On a gorgeous spring day Harold “Fuzz” Winfield left earth to join his wife Shirley, son Mark, and only grandson Wyatt on Saturday April 2nd 2016; surrounded by family at his favorite place on earth, his home on Canyon Ferry Lake. The day was remarkable in fact. Fragrance of spring was in the air, evident by the fruit trees budding, pine trees releasing a vanilla aroma, green grass sprouting, bunnies exploring the landscape, many birds singing their favorite songs, and the lake calm like glass.
Fuzz grew up during tough times, therefore, valuing a dollar and never disposing of anything, knowing that there will come a time when you will need the unknown treasure. In particular, alongside his house sat a 1977 Cadillac that had not been started in over 20 years. He and this car had toured the state over and over, from river to river, mountain to mountain, including over rough terrain gliding to one of many destinations near Black Butte in the Gravelly Mountain Range. On April 2nd, moments before his passing, it fired up and purred like a kitten with an important purpose of taking him on one last journey through the Pearly Gates.
Fuzz was born on February 9th 1930 to Joseph and Katherine Winfield in Helena Mt. He was the third of four children. His birthday is shared with his nephew “Bucket”.
Dad loved sports, while in high school he was an accomplished athlete lettering in basketball and football. He also held class leadership positions of treasurer and vice president. In his senior year of high school, dad and his friends entered and won the grand sweepstakes of the Vigilante Parade, “Sioux Indian Sun Dance”.
Graduating from Helena High School in 1948, he enlisted into the Navy and the Navy Reserves. Dad served on the USS Chilton functioning as an Electronic Operator. After the reserves dad attended Montana State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. He and Shirley Leason were married on January 13th 1962 in St Cloud, Minnesota and relocated to Billings Montana. With the union of marriage there were three children: Jay, Mark and Jill. Tragedy struck early while building a family in Billings, with the passing of Mark due to sudden infant death syndrome.
Dad worked for the State of Montana as a claims adjuster managing workers compensation claims. He was passionate about his job and it was a good fit for dad. He loved driving, especially exploring Montana and building new friendships, excelling at these two skills. One of his claims to fame that he was very proud of, was driving well over a million miles. After retiring from the state he went on to open his own business Midland Claims, again maximizing his skills as a claims adjuster and building positive relationships.
Fuzz’s passion for the outdoors was evident throughout his life in Montana. Ranging from the annual Father’s Day Tenderfoot trips earning the recognition of “Fire Marshall”, and hunting trips each fall in the Ruby Mountains receiving the title “Ruby Ruler”. His adventures extended from Mexico through the United States reaching as far north as Canada and Alaska, consisting of a variety of fishing, hunting and snowmobile trips with longtime companion Maggie and lifelong friends.
Until three years ago one of “Papa” Fuzz’s greatest joys was proudly reading about his grandson Wyatt’s escalating hockey skills, playing for the Junior A National Champion Bighorns. Papa was continually amazed by his grandsons talent’s expressed through metal fabrication and self-taught diesel mechanics. Each day they spent together provided invaluable lessons for both of them, while working on farming equipment, producing certified hay and rebuilding trucks, creating an inseparable bond.
Dad was honest, kind, loving and a true mentor to his children, grandson, and Maggie’s children. He deeply loved his family and friends and was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. He touched everyone, most importantly, valuing friendships and continually building relationships with all acquaintances.
Fuzz was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Katherine Winfield, his wife Shirley, infant son Mark, cherished grandson, Wyatt; brother, Joe and his wife Ella Mae, and brother-law, Robert Phernetton. Also preceded in death by in-laws “Papa Jack” Leason and Flossie Leason, and brother in-law Doug Leason.
Fuzz is survived by his longtime companion, Maggie Corrigan; children, Jay Winfield and Jill (Mike) Mosure; granddaughter, Nicole Mosure; sister, Lois Phernetton; brother, Donald (Pat) Winfield; and many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 7, 2016 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception celebrating Fuzz’s life will be at Yacht Basin immediately following the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Fuzz’s name are suggested to: Wyatt” Be Tough” Memorial Foundation C/O Helena Community Credit Union P.O. Box 159 Helena, Montana 59624 or to Frontier Hospice 800 Front Street Helena, Montana 59601.
To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Fuss please visit below.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday April 7, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following the memorial service
Thursday April 7, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the burial
Thursday April 7, 2016
Yacht Basin
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday April 7, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following the memorial service
Thursday April 7, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the burial
Thursday April 7, 2016
Yacht Basin
Helena, Montana
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Jay And Shari says
Maggie, So sorry to hear about Fuzz. Hope you are doing OK.
Maureen "Enie" Fisher says
Dear Maggie,
So sorry to learn of the passing of an old friend “FUZZ”. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Love to the family!
