Harold Edward Adams 87 lost his battle with multiple myeloma on July 7, 2011, at Aspen Gardens in Helena.
Dad was born on September 15, 1923 to Victor H. Adams Sr. and Georgia I. (Schwietering) Adams in Pilot Rock, Oregon, the 11th child of 12. His folks moved to the Gallatin Canyon in 1910 where they homesteaded. They moved to Bozeman after the death of one of their children. Dad grew up and attended school in Bozeman with many fond memories of a large family. His favorite place was on Taylors Fork in the Gallatin Canyon.
When WWII broke out, he and a friend joined the service. They entered the National Ski Patrol. Later Dad volunteered to go overseas to the Pacific at Mellany Bay, New Guinea. Dad received the Purple Heart after being wounded by shrapnel from a grenade. He carried a piece in his back for the rest of his life.
After returning to Bozeman, dad worked as a wrangler for Walt Latta, then with Grace Bennett. While working for Mrs. Bennett, she sent him to her other ranch in Tucson, Arizona. There he met and married Lucy Hoke Garner on February 14, 1947. Joining this marriage was Lucy’s daughter by a previous marriage. Three other children were born of this union. They returned to Bozeman and Dad began working for the Trident Cement Plant. He then entered into a partnership and started the Three Forks Cleaners. The cleaners later burned and dad left the business. Dad answered an ad in the local paper for a salesman for Sunset Memorial Gardens of Montana. Eventually he became General Manager and moved to Helena. Later the Cemeteries were sold and dad bought Helena. After many years running the Gardens he retired turning it over to his son and daughter.
Dad was an accomplished horseman, learning from an early age to train horses to saddle or to drive. He broke several horses for local folks, later teaching others to drive their own horses through the Ten Mile Drivers Club. He loved to ride at every opportunity, so when called upon to help drive cattle for local ranchers or to participate in The Cattle Drive of 1989, dad was there.
Dad and mom did a lot of traveling until she became ill passing away on February 10, 2000, four days short of their 47th wedding anniversary. He sold all his horses, buggy and wagons to take care of Mom.
He became reacquainted with Marlene Brighton, also a widow. They became great companions with Marlene introducing him to golf, a game that gave him much pleasure.
Dad belonged to the Masonic Lodge, Algeria Shrine and Helena Trail Riders.
Dad was preceded in death by his parents, ten siblings, grandson, Geodie Adams and infant daughter, Dixie.
He is survived by daughters, Carol Bridge and Lonnie (Dan) Collings; son, Hal (BJ) Adams; and companion, Marlene Brighton all of Helena. He is also survived by sister, Fern Adams of Roundup; sister-in-law, Madge Adams of Laurel; grandson, Don Kirby (Kristi) of San Angelo, Texas; granddaughter, Arian (Scott) Randall of Helena; step grandchildren, Ric (Tera) Almendinger of Helena, Danielle (Shane) Gamradt of Billings, David Campos of Great Falls and Daniel Campos of San Angelo, Texas; and great-grandchildren, Jack Randall, Rylee and Rachael Almendinger, and Kobe and Kason Gamradt.
The family would like to express our sincere thanks to the Nurses and Volunteers of St. Peter’s Hospice. What wonderful people you were to Dad. To the Staff of Aspen Gardens, thank you for making him feel at home with your atmosphere and care, as well as Randy Wilke for your compassion and friendship. Also thanks to Marlene and her family for their love of Dad. To his friends, thank you for taking your time to visit with Dad.
According to Dad’s wishes, there will be no Funeral or Memorial service. Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be buried at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Lucy.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be given to the Hospice of St. Peter’s c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 E. Broadway, Helena, MT 59601, Aspen Gardens Assisted Living, 13 Bumblebee Ct., Helena, MT 59601 or the Shriner’s Hospital for Children c/o Algeria Shrine, P.O. Box 1174, Helena, MT 59624. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Happy Trails, Dad, you will be missed.
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Dan McGowan says
Lonnie and Dan:
Sorry to hear about Harold. What a prince of a gentleman. I will always remember the good times we shared riding in the back country.
Roche & Teri Juneau says
So sorry about the loss of Harold. He was a great person and a great teacher. We will never forget his kindness and his willingness to share his knowledge and teach others what he knew. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.