On December 9, 2020 Glenn Carter Barrows passed away peacefully at home in Helena with family at his side after a long illness.
He was born October 24, 1938 in Helena to John E. and Carolyn (Glenn) Barrows. During his childhood years in Helena he was active in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the youth programs at the First Presbyterian Church. He attended Broadwater Elementary School. In 1951 Glenn and his family moved to Glendive, when his father was promoted Chief Testboard Man with Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph. Glenn entered the eighth grade at Washington School. The next year he entered Dawson County High School.
During his school years in Glendive he continued his interest in Scouting and its Explorer program, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and the honor of the Order of the Arrow. During his Scouting days he attended the 1954 Jamboree at Philmont, New Mexico, and the Boy Scout canoe camp near Ely, Minnesota. He was an enthusiastic thespian, taking roles in several high school plays. He attended Boys State in Dillon. He also was an avid hunter and trapper during those years, teaching himself taxidermy.
After graduating from Dawson County High School in 1956, Glenn attended the University of Montana for two years before enlisting in the U. S. Army, serving with the 5th M*A*S*H (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) unit in Heidelberg, Germany. He completed his military service by serving in the Montana National Guard as a medic. He enjoyed his military service, and assembled a large scrapbook of his years in the Army. He returned to U of M and completed his Bachelors and Masters degrees in 1962 and 1966, respectively.
The first six years of his extensive teaching career were spent in Harlowton and Fort Benton as a history teacher, basketball coach, and principal. In 1968 he took a position as a counselor at Helena High School and advised thousands of students until his retirement in 1994. During this time, he helped many students navigate the college application process, directed others to vocational-technical education, and steered some toward military service. He was a caring listener who always advocated for his students while providing a calming presence and a non-judgemental demeanor.
It was also at Helena High School where Glenn found camaraderie and formed many of his lifelong friendships. He often reminisced about hunting and fishing trips, ice-fishing derbys, holiday parties, and the infamous “Choir Practice” Fridays. Some of the best times of his life were spent in and out of the classroom with his teaching buddies.
While teaching at Helena High School, he met Marjorie Hiner and they were married August 12, 1972. They had three sons, Nathan, Marshall, and Armon, and raised them in and around the Helena valley. Glenn was a great dad and husband who always made time for his family. Camping, fishing, hunting, and even playing “Star Wars” made for a happy and engaging childhood.
After his retirement from Helena High in 1994, Glenn did not stay idle for long. He chose to pursue his ambition to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) by enrolling at the Helena Vo-Tech. Glenn returned to work and provided comfort and medical care to the residents of the Masonic Home of Montana and Big Sky Care Center for the next six years.
Finally retired for good, Glenn was able to fully enjoy his favorite pastimes, namely hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was a member of the Lewis and Clark Retired Educators Association, the American Legion, and the NRA. He was especially proud to march in the Color Guard alongside other veterans in parades across Montana, including East Helena and Ennis. Glenn and Marj also spent a good amount of time in their RV visiting their sons and their respective families all over the country.
Preceding him in death were his parents John and Carolyn Barrows. He is survived by his wife Marjorie, and sons Nathan (Michelle) of Jenison, Michigan; Marshall (Nora) of Vancouver, Washington; and Armon (Katie) of Medford, Oregon. Also surviving is his brother John (Roberta) Barrows, of Helena, his granddaughters (Laurel, Linnea, Cassidy, Darby), his nieces (Tracie McCrossin, Elizabeth Barrows), and his nephews (Todd Hiner, Travis Hiner).
Interment with military honors will be at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison followed by a celebration of life sometime in Summer 2021. In honor of Glenn, please support local educators, thank your medical providers, and do something kind for your neighbors.
Nora Barrows says
Glenn will be missed by many . His granddaughters Cassidy and Darby will miss grandpa walking them to the school playground in the summer and playing softball with them. In the winter, they will miss grandpa helping them with sledding . We love you grandpa Glenn.
Lois Baker says
The winter I stayed in the basement while working at HCT was a chance to visit with Marj & Glenn daily. We played cards daily & kept a running tally of scores. They were both so gracious and fun to be with. After that year, we continued the friendship and enjoyed many activities together. I will miss Glenn so much. My prayers of comfort to Marj & family. Lois Baker
Joan Griffith says
Glen always had a smile on his face and such a positive attitude. It was very evident how much he loved Marjorie, his sons and granddughters. He will be missed. Prayers for his family.
Joanna says
I had the pleasure of knowing Glenn (or Mr. Barrows as I still called him even into adulthood) when he was a counselor at HHS and then later on during his career as a nurse at Big Sky. He was a compassionate person and will be missed!
