Harold Francis Radcliffe Jr. passed away on the evening of July 2nd, 2014 at his home with his loving wife Mazie of 61 years and his daughters Carolyn and Colleen by his side. He was 86 years old upon his death. Harold was born November 13th, 1927 in Port Chester, New York to Harold and Lillian Radcliffe.
He was the second of five children. Harold grew up in Mamaroneck, NY and graduated from F. E. Bellows High School in 1947. In 1948, Harold joined the Air Force where he was stationed in Saudi Arabia, the Pentagon, and finally at Malstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, MT. It was there that he met Mazie Fuller. Harold was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1952 and married Mazie on October 12thof that same year. Together they raised five children. Harold began his 38 year career at Mountain Bell in 1952 as an electrician in Great Falls, MT. As the Central Office Equipment Installer, he spent many years working on the hi-line setting up telephone offices for the company. In 1967, the family settled in Helena where he retired in 1990.
He was actively involved with the Boy Scouts where he led a 60 mile hike through the Bob Marshall wilderness. Harold was a member of the Elks club, the American Legion, and the First Presbyterian Church. He also volunteered at St. Peter’s hospital with his wife. Harold enjoyed spending time with his family in the great outdoors, camping, boating, and fishing. He loved his family deeply and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Mazie, sons David (Cindy), Steve (Darlene), Hal
(Deirdre) and daughters Carolyn Radcliffe and Colleen Nichols (Harlan). He is also survived by grandchildren Jonathan, Marta, Casey, Victoria, Michael, Julia, and Berkleigh Radcliffe, Brittany (Caleb) Bettenhausen, Amy Rieker, Daniel and Brian Nichols. In addition, he is survived by great grandchildren Tristin Baker and Ailey Bettenhausen. Harold is also survived by his sister Lillian Jones and brother Edward Radcliffe.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Lillian Radcliffe and his brothers George and John Radcliffe.
A viewing for family and friends is scheduled for Thursday evening on July 10th from 4 to 6 PM. The funeral will be held at the First Presbyterian Church located at 535 North Ewing St. Friday July 11th at 11 AM followed by a reception. A grave site service will take place at Fort Harrison immediately following the reception. Contributions may be made in Harold’s name to the First Presbyterian Church, 535 N. Ewing St, Helena, MT 59601, the St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or to the charity of your choice.
Special thanks to the entire staff at St. Peter’s Hospital, the Cooney Rehabilitation Center and to Katie with Hospice of St. Peter’s. In addition, we would like to thank the First Presbyterian Church Deacons and our many special friends and neighbors.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 10, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 11, 2014
First Presbyterian Church
535 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Friday July 11, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 10, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 11, 2014
First Presbyterian Church
535 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Friday July 11, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana
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Robert Jones says
Sad to here of Uncle Harold’s passing. My thoughts and prayers were with him and also for all of his family. Aunt Mazie, David, Steve, Carolyn, Colleen & Hal
I still have fond memories of my summer in Montana
Paul Radcliffe says
Very sad to here of your passing Uncle Harold, wish i could be there to celebrate your life. Thoughts and prayers with you Aunt Mazie and the rest of the clan, I too have some great memories of my time spent in Helena with you guys.
Don Tompkins says
So sorry to hear of cousin Harold’s passing. I’m so glad we had the opportunity to get to know him and his family through Radcliffe Family Reunions. Both Cher and I send our deepest sympathies and prayers to you all.
David Waugh says
Mom and I send our love, our thoughts and prayers are with Aunt Mazie and all the family
Tonna Strasko says
Mazie,
I am so sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. God be with you during this time of sorrow.
Tonna Strasko
Linda & Chuck Boomhower says
Mazie & family, we are so sorry to hear about Harold’s passing. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Crystal Wong Shors says
Dear Carolyn,
I met your dad long before I met you as I started my career and telecommunications education. My brother, Fred, was already working for Hal in the central office, so he had two of us who didn’t know a main frame from a toaster to deal with. He was professional, patient and kind, so it was no surprise when I met you and you were dedicated to getting it right and treating people well. I’ll remember him with a smile, and hope your familly finds comfort in memories of his strength and compassion.
Jeff and Kathy Peck says
Dear Mazie and Family,
Kyle, e-mailed me yesterday about the sad news. We are so sorry about your loss. I have many fond memories of Harold growing up down the street. He was always like a father figure to all of us kids, he was always kind and cared about what was going on in our lives. Even after growing up and moving away, I always found it to be a special time to stop at your home and visit with the two of you. You both were always special people in my life. I am sorry that we will not be able to attend any of the services. You will always be in my thoughts.
Doug and Mary Abbott says
Dear Mazie and family,
We are so saddened to hear about Harold’s passing. We’ll keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. XO
VA family says
Dear Carolyn and family, so sorry to hear about your father’s passing.
We send our love and prayers and ask the lord to provide you strength
and comfort to aid you in this difficult time. Your VA family is here to
help you please feel free to call on us any time.
Your friends : from American Lake and Seattle.
Joan Malinowski Kull says
So sorry to hear of Harold’s passing, Mazie. I have many fond memories of Harold, growing downstairs from him and his family. He was a wonderful person and I know he will be missed by many. I will keep him and your family in my prayers.
Mike and Colleen McCarthy says
Dear Carolyn,
As you know, I had the opportunity to meet and visit with your parents several times over the past couple of years. I so enjoyed each and every visit. I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. You, Mazie and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace,
Colleen McCarthy
Colleen McNamara Green says
It saddened me to learn of your father’s passing when I picked up the GF Tribune this past Sunday. Although I hadn’t seen your father for a very long time, I immediately remembered how your parents welcomed me into their home in Helena when I visited there. Also, a smile came to my face when I thought about all the laughter we shared there, too. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Kyle Peck says
I was deeply saddened by the news of Harold passing away and my thoughts are with all of the Radcliffe family. I have so many memories of being at your house as I grew up living a few houses away from you. I am sure that Harold felt sometimes that he had several more children because so many of us would be over at your home, playing and sometimes getting into trouble. I remember as a little kid, being afraid of Harold, but learned as I grew older what a kind and loving person he was. We all will miss this great man.
Sharon Horner says
Mazie and family — I’m so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. I know Harold will be deeply missed.
Mark Long says
Dear Aunt Mazie & Family,
I remember the time when Uncle Hal taught me to water ski, I have very fond memories spending time with you and your family. I wish we were not so far away – you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Mark and Charlotte
Mary says
David Radcliffe , I am trying to reach you to track down a share friend from Cut Bank. If this reaches you, please email me at mary.thomsonwollan@gmail.com. You would have known me as Mary Bauer from Conrad that moved to Minnesota