Tim and Linda Opie says
So sorry to hear of Fuzz’s passing Maggie. My condolences to you and his children.
God bless you all
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Maggie
Our thoughts and prayers are with You God Bless………………….
Susan & Rich Proul / Proul family says
We are so very sorry to hear of Fuzz’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to Maggie and his family. Keep all the memories close in your hearts and he will always be with you.
Brad and Shannon Hahn says
Maggie,
So sorry to hear about Fuzz, he was a dear friend and a hoot to be around in the day. Hopefully you’ll find some peace and our thoughts are always with you.
Norma Jean and Gary Walker says
Maggie and Family, our sincerest condolences in the loss of Fuzz. We will miss his sense of humor! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michael Wrigg says
Maggie, I am so sorry for your loss. The Fuzz man lived life to the fullest and touched everyone around him. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Be comforted in knowing that he is in God’s arms now and he will be watching over the Fuzz man.
The Galbavy Family says
Jay and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob "wooly" Gilbert Helena says
I have a lot of fun memories of Fuzz
Blessings to Maggie she was there when
Fuzz needed care
Claudia Johnson "cj" says
Maggie, my deepest condolences on the loss of your dear friend. We will all miss him very much. Love Cj
Sally Taylor says
My condolences to Jay, Jill and your families. I enjoyed working with Harold all through high school when he had the A&W in Billings. I hadn’t seen him for many years but often wondered how he was doing.
Ryan and Amy Crawford says
Maggie and the Winfield Family,
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Fuzz was definitely one in a million….such a fun-loving and kind soul. He will be missed!
Evy Burris Sass says
Dear Maggie & Fuzz’s Loved ones & Family. We want you to know that Fuzz will truly be missed by all his friends & loved ones. He truly was a very Unique & Special person. Lots of Fun, Fond Memories for sure. Your Friends Evy, Judy Smith & Dick Tomcheck. Blessing to You.
Fred/Judy Bakke says
To All of Fuzz’s Family,
We are very sorry to hear of Fuzz’s passing, when we think of Fuzz we always get back a great memory. He was a great fellow and will be missed by all. All of his old friends have enough great memories to last a lifetime We were lucky to know him. God Bless all he left behind.
Greg Pedersen and the Pedersen family says
Jay and Jill,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today, so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. So many fun memories, what a blessing! God bless you guys. Greg Pedersen and the Pedersen family.
Al & Cindy Christophersen says
Jay, We extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family in the passing of your father. Wishing you and your family strength and peace. Our deepest condolences – –
BILL HOLMES says
A wonderful man and a good friend. He will be missed by everyone, our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and your long time friend Maggie. RIP my dear friend.
Bill Holmes
Laura Nelson says
Jay and Jill,
So sorry to hear about your loss. I worked for Harold at A&W, ran into him periodically, and he seemed to never change. He will be missed. Peace be with you and your families.
Greg Miller says
Jay and Jill: I’m really sorry to hear about your Dad. I remember those hunts up in the mountains with Harold elk hunting all those years ago, as well as all the hours he spent in the shop with us working on the Bronco. I always enjoyed spending time around him. My deepest condolences on your loss.
Greg “Bwana” Miller
Troy strand nick strand Tacy Erin and teddy says
To jay and Jill
Sorry for lost. I fill blessed to have to have known Fuzz. Had some great times with him. There should all ways be more , but the one I still laugh about is when I shot the goose at the shop and Fuzz and Roudie went to get it thought it was died and put it in the back of the Subaru and it came back live the yelling that went on. You will be missed Fuzz from all of the hunting buds of crown ridge
Nan LeFebvre (Larsen) says
Jay,
So sorry for you loss. Two major losses in too little time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Nan, Katie and Ally Larsen
Sheriff Tony Harbaugh says
To all of Fuzz’s family,
Mike and I camped next to Fuzz and the Crew for many years in the shadow of Black Butte.
We always looked forward to our hunting trip up the Ruby each fall, cause we knew that we would renew our friendships with Fuzz and the boys. There will be thoughts and prayers coming your way from Miles City during this time of grief.
Tony Harbaugh and Mike Rhodes
Traci & Kelly says
Maggie, Jay and Jill….
So sorry to hear about Fuzz ~ He was one of kind and will be missed, but he’ll always be in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Traci Steen & Kelly DeLaHunt
Dean & Chris Leininger and family says
Jay, Jill, and family,
Thinking of you guys today. I have many great memories of get-togethers with the Winfield family in Billings. Also remember a great time at the cabin on Canyon Ferry, except when Jay and I got covered in cactus! Fuzz will be greatly missed. God bless!
The Leiningers