Lynn and Ralph Guay says
Glenn was the ultimate neighbor when we lived in the Valley during the early seventies, even teaching our young daughter how to dig potatoes. I’m truly sorry for your loss, Marj and family. He was a great guy…
Deb Wakeland says
To the Barrows family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of being one of Glenn’s students he counseled as well as working with him as a nurse. He will be missed. Such a wonderful soul he was. Rest In peace Glenn
Dorothy Reil says
Such a loving obituary. Such a nice picture of Glenn. Today the tears flowed! I have to remember all the good times we had, the fishing was such fun! Such a miserable disease to take such a great person from us! My sincerest sympathy to Marj, Nathan, Marshall and Armon and their families, as well as Glenn and Marj’s siblings etc. No wonder today is shrouded in clouds and gloom. It reflects my feelings totally!
Please be at peace and know you all did your best in Glenn’s last days. And Glenn, that big Carp is out there waiting!
Lori says
Marshall ,Nora Cassidy Darby,
I’m sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family .
Lori Sachtjen
Joseph Anderson says
I was sadden to hear of Glenn’s passing. For years, Glenn was a “go-to-guy” in the HHS counseling department. There were times throughout the week that I found myself just stopping by his office for a social visit. He had a great sense of humor and everyone enjoyed his company at steak fries, card nights and ice fishing trips. Condolences to Marjorie and family.
Pete Stiles says
I was saddened learn of the passing of Glenn. When I started teaching at HHS he was one that welcomed me and made me feel comfortable there. We always had great conversations about hunting trips he took with the boys to Harlo and mine to Broadview. When he retired from the school he made me promise to call when the annual fishing derby was to take place. If he didn’t fish he would come to the kick off breakfast. He always would be incontention for winning the derby every year. I will miss calling him and his great friendship. My prayers are with you Marj and family. Rest in peace my friend.
Linda Fromm says
My deepest condolences to the Barrows family. When you feel sad, remember the grace of God in your life together with Glenn, and all the good memories you have of him.
Bill Mulcahy says
Glenn was always ready to help when I would call on him! He was at the top of the list of my favorite “crosstown people”. He was a gift and will be missed by all who knew him. Sending prayers to the Barrows family.
Terry Thomas says
My sincere condolences to the entire family. I worked with Glen for years at HHS,his friendly attitude and willingness to help everyone made him a standout. Enjoyed alot of fish derbies with Glen, we’ll miss him on the ice. RIP Glen.
Deb Klein says
Glen was such a kind and helpful guy to work with at HHS! To his family – may your special memories help you through this difficult time! Glen certainly helped alot of kids through difficult times!!!!
Judy and Leonard Ober says
I agree with Ralph and Lynn Glen was a great neighbor. So sorry Marj for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Steve Armstrong says
Saddened to read of Glen’s passing. Glen was my colleague at Helena High. My late wife Linnea and I affectionately called him GB. Glen was of great help to me when I got HHS’s AP U.S. History course off the ground. Glen was assigned the task of AP Coordinator, assisting with both student registration and proctoring the exam in May. Glen mentored thousands of students. His impact will be felt for many more years to come.
Lee Kenney says
Many years have passed since I worked with Glenn at HHS. I am saddened by his passing. He was such a wonderful person and joy to know and work with. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Kathy Ripley says
Marjorie & Family
So sorry to hear of your loss! Didn’t know him that well but sounds like he was a treasure! I am sure you were a great comfort to him & know he loved you for it. Heaven gained an angel & may God bring you comfort. Keeping you in my thoughts & prayers.
Paulette Hutcheon says
My first year working in the Helena High counseling dept. was Glenn’s last before he retired for further training as a nurse. His desire to be a nurse spoke volumes of his kindness and desire to continue helping others in a different way. His warmth and even handed department leadership was so welcoming to me as a new person. I was sad when he left Helena High and sad now as I think of him and remember the gift he was and the gifts he gave. He was a lovely human being .
Linda Lode says
Marjorie and family,
I was saddened to learn of Glenn’s passing. He was a teacher of mine in high school and he was always respectful and caring. Glenn also was very dedicated to his family and that speaks volumes regarding what kind of man he was. You are in my prayers.
Bob & Merle Korizek says
Glenn and my friendship started in the 3rd grade at the Broadwater school. His mother was our denmother, what a great mother. When Glenn moved to Glendive it was a loss then and a much greater and sorrowful one now. I did visit him once in Glendive. We had a few great dinners together in Harlowton, even at his boarding house when he was principal.
We did some socializing at MSU Missoula (know UM). As of late We did the Perkins Group as well with brother John. Glenn’s great personality really had me figured out, WHAT A GREAT PERSON. I WILL NEVER FORGET HIM. WR (Bob) Korizek