John C. “Skeff” Sheehy, 99, lawyer, jurist, and family patriarch, died Friday, April 7, 2017 at his home in Helena.
Skeff was born Jan. 27, 1918, to Cornelius and Anna Sheehy in Butte, the first of seven children. Although he lived in other Montana towns for 80 years of his life, he believed, along with his brother Joe, that “if you’re not in Butte, you’re camping out.” He was educated at Catholic schools in Butte, attended the Montana School of Mines (now Montana Tech) and then the University of Montana School of Law. He obtained his law degree in 1943 and went to work in Helena for insurance commissioner J. D. Holmes.
Skeff married Rita Ann Schiltz in 1945, and only death would part them. In 1947, they moved to Billings, Rita’s hometown. Skeff began a 30-year law practice with his brother-in-law and great friend, Jack Schiltz. They tried all manner of cases and represented all sorts of clients. They also had a lot of fun. Schiltz and Sheehy were responsible for most of the skits, songs and frivolity at the Billings Bar meetings for decades. Over time, Schiltz and Sheehy joined others in the practice, including George Hutton, R. G. Wiggenhorn, and Brent Cromley. Skeff’s professional accomplishments were recognized by the State Bar of Montana in 2005 with the Jameson Award, and by the Montana Trial Lawyers Association last summer with a lifetime achievement award.
Between 1959 and 1970, Skeff served in both houses of the state legislature. He was the first Democrat to break the “straight eight” Republican legislative block in Yellowstone County during those decades of county-wide ballots. In 1978, Gov. Tom Judge appointed Sheehy to the Montana Supreme Court. He was elected to his seat twice before retiring in 1991. Justice Sheehy was the author of the decision rejecting the challenge to Montana’s coal severance tax. The United States Supreme Court upheld his decision.
A devoted Catholic, Dad attended Mass every morning and said the rosary every night. His faith guided him through the Great Depression, a near-fatal car wreck in 1936, Montana politics in the 60s and 70s, an armed assailant in 1984, the death of his beloved Rita in 2012, and everything in between.
Skeff and Rita raised eleven children long before “parent” was a verb. In those days without cell phones and texts, Dad communicated with full voice, songs, prayer, jokes, and sometimes long silences. He imparted much wisdom, ranging from “Trust everyone, but cut the cards,” to “you’d starve to death with a ham on your back.” He rarely said good-bye, preferring “tap ‘er light” or “don’t go with the old feeling.”
Engagement was Dad’s distinguishing characteristic. His children’s greatest fan, he drove all over Montana to their events. Though he liked to quote J.D. Holmes that “Human beings are a lousy arrangement,” he loved human arrangements: parades, games, weddings, and funerals. In the last years of his life, he and Rita and assorted family and friends ate dinner at the Motherlode every Tuesday, and Fridays were reserved for lunch at Benny’s Bistro. He liked the bustle of people. At home, he read and watched the news every day and night; he did the crossword and sudoku; and he didn’t often miss Jeopardy. He was engaged in the world to his last day on earth.
Sheehy was preceded in death by his wife Rita; brothers Tom, Edmund, Joseph, and Jim Sheehy; by his sister Margaret, known as Sister Serena Sheehy, SLC; and by his granddaughter Rita Mary. He is survived by his 11 children, Anne (Peter) Yegen of Park City, Tom Sheehy of Helena; Mary (Duane) Moe of Great Falls, Patrick (Debbie) Sheehy of Billings, Kate (Dirk) Whitney of Helena, Eileen Sheehy (Bob Maxson) of Billings, Rosalie (David) Cates of Missoula, Margaret Sheehy (Ralph Johnson) of Albany, NY, Jenifer Sheehy of Billings, Martha Sheehy (Sid Thomas) of Billings and John Sheehy (Jill Golden) of Marlboro, VT. His lone surviving sibling, Sister Eileen Sheehy, SCL, lives in Grand Junction, CO. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and many treasured nieces and nephews, their spouses and their children.
Viewing will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the Rosary to be prayed at 7:00 p.m. followed by a time for sharing of memories on Tuesday, April 11th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 12th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St. Burial will immediately follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial in the Brondel Center located in the lower level of the Cathedral. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Skeff.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 11, 2017
Anderson Stevenosn Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 11, 2017
Anderson Stevenosn Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Time of Remembrance Service
Following the Rosary
Tuesday April 11, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday April 12, 2017
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Mass
Wednesday April 12, 2017
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 11, 2017
Anderson Stevenosn Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 11, 2017
Anderson Stevenosn Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Time of Remembrance Service
Following the Rosary
Tuesday April 11, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday April 12, 2017
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the Mass
Wednesday April 12, 2017
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
John O'Rourke says
My father was a grade school classmate of John. They were sons of Butte miners and shared many memories. My dad, Shamus O’Rourke, was married and living in Great Falls in the early 1940’s while working on the railroad. John and Ted James were struggling students living in Great Falls. My mother Rita was a great cook and we had many fun dinners with John and Ted always including her famous apple pie. We all knew and appreciated John and the Butte stories. I last saw John at my Dad’s funeral in 1992. God speed John. My condolences to his family for a remarkable man.
