Henry “Hank” Earle DeFord, 62, died December 3, 2013, at his home in Helena, Montana.
Hank was born in The Dalles, Oregon, on January 11, 1951. He graduated from Sweet Grass County High School in 1969 and served in the United States Army from 1970-1971, including 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. In March 1975 he graduated at the top of his class in Automotive Technology from Billings Vo-tech.
He held many occupations throughout his life, but his real love was mechanics which he did for a living for a time and ever as a hobby. Never a conversation with Hank would pass without mention of his latest mechanics project.
He loved hunting and the outdoors, especially the mountains, and always wanted to move back to Coeur d’Alene. Reading was one of his passions and he never lost his love of the Hereford cattle he grew up with on ranches in Oregon, Montana, and Wyoming.
Hank is survived by his mother Catherine Hicks of Kamiah, Idaho, his step-mother Honey DeFord of Banner, Wyoming, his son JD (Jesse) DeFord of Livingston, his daughter Bridget DeFord of Helena, and 4 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry DeFord, and his brother, David DeFord. He will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather, and a favorite among his colleagues and friends.
A funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m., Thursday, December 12th at Retz Funeral Home Chapel with a reception to follow at the funeral home. The burial will be 1:00p.m., Friday, December 13th at the Riverview Cemetery, 1001 Lincoln Way, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Hank.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday December 12, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Service
Thursday December 12, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 E 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Burial
1:00 p.m.
Friday December 13, 2013
Riverview Cemetery
1001 Lincoln Way
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday December 12, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Service
Thursday December 12, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 E 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Burial
1:00 p.m.
Friday December 13, 2013
Riverview Cemetery
1001 Lincoln Way
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814
Share
Scott and Carrie Greeley says
Bridget, J.D. and family,
So sorry for for your loss. It was a big loss for us too and we miss him. From his stories about his ranching days, J.D. and his goat, to stories of his youth. He was always willing to share a Scandinavian joke, and always was willing to help out whenever there was a need. He always called Scott every morning starting the conversation with “it’s me that you” to check up and see how everything was going. Always a gentleman and thoughtful in his ways. We are truely at a loss for words for everything he meant to so many people and he will truely be missed by many. His loss hurts but hopefully the good memories we all had with him will help comfort us all in his loss. If you need anything please don’t hesitate to contact us. God bless you all.
Donna Hillman says
JD,Bridget and children,
I really enjoyed your Dad’s tales of his childhood on Thanksgiving.
We are truly sorry for your loss.
Grampa and Gramma
Lindie Gibson says
Sally – I am so sorry for your loss, and was shocked to read Hank’s obituary online…. God bless you and your children during this sad time…
J'Neanne Myers says
I am so sorry for your loss. I was fortunate enough to work with Hank at TSA in Bozeman, Montana. He was a great mentor and friend. I truly enjoyed working with him and know he will be greatly missed! My prayers are with the family at this time.
Jack L Long says
To the Deford Family,
I just wanted to let you know that we at Golden West Enterprises share in your heart break. Hank just had his 7th anniversary with our company and it truly was our joy to work with Hank. He made Golden West a better place. We all considered him a friend and would do anything for him as we all knew he would for us. I know Hank had the respect of all of his customers. Over the years I have had more positive calls from his customers and friends just to let me know how much they appreciated him. We all feel emptiness in our hearts for this good man. I want you to know that in my heart Hank stopped being just an employee a long time ago he was a friend. I truly hope that God can give you the peace to get thru this painful time.
Jesus be with you all
Jack
gerrit nydam says
what a shock to see this. first day at golden west was spent with hank. made me feel right at home in Montana. so sorry for your loss. ann and I will be praying for your family. truly hank was a gentlemen. I will never forget his smile beneath that handlebar mustache. priceless. god bless.
Linda Koontz says
Hank, I will miss you and all our talks about everything. I’ll especially miss singing the Hank Williams Jr song about “rolling smoke”. I’m so sad.
Bryan and Sally Wells says
Extremely saddened to hear of Hanks passing. Truly a loss for everyone…..
Susan Driscoll Bean says
So sorry for your loss. I pray for comfort and peace for everyone through this very difficult time. There were many special conversations I shared with Hank and I will miss them.
Nate Bean says
Hank was a very special brother-in-law. I have many fond memories of our times together. It was always a special time that we each looked forward to, always many laughs and mutual respect. I will miss my dear friend and brother. May the peace of Christ guard the hearts of the entire family and all his friends.
