Gerald “Jerry” Marvin Hallford, 73, died from a heart attack on August 30, 2023, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, MT. He was born in San Diego CA, on March 10, 1950, and his parents were Marvin & Dorma Hallford.
Jerry attended San Diego State University and Oklahoma University, where he studied Architecture. After those years, he worked at a Feed and Seed store in Norman, OK. One of his responsibilities there was herding pigs onto trucks. Jerry often recalled many hilarious stories about that experience.
Jerry was a brilliant man. He was a walking encyclopedia of all sports statistics, including his own golf game and hunting adventures.
The love of Jerry’s life will forever be Edith “Edie” Marie Mulcahy. They married on December 18, 1976, and moved to Montana in August 1978.
Edie’s and Jerry’s children were the four-legged variety–dogs, cats, and horses. These “children” were always lovingly cared for.
Jerry worked at Morrison-Maierle, Inc. He was hired as a draftsman who worked with papers, pencils, and rulers. During Jerry’s vacation one year, those office supplies were replaced with a computer and his job title became AutoCAD Technician. At first, Jerry was unhappy with this change, but it didn’t take long for him to become a computer expert. He retired after 32 years with the company. Edie retired at the end of 2020.
During Jerry’s career, and after his retirement, he enjoyed designing house plans for many people in Helena and surrounding states.
The hobbies Jerry loved were hunting, fishing, camping, cooking evening meals with Edie, golfing, reading, working with Edie to beautifully landscape their property and anything else that included hanging out with his dear wife and beloved pets.
Jerry coached Boys Soccer “The Flyers” 1975-1976 and was Regional Commissioner La Mesa CA, AYSO Region 89, 1976-1977. Jerry was active in the Helena Ducks Unlimited Committee for 20 years. Some of Jerry’s hunting adventures were written by his hunting partner, Gary Sturm, and printed in the Outdoor Section of the Helena Independent Record. Jerry always enjoyed spending time with family and good friends in Helena, Washington, Colorado, and California.
Relatives who preceded Jerry in death include his grandparents, parents, sister, Sharon Graves, brother-in-law, Wayne Berry, Edie’s Parents Jack and Roberta Mulcahy.
Jerry is survived by his wife Edie, black Labrador, Lexie, black cat, Roscoe (who miss Jerry as much as Edie), and his many “two-legged friends”. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Cheryl Berry and her son, David., niece, Sandra Berry, nephew, Wayne Berry, Jr. On Edie’s side his sister-in-law and her husband, Patricia “Patty” and Steve McCowen, of California, niece, Rebecca “Becky” Edith Lowrie, husband Jason and their children, great niece Kylie Lowrie, and great nephew, Kody Lowrie, in Washington, nephew, Matt Taylor, and family in Oregon, niece, Jennifer Hicks, and family and nephew, Jerret Hicks, and family in Helena.
Edie says, “One of the MANY things I loved about Jerry was his sense of humor. He had a way of making me laugh when I least expected it. He filled our home with joy. He was a kind soul.”
Edie would like to thank all those who helped during this difficult time, the EMT’s, St. Peter’s Ambulance service, ER Dept., ICU nurses and doctors. Special thanks go out to their dear neighbors, their close circle of friends—which she chooses to call family. These friends have been beside her through this difficult journey. She thanks Jerry’s and her own dear and close golf buddies for their continued support, the dear and close friends from Morrison-Maierle, the members of New Life Lutheran Church, and Pastor Ken DuVall who made several visits to see Jerry in the hospital.
A memorial service celebrating Jerry’s life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Memorials in honor of Jerry can be sent to the Helena Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:30 p.m.
Tuesday September 26, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday September 26, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:30 p.m.
Tuesday September 26, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday September 26, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Linda Opie says
So sorry for your loss Edie, sending you hugs and prayers. God bless Linda Opie
Thomas Juhl says
Edie I’m so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing, yes he was a great man,an easy man to befriend…..his mark is left all over Helena. My condolences to you and the animals……..
ANNIE & REX YOUNG says
Edie- our deepest sympathies to you♥️🙏🏼 Jerry brought our home plans at Georgetown Lake to life; we love our home and will be keeping you in our thoughts & prayers.
Annie & Rex Young
Jennifer Hicks says
Uncle Jerry, I miss you dearly. I have enjoyed the time I was lucky enough to spend with you. Our football chats about the San Diego Chargers will be forever in my heart. I will think of you always but more often when I am watching the Chargers or Sooners play! I love you. May you rest in peace. ❤️ Jen
Randy Schmoldt says
Edie, my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss. I will miss Jerry’s laughter and wit. I always felt comfortable around him. Those of us left on the DU Committee who shared time with Jerry wish you all of our best!
Bobbie Gardner says
Oh Edie, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and please, if there’s anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Thinking of you!
Linda Daugherty says
Dear Edie –
I’m so sorry to hear about Jerry. I’m sharing a quote I found that has helped after losing Jim.
MISS ME – BUT LET ME GO
When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me, i, I want no rites in a gloom filled room
why cry for for a soul set free. Miss me a little – but not too long and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared – Miss me – but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take. And each must go alone: It’s sll part of the master’s plan. A step on the road to home. When you ae lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know and bury your sorrows in doing good deed. Miss me-but let me go.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jean Johnson says
Oh, Edie, I am so sorry to hear about Jerry! I know how much you two loved each other and what life partners you were. My heart breaks for you. God bless you and give you peace. Somehow. Love you.
Celia says
I am so very sorry for such a great loss as this Edie. You are so dear to me as my cousin and friend. Growing up it was always a treat to get visits with you when we were kids. Then one day I heard you married this guy named Jerry and
he swept you off your feet and you went off to big sky country Montana with him! So far away and so wild but I thought it was the most happiest thing that could be for my cousin! Jerry could write the best newsy and humorous Christmas letters over the years. I did not think this day would come and I am so heartbroken for you and I cannot even imagine. Loving you and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim ny says
Jerry was a fine fellow and I always enjoyed his company on the golf course. He will be missed by many. My condolences to the family for their great loss
Barb Oljar says
Edie. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time💞
Carol & Steve Athearn says
Edie, I’m so sorry to hear about Jerry’s passing. I’ve been out of town a lot this summer with family and just saw his obituary. Please take care and know that Steve and I are thinking of you.
Marcia Kern says
Dear Edie,
Jerry was my friend in Junior and Senior high school. I often sat by him because our names were close alphabetically. He was very shy in those days, and I loved to tease him. He did a good job of teasing me back in his quiet way. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. I will be sharing with the Hoover High School Class of 1968 Facebook Page and in the Hoover High School Alumni bulletin. Please feel free to join our FB page.
Saul Shapiro says
So sorry to see this. Remembering Jerry primarily from Lewis Junior High, he should be in the Nice Guy Hall of Fame. Nothing but good memories of him.