Terry and Carol Frisch says
John and Rita were nice neighbors. Although our acquaintance with Rita was brief, Rita shared she loved our red and gold Christmas tree. Every Christmas since, we placed something red and gold on our tree in her memory. We will remember John for his kinds words and bright smile. Only one word can be used to describe John. He was a true gentleman. Tom and family we offer you our sincere condolences.
Terry W Bass says
A truly wonderful person. Always willing to assist, listen or critique. We shared many moments thru the years. May he Rest In Peace and God bless. To his family, thank you for carrying the stature forward. Terry W Bass.
Art Thompson says
He was the greatest man I ever knew in person. By every objective measure, he was a giant. To every subjective sense, he was a joy.
I will remember his gift for song, his ear for verse, and his absolute mastery of story. As a parent, as a politician, and as a professional, he had the grace and the soul of a poet.
Tap ‘er light Skeff. That was a life well lived.
Tom Boland says
I first met Skeff in the summer of 1972. He was running for AG against Bob Woodhall. I was directed my my uncle John to “get him around town” , which I dutifully did. Skeff worked the lawyer circuit as well and was introduced to the Great Falls Bar Association by a notorious Insurance defense lawyer, Orin R Cure. I was only 24 at the time and Mr Cure was not on my list of people I sought out on Skeff’s behalf. However, Skeff’s stellar reputation preceeded him into Cascade County and many lawyers of both political persuasions were already in his camp. Although a neophyte, I recall asking Mr Cure why he was supporting Skeff Sheehy in that race and Orin said, as only Orin could; ” he’s a better lawyer and we need good lawyers on the Supreme Court.” For the record, Skeff won that Primary.
Over the years I would often see Skeff and Rita at Mansfield-Metcalf dinners and Rita would quietly assure me over the dinner table that just because Skeff is non-partisan doesn’t mean she is.They may have gone to the Jefferson-Jackson dinners too, but I don’t know that for certain, having never been to one.
Requiescat in pace, Skeff.
Tom Boland
Bill Zepp says
Skeff, Rita, and family were long time friends of our family. For the first half dozen years, they alternated new babies. My folks eventually retired from that competition. Skeff was my Confirmation sponsor, but more importantly gave my dad’s eulogy in 1985. They were longtime friends and (I’m sure) founding members of the every other Friday Night Poker Club, which also included Jack Schiltz, Tuck Westbrook, Sutt Hammond, Danny O’Donnell, Dale Galles, and several others. They were quite a crew.
My condolences to the family, but better than that , nothing but positive memories of a wonderful man. Tap ‘er light.
Lori Kelly-Ritz says
I didn’t personally know your father but was truly inspired by his obituary. He truly made a difference in this world . I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you all of you.
Mike & Jane Bishop says
Pat & Family:
So sorry to learn of your loss. Your Dad was of the same vintage/ethic as our folks. Hard to believe- 1917 – 2017. Good thing we’re not getting older.
Our best to you, with our prayers,
Mike & Jane (Wilde) Bishop
Billings Central class of ’70
Susie Reber Orr says
My dad, Joe Reber, and Skeff , were Butte buddies. My dad always spoke so fondly of Skeff. Glad their conversations wil continue now in a higher place.
Bobby Anner-Hughes says
What a beautiful tribute to your father’s life. As you know, Skeff will serve as a model to everyone who practices law in Montana. While his life as a an attorney and Justice will live on, his true spirit and character (and that of your mother) lives on in all of you, his children. My deepest condolences on your loss. My deepest thanks in sharing your father with the rest of us.
Brent Cromley says
I was fortunate enough to practice with Skeff for ten years. Other than my parents, no person had a greater influence on my life. He was a skilled orator and advocate, a deeply spiritual person, the most devoted father and family man, and the very definition of the word “integrity.” He was a champion of many great causes, to the end of his life. Skeff could charm any jury with his wisdom and wit, causing one opposing lawyer to comment that the jury should be wary because, “he was no choir boy.”
Lance Pedersen says
Your Dad was one of our best.
Holly O'Toole says
Anne, Peter and family,
Though I never had the opportunity to meet your father, I have heard wonderful stories about him over the years. My condolences to the entire Sheehy family as you grieve this loss.
Mary Runkel says
Rest in peace with Rita. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Nancy Farnum says
Thanking God for the Sheehy family…
I have so many great memories, thank you!
You are all in my thoughts and prayers,
With love,
Nancy (Wilson) Farnum
Gino Dunfee says
Condolences to the Sheehy family. Skeff was truly one of a kind.
Jim Twedt says
I knew Skeff from the 1965 Legislative session. I was a full time Page in the House, where my Dad, Gordon Twedt was serving as Speaker Pro Tem that session. Skeff was a great and memorable man.My condolences to the family.