Sandy Thomas says
I knew Henry as a friend and classmate from Sweet Grass County High School in Big Timber and was extremely saddened to read of his passing. I am grateful we had a chance to visit at our 40th year class reunion and share some laughs about our high school days. I didn’t know any of his family but would like to extend our deepest sympathy to all of his loved ones and his friends and ask that God carry you through the dark days ahead. He will truly be missed by us all. God Bless.
Bill Darling says
It is hard to lose a father. i feel for your loss. I was never around Hank much only at family gathering with the Switzers. I loved his story telling. He was sure a great guy.
God will give you all the strength and comfort you need. My prayers are with you all.
Savannah McCormack says
As one of the many people that Hank came into contact with in his day to day work w/ Golden West, I know I speak not only for myself but for the rest of our office when I say that Hank was a joy to see and chat with. We will all miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family through this difficult time.
DEBBIE AND TED LECKNER says
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF A NICE MAN. TO ALL OF YOU IN THE FAMILY, OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY, REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES.
Michele says
Hank came to work to service our vending machines. I would always stop what I was doing to chat with him. I never saw that man with out a smile and a good word. He spoke often of his daughter to me, and we always shared pride filled stories of our kids. He is a beautiful soul and it was my honor to have known him. I pray he has found peace. Blessings to the family. He will be missed.
Mike Rhodes says
I met Hank in Paradise Valley back in the mid 80’s, he soon became as close as a brother. I was a struggling college student with a pregnant wife and a car with a blown engine. No problem for Hank the mechanic. I’ll never forget how with frozen fingers fingers he butchered a deer out in the shed for us or how we all crammed into that old Ford truck to bring back Christmas trees for the family. We explored Glacier and Yosemite together, I’m going to miss him so badly. JD & Bridget, your Dad was so proud of both of you and even as modest as Hank was He still loved to brag about you 2. When I think about Hank I think of two words, honesty and integrity and he could be pretty ornery too. Love you Hank.
Joe Storseth says
I had the great opportunity get to know Hank and consider him a dear friend. It was a privilege to work with him at Golden West. I spent 9 months there and moved on to Pepsi in 2008. I always enjoyed being in his presence. I be outside taking out the garbage when he pull up in his truck. He always gave me that big smile and lent me hand when he thought I needed one. Or just to say hi how are you Joe. He was always was so upbeat and positive never had a negative thing to say about anybody or anything. There are very few like him in the world I know that. I will miss him.
Danette Driscoll says
I am truly saddened to hear of the loss of Hank. I remember him as a soft spoken, kind and extremely well mannered gentleman…he was a gentle soul and I enjoyed hearing his tales and seeing his always ready smile & laugh.
I am so sorry Bridgett & JD for the loss of your father. You now have an angel watching over you. I pray for peace, comfort, strength and God’s grace for you all. The world has lost a rare gentle & kind man and he will be missed by many.
God speed Hank and rest in peace.
Mike and Twila Rhodes says
We are so sad to hear of Hank’s passing. We have such fond memories of times our families were together. I shared 2 favorite pictures, one camping in Glacier park , another Hank is holding Lee who is about 1 year old and Lee is playing with Hank’s hat. Hank was a good friend, a man who did the right thing. JD and Bridgett , we are praying for you and wish we could be with you at this hard time.
Sara Jo (Duffy) Gillen says
JD and Bridget, your Dad was there for us when we lost my Dad and I wish I could be there for you right now. Hank was a such a warm and caring man and while it was long ago, the first thing that comes to mind is that humorous twinkle he would get in his eyes. He was a good man.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you and all of your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim Hutchinson says
J.D. and Bridget, I am so sorry to see the passing of your Dad. He was an inspiring mentor in my high school years at Park Street Standard in Livingston and I truly enjoyed working for your parents. I know he touched everyone whom he met, as others have noted his being a very special gentleman. I truly will cherish his and my few smiling spirited conversations of the good old days no matter what era we spoke of. I wish I visited with him more often. We always asked each other what we were driving and tinkering on just poking each other in the greatest way. He’d laugh so hard at the gas station when I’d say “Old Chevys never die, they just go faster”!!!!…………..Hank, we’re all going to miss you very much………”Hutch”
Helen Taffs says
My kids got to know Hank at HHS, and I had the pleasure of meeting him when he serviced the vending machines in my office. He was a kind soul and will be missed.
Judy Scheier says
Mr. Deford was a true gentleman. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He made people smile.
Kody Tacke Farkell says
JD, Bridget, and Families,
I just found out about your loss. So sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. I think about you a lot, Bridget, and hope you are doing well.