We have lost our father, our friend, and our role model.
Harold “Sonny” Anthony Pembroke passed away on June 16th, 2021, after battling cancer for the past several months. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, dad managed his illness with strength and grace, and spent as much time with his loved ones as possible. During his final days, he was surrounded by his family whom he loved more than anything else in the world.
Sonny was born to Arthur Winifred and Sally Ann Pembroke on December 2, 1934, in Miles City, Montana. He attended schools in Miles City and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1952. Upon graduation he joined the MT National Guard and started his career as a painter. In 1956 dad volunteered for the draft and served 3 years in the U.S. Navy most of which was spent on the USS Fire Drake (AE14) in the Far East.
In 1958 he moved to Helena where he started attending Carroll college and working for Hanley Glass and Paint. While working in Helena he met the love of his life, Valora Fellows. They were married May 23, 1959. He was blessed with an immediate family of Elaine, Eric, and Michael Lasell, all of whom he loved and cherished. Sonny and Valora would also be blessed with 4 Children of their own: Art, Jim, Florence and Amy. In addition, they welcomed Jim and Kathy Garden as extended family in 1977.
Sonny worked for Hanley Glass and Paint until the untimely passing of Dick Hanley in 1970. At that time, he began working for Helena Construction as their painting manager until 1985 when they sold the painting division to him which became Sunny Painting and Decorating. He owned and operated Sunny Painting until his retirement in 2015. Sunny enjoyed his golf outings in later years as well as bowling in his younger years. In high school he also played legion ball for Miles City.
Sonny is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Valora; son Eric, parents Arthur and Sally Ann, brother Lawrence, sisters Catherine Cridland and Florence Chabo.
Sonny is survived by his children; daughters – Elaine (Russ) Reichelt of Yuma, Amy Pembroke, and Florence (John) Smith both of Helena; sons – Mike Lasell, Art (Twyla) Pembroke and Jim (Jeannine) Pembroke, all of Helena. A daughter-in-law, Villa (Eric) of Jacksonville, FL. His brother Robert “Bobby” Pembroke of Gaylord, MI, Sisters Mary Graham of Helena, and Gertrude (Rich) Nunberg of Wibaux, MT. His extended family, Kathy (Tim) Royston, Jim Garden of Idaho; and way too many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great (and great)-grandchildren to mention!
The family wishes to thank Encompass (formerly Frontier) Hospice services for their kind and compassionate care during Dad’s last months. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of dad to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 9, 2021 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Sonny.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday July 9, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Friday July 9, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday July 9, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Friday July 9, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
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Julie Massaro says
Amy, Art, Mike and everyone in Sonny’s family,
My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. I always loved seeing Sonny at his home when visiting Amy, or at the “office” having a beer with the boys!
Love you all very much!
Jules
Carol Sims says
To the Prembroke Family – I’m saddened by the loss of your dad / grandpa. You guys have always been a “tight” caring family.
My Condolances.
Carol (Meyer / Giese) Sims
MICHELLE G HOLT says
When we moved from Helena after twenty years of Sonny being our neighbor. He was a good person.
Michelle and Ted
Tonna Strasko says
Art, we are so sorry for your loss.
God bless you and your family.
Tonna
Liz Scholz says
Memories of Sonny are of a gentleman and a professional in his field. For many years, Sonny and his crew were a favorite of mine for their excellent working skills. We accomplished numerous projects around the Helena area. A quiet and always a gentleman. Sonny beware, we will meet again and start working up there. To his family my sympathy for your loss. Liz Scholz
Bonnie Ogle says
Dear Amy, Art, Jim, Mike and families, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. I’ll always remember Sonny as the quiet gentleman, just waiting for the perfect time to deliver a zinger with the perfect amount of humor and sarcasm that would get everyone going. Greg truly enjoyed every one of their golf outings and maybe they are teeing off upstairs and will enjoy a cold one afterwards.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Sonny was a great human being and I was honored to call him Friend. Bonnie
Susan L Hawthorne says
Amy, Art, Jim and family, sorry for the passing of your dad.
Rod Applegate says
Art, Twyla, Kathy, Tim and the Pembroke family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May you always cherish your special family memories, and may you find comfort in the caring words from family and friends.
Steve Utick says
Art and family.
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Robert M says
Amy and the pembroke family, my heart goes out to everybody.
I’m sorry for your loss.
Sharon Warn says
Amy and the Pembroke family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, Sharon & George
Troy Sampson says
Art and family,
So sorry for your loss.