Mark and Beth Eby says
Pat and Debbie & Family,
Condolences to you and your family. Will always remember the Sheehy household on Poly Drive.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Mark and Beth Eby & Family
Susanne Schmitz, Holt says
My Dad, Al Schmitz, spoke highly of “Skeff”. They attended U of M together. May he rest in peace, and I’m sure my Dad is “bending his ear” in heaven, catching him up on all the news!
Jim Nelson says
Skeff was an icon of the Bench and Bar. Among his many accomplishments, he will be remembered as a justice who was willing to fight the good fight no matter the cause and no matter who was against him. He was a defender of the Constitution, the law and the underdog. All who knew and respected him will miss him.
Kathy and Doug Kirk says
Anne, Martha and family,
Our condolences to you and the entire Sheehy family on the loss of your wonderful father.
Mary McDonough says
Your Dad was amazing! My parents adored him. I had the privilege of meeting him several times. Generous, loyal, witty, brilliant and kind, Skeff truly made the world a better place. We are all more fortunate for having known him. He will be missed.
Maggie (Felt) Weissman says
The Sheehys were the model of a perfect family! My sister, Candy, and I still recall them. Mr Sheehy always had a smile and the home always seemed happy. How lucky you all were to have them as parents.
Juanita Padden says
I was a legal Secretary for Justice Sheehy in the late 1980s. He once sadly told me, “Rita gave away my piano to a grandchild. I went downstairs to sing and play and the piano was gone.” Several days later Rita was at the office typing her family newsletter. I suggested she buy Justice Sheehy a keyboard for a Christmas present. After Christmas she stopped by my desk and thanked me for the suggestion. He really like the keyboard. Your Father had a brilliant mind. I feel honored to have known both your Mother and Father.
Ann Bolstad-Perkins says
Martha you and I worked together in the upper food service/cafeteria at the University of Montana. Over one of the long weekends we all piled into a car and made it to your home in Helens for the night. I want to say I either slept on the couch or on the floor with a small afghan; and in my clothes, too! Needless to say, it was not the most comfortable night spent, but it achieved the goal of just getting out of Missoula. Leaving “Zoo-town” was the whole goal of the trip for the 5 or 6 of us girls. We got in late at night and so moved around the house as quietly as quietly as 5-6 college girls could. It wasn’t until the next morning that we got to see where we landed. We had landed in one of the beautiful historic homes of Helena. I was awestruck. You and your sisters made a quick breakfast of broiled grapefruit that had a mixture of -I think – dates, spices, nuts, and other exotic ingredients on top. Martha, I am writing these details to you so that you know what an impression your home and your family made on me. As we sat down to eat our half of grapefruit, we went around the table and introduced ourselves. Your Dad and Mother were sitting together at one end of the table, and you and your sisters (3-4 of them, I think we’re there) sat near them. I remember thinking that it was apparent your Mom and Dad were still very much in love with each other. It was disarming and I still smile about it today. Anyway, as we went around the table introducing ourselves your Dad asked us to tell a little bit about ourselves and our families. All I can remember of this part is fear…fear as though I was being questioned for some crime. This is really funny because I really didn’t know “who” your Dad was. I mean, I knew your Father was a Judge but it wasn’t until I told my family this story, that my Father piped up to say, “Annie didn’t you know you were staying at the home of Montana Supreme Court Judge?” I said, “I guess I do now, Dad. Gulp!” Your Father was so unprepossing that morning around the breakfast table. I have never forgotten that “Quick Trip to Helena with Martha Sheehy”. I will always remember how laid back your parents were and how your Sisters were involved in the Law in many different ways; some not understood by me at that time. I knew you were going to Law School as well, because every single moment that wasn’t spent punching food service passes, was spent with your nose in a law book. Tee hee! Anyway, Martha, this trip is one of my good college memories. I thank you for inviting me along on the adventure all those years ago and I want you to know my memory of both your Mother and Father are of very down to earth people who held each other’s hand but listened intently, to the others in the room.
I will keep you, Your Father, and the rest of your Family in my prayers. Losing a parent is very difficult, I know. Many blessings to you and yours, Martha.
Sincerely, Ann E. (Bolstad – from Great Falls) Perkins
P.S. Just so you know, the grapefruit thing? As near to the recipe as i could get, is served in my family EVERY Christmas morning before packages are opened. It’s a tradition!
Ann Bolstad-Perkins says
As “quickly and quietly as we could…” I hate auto spell correct!
Janet Soltero Johnstone says
My condolences to all of the Sheehy family on the loss of their amazing father. I went to Fratt and Billings Central with Kate, Mary Beth, Pat, and Eileen, and played every summer at Vet’s Park with them all. Especially during the summer we ran barefoot, and I often visited their home on Polly Drive marveling at their fun and beautiful family! Skeff was truly honored and loved in Billings!