 7 children to Helena, to take a job at Eddie’s Bakery. He took other jobs over the years, working at Capital Laundry and for Walt Coleman as a framer. He tended bar at the Helena VFW Club on Main Street, and was the Post Steward for 10 years. When he was 45, he took a job with the Postal Service where he worked for 20 years, retiring in 1987.
George was an avid reader, loved to fish, bowl, play cards, and was a great dancer. He earned money in his teens as a welter weight boxer, aka “Rocky” Pouliot. After he retired, he took up painting again, mostly oils, rarely a watercolor. Many of his works hang in the homes of his 11 children, and grandchildren. His faith was vital to his life. The family belonged to the Cathedral of St. Helena, and on any given Sunday, you could see them all walking to Mass from their home on Breckenridge.
George was a loving, gentle, and caring man. He loved to laugh, to tell jokes and sing. He made sure all his children were given the foundation to be the best they could be. He taught us to love, cry, care, and help others in need.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, just two weeks before their 72nd anniversary, and by his son, Dan. He is survived by 10 of his 11 children: Mary Marlene, Tom (Shirley), Jerry (Mary Catherine), Jeanne (Bob), Joanie, Linda, Pat, Pam (Dan), Elizabeth, and Coni (Chris); 24 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Dad, God has blessed us by giving you to us as our mentor and supporter. Your constant guidance through faith and love is continually felt in our daily lives. We are forever grateful. We love you so much and will miss you every day.
Our deep gratitude and thanks goes to our sister, Elizabeth, who moved in with Mom and Dad to care for them. Her sacrifice and selflessness was given to them without question. She took loving care of them during much of the last 8 years. She was truly their angel, and we know that they are both asking God to bless her for all she did to make their lives comfortable. Also, a special “thank you” to Jeanne Hanson, for the loving care she provided our Dad through Nightingale Nursing.
A vigil service is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. today, December 2nd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, December 3rd at the Cathedral of Saint Helena., 530 N. Ewing St, Helena, MT. A graveside service will immediately follow the service at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will follow the graveside service in the social hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home.
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 2, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday December 3, 2015
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the Mass
Thursday December 3, 2015
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Thursday December 3, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 2, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday December 3, 2015
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the Mass
Thursday December 3, 2015
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Thursday December 3, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
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Peggy Jo Williams says
our most heartfelt condolences to you all. Mr. Pouliot was a real gentleman.
Kim and Henry Flatow says
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. George was a wonderful person and will be missed.
Ronna and Tom Henderson says
Our hearts are saddened by the loss of your Father and our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your special memories help you through this difficult time.
Jue and Maria Sing says
We are sorry for your loss. George was a good person and now he has his reward with our heavenly Father. God bless!
Allen Stenhjem Family says
To all the Pouloit Family ,
Your Father was one of a kind gentleman ,Will be remembered and missed by All ,God Bless………………………..
Jerry Newberry says
My condolences to you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
Allen Kent says
So sorry for your loss Becky and I hope you and Shirley are ok
Kathy Rowsey says
To the Pouliot Family: Sorry for your loss. George was Blessed with a long life and a loving family. The Blessing he enjoys now is being reunited with his son, Dan and his soulmate/Wife, Mary. Enjoy all the wonderful memories.
Card Family says
Our sincerest condolences to all of the Pouliot family. Many special memories of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone.
Dolly, Debbie, Bert, Jim and families
Joe Etchart says
Dear Pouliots,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing…… but the thought of George and Mary now dancing again in their youth makes me smile. The magical love which they shared with each other, and with so many of us, will always serve as an example of lives well lived and be the source of magnificent memories forever. God Bless.
Joe Etchart
Nonnie Willing says
Dear Pouliots,
My heart goes out to all of you as you begin the process of saying goodbye to your dear Dad. I just know he is truly at peace with your Mom, Danny and the good Lord. Hugs to each of you.
Maureen Dineen Fisher says
To All My Dear Pouliot Friends,
Thinking of all of you at this time. My Thoughts and Prayers are with each and everyone of you. Your Mom, Dad and Dan were all a great inspiration to myself and those who were blessed to have known them.
May God Bless you and hold you close at this time. Smile as you know that your Angels George, Mary and Dan are smiling down with you!
Big Hugs,
Maureen
Ellen Fabich-Grubich says
Dear Pouliot Family, The years have passed but the memories remain of what a wonderful family you have. Your parents were remarkable and raised truly wonderful children. I am so sorry for your loss, but God in his goodness will allow your parents (now together) to watch over all you. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you.
Jack and Sherryl Vaughn says
I will be forever grateful to have had Dad for my Godfather and friend most of my adult life. He taught and showed me unconditional love all my life and for him and his wisdom I will be forever grateful. He treated my husband with respect and I will always love my memories we shared. Rest in peace George Pouliot and thank you for allowing me to call you “Dad”.
Shirley Battershell says
Dear Linda,
Deepest sympathy for you and your family in the loss of your dad. Till you meet again.
FayDee Hamilton says
My deepest sympathy to you all especially at this time of year as I know he will be so missed at all the wonderful family gatherings you share. George was such a gentle and kind soul and one of the first people I met upon moving to Helena when he worked at the post office. Heaven gained a strong and integral angel today.
Ronni Sheflo says
Dear Coni,
What an amazing man your father was! Now I know where all your goodness and caring nature came from. My thoughts and prayers are with you. And all my love!
Valerie Raisch says
Linda,
My deepest sympathy and love to you and all of your family. Your Dad (and Mom) sounded like wonderful people. May God’s love and promise of eternal life bring you comfort and know you have a wealth of good memories to help carry you through these difficult days.
Haven’t seen you in years since we lived in Helena and you did my hair. Not sure you will remember me, but could never forget you.
Valerie
Teresa Graham says
Jeannie and Bob and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was an incredible person and amazing friend to all in the Helena area who knew him. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Teresa Graham
Linda Ynman says
Didn’t get to know Mr. Pouliot but if his granddaughter Kim was any sign of his personality and demeanor he had to be a very wonderful person. Kim is a sweet precious friend who has a huge heart, full of love. I send my sincere condolences and your family is in my prayers. Beautiful life story. May you find peace in the Lord.
Donna Coman says
I am so sorry for your loss. Let your good family memories be of comfort to you all.
Paula (Nickovich) Tocci says
My heart is heavy for your whole family! My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Love you!
Elaine Cooper Power says
Dear Tom & Shirley, Please know of my deep sorrow in the loss of your father, may God bless and comfort you. Elaine
Jeannie and Pat Hurley and the Sahinen Family says
Dear Pouliot Family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We all have fond memories of your dad and the many years that our families “shared the banister” to each others homes. I know your mom, dad and Danny are celebrating with one another. Love and prayers!!
Joyce Holmes Womble says
I am sorry to hear about your father Pat and Pam.
My prayers are with you and your family.
Joyce
wilma hurni says
we are so sorry to hear about your dad, im sure he will be missed a great deal, you were blessed to have him all these years and he was blessed to have all of you. Wilma & Don