Harold M. (Huck) Smith passed away peacefully while at home, on July 9, 2025. He was born in Wenatchee, WA on April 1, 1948. He was the second child of Milton and Iola Smith. The family moved from there to Billings, MT and spent time in Plains, Montana where the family ranch was located. While in Billings, he met and married Susan A. Hofferber. He joined the Montana Army National Guard and completed flight school on January 29th in Ft. Rucker, AL, with many young men headed to Vietnam to fly helicopters.
Huck is a second-generation instructor pilot who used to watch his father fly open-cockpit biplanes. Both of his sons became licensed pilots and Clint even followed in his footsteps as a Blackhawk helicopter instructor pilot for the Montana National Guard and two tours in Iraq.
Huck is a decorated Army Pilot accumulating over 13,000 flight hours in both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft in his 35 years of service. Huck could hardly be seen without his buddy and decorated pilot Jim Haynes, of which they may have the most flight hours as a crew with 2000 hours in helicopters and the fixed wing. Huck’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal, 21 Air Medals, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal W/60 Device to name a few. Huck will be remembered as our DAD, HERO, and Mentor of many!
He enjoyed shooting and the outdoors immensely and was instrumental in educating his sons as hunters and marksmen. After retiring from the Army in 2004, he was often seen riding his Harley Sportster around Helena.
Huck was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Iola Smith; as well as his sister Marilyn (David) Ramsay and nephew Darren Brown. He is survived by Susie Smith, his wife of 34 years, sister Marcie (Jerry) Brown, sister Neva Adele (Gail) Delp, his sons Clint and Brett (Kara) Smith, grandchildren Sheridan (Taylor) England and Shaylee Smith, his great-granddaughter Emryn England and many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind very many friends through his life as a pilot, outdoorsman, and AA member. In the words of many old cowboys, will always be remembered as a “man to ride the river with.”
A burial with military honors will take place on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 3pm at the Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery- Fort Harrison, 3550 Heroes Road, Fort Harrison, MT 59636. Following the burial, a reception will be held at the VFW Post 10010 in the basement, 117 W Main Street, East Helena, MT 59635. Condolences in memory of Huck can be shared at www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
3:00pm
Thursday July 24, 2025
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Thursday July 24, 2025
VFW Post 10010 Basement
117 W Main Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
3:00pm
Thursday July 24, 2025
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Thursday July 24, 2025
VFW Post 10010 Basement
117 W Main Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Pete Hartman says
I’m so sorry to hear about Huck’s passing. I worked at the airport when Huck was with Northwest Airlines and Nat’l Guard. He was a good guy and fun to be around with.
Ralph ( REB) Betcher says
He was a great buddy and friend, We worked together AT Northwest airlines. The Lewis & Clark Sherriff’s Reserve, We spent a lot of time together Hunting for Elk and deer. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed without asking for anything in return. He will missed by many RIP
RYAN J. BETCHER says
Huck was a great guy to be around. I was in the Guard with him and he was our pilot when I was fire fighting with DNRC. We went on camping and hunting trips together, always a great time.
Sara Graveley says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I too worked at the Airport with Burns Security when Huck was at Northwest Airlines. He was a great guy and always so upbeat . Those were some fum times !
Sending his family strength and peace.
K9 Care Montana says
On behalf of us all at K9 Care Montana, our love, thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences to his family during this very difficult time. Rest easy warrior!
Karen Williams says
Karen Williams
I am Harold Williams wife. I know if he was still with us he would be expressing his sorrow on the loss of Huck. I feel they are together right now laughing telling jokes and getting caught up on lost time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless
Drew Dawson says
My thoughts and prayers are with Susie and her family. I knew Huck when Susie and I worked together at Montana DHPPS. What a terrific guy! I know how your hearts must ache.
Iola (Snookie) Simmons says
Huck was my cousin, born 9 years after me and cute little boy, special to me. Years later I would call him around 5am on April Fools Day to wish him a happy birthday. He did take me for a ride on his cycle and he was fun. I will miss him and was glad he was a part of my family. Blessings to those grieving his loss. There’s an empty place in my heart too.
Janice Thomas says
What a great write-up! Obviously Harold “Huck” was an amazing guy. My sister-in-law Marcie spoke highly of him, but I never “knew the half” of what a great person he was. To you , dear Marcie, Jerry, and all Huck’s family and friends: may you cherish every memory of him, be grateful for each other’s love, and find acceptance.
Marci Eckerson says
Huck was a great guy!
Tom & I always loved having time with him.
He will be missed by do many!
God bless you all.
Marci Eckerson.
Peter Rudd says
Just heard the news from Ivan. Very sorry to hear.
Last time I saw him he was buying a Harley from my boss!
Best to Brett, Clint, Susie, and family.