John Newton Etchart, age 71, passed away peacefully April 5, 2017.
John was born July 2, 1945 in Glasgow, MT, the second of five children to Gene and Elaine Etchart —a well-known and respected, second generation, Northeastern Montana Basque sheep and cattle ranching family. John graduated from Glasgow High School in 1963 and went on to attend Carroll College, playing football, basketball and baseball for the Fighting Saints. His treasured time as a student and athlete at Carroll inspired a life-long love for the college and the Helena community. John graduated from Carroll in 1967 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After completing Marine Corps officer candidate school, John was commissioned a second lieutenant. Upon his promotion to the rank of first lieutenant John was assigned to a rifle company which he commanded during a combat tour in Vietnam.
After returning from Vietnam, John was accepted into law school at the University of San Francisco where he studied for two years before realizing his heart was not in a law career. It was during that time that John met Sarah Fortune Russell from Bronxville, NY on a blind date. The pair fell in love and were married on October 18, 1975 in the Borromeo Chapel at Carroll College. John and Sarah then moved to Montana where John received a masters degree Eastern Montana College.
Living in Billings, John served as the inland states coordinator for the Northern Tier Pipeline, which began his long career in public policy and governmental affairs consulting. John served as an Under-Secretary of the Department of Interior under President Reagan, before becoming a Vice President of Burlington Northern Railroad.
In April 1984, John and Sarah welcomed their only daughter, Jeannie, who was, from the very beginning, the light of John’s life.
John was well known for his extensive experience in legislative and communications work throughout the Northwest and in Congress. Throughout his professional career, John assumed a number of leadership positions. He served multiple terms as chairman of the Northwest Power Planning Council, Executive Vice President of Tonbridge Power, and as a partner at the Gallatin Group Public Affairs. He also served on a number of boards including the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, St. Peter’s Hospital, the Helena Forest Foundation, Montana Chamber of Commerce, and was a long-time trustee at his beloved Carroll College.
John was a natural leader known for his quick wit and incomparable memory. He loved athletic competition – especially those contests involving the Carroll College Fighting Saints and Notre Dame Fighting Irish – and had an extraordinary array of other interests including politics, history and golf. Above all other pursuits or interests, however, was John’s love and devotion to his countless friends and his precious family. John was a man of great faith and long-time member of the Helena Cathedral.
A life well lived is a life surrounded by family and friends, and there is no truer example of such a life than that of John Etchart. He touched the hearts of everyone he met and will leave that lasting legacy to the many who were blessed to know him.
John was preceded in death by brother-in-law Brent Frederickson, sister-in-law Alicia Russell, nephew Jacob Etchart, and niece Sally Jo Page Haynie. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sarah, and daughter Jeannie; his parents, Gene (age 100) and Elaine (age 95); his siblings Michele (Steve) Page, Joe (Patt) Etchart, Janeen (Tom) McCarvel, and Jacque Frederickson; his many cousins, nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews who “Uncle Cookie” loved so much.
Please join us in celebrating John’s exceptional life. A vigil service will be held at the Carroll College PE Center on Monday, April 10 at 7:00pm, with family receiving friends at 6:00pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, April 11 at 12:00pm at the Cathedral of St. Helena followed by burial with full military honors at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will take place from 2:00-4:00pm at Green Meadow Country Club. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the John Newton Etchart Project at Carroll College, 1601 North Benton Avenue, Helena, MT 59625.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday April 10, 2017
Carroll College PE Center
1601 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Monday April 10, 2017
Carroll College PE Center
1601 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 11, 2017
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the Mass
Tuesday April 11, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 11, 2017
Green Meadow Country Club
2720 Country Club Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday April 10, 2017
Carroll College PE Center
1601 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Monday April 10, 2017
Carroll College PE Center
1601 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 11, 2017
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the Mass
Tuesday April 11, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 11, 2017
Green Meadow Country Club
2720 Country Club Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
jeff and melissa sherlock says
John will be sorely missed; he was a tremendous asset to our community. We will particularly miss his wonderful sense of humor, especially when telling about his golf game. Peace to all his family and friends; Jeff and Melissa
Steve And Jackie Sampson says
So sorry for you loss.
We so enjoyed John when he would drop off the dogs at the kennel.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gene O'Hara says
I was saddened to hear of John’s passing. He was a tough competitor and taught a kid with a Philadelphia attitude that Montana and Carroll never give up spirit were jewels that would help you shine any time you had too dig down and face life’s challenges. I had to compete with him every football practice for 4 yrs and he pushed me every day to give 100% because he wasn’t going to make it easy. He taught me it’s always better to respond to a challenge than to back away.–I think that’s how he approached life. — I kept that in my heart and as a coach I still think of him every time my High School players don’t push each other to be their best.–I’m sending one of my players to Carroll and I hope he finds someone who will push him just as hard with just as much reward. Gene O’Hara–classmate ’67
Carolyn Boyd says
I worked with John when he was employed by Regional Services at what was then EMC after he recieved his master’s degree from EMC. Our job was to implement special education programs for the Montana schools in Yellowstone and adjacent counties. Although this work was not the work that John pursued for the rest of his career, it was work that he did well. Our team traveled together to schools in the area, helping them set up appropriate special education programs for their students. John’s great ability to relate to people was an asset – particularly in schools that had never served their disabled students and were not always excited about doing so. I remember him fondly.
Steve Corrick says
All the Corricks send our condolences. Sorry to hear of the passing of another Carroll great. You sure raised a fine brood, Gene and Elaine. Requiescat in pace.
rich janzer says
College classmate, teammate & friend. (greatest vocabulary ever) Many, many memories. John will be missed by all past and present friends. Our thoughts and prayers to family. Rich and Connee Janzer Great falls
Terrill Korell says
I am deeply saddened to hear of John’s passing. We were fun roommates along with Si Simonsen in Billings in our mid 20’s. Lots of great memories, philosophical and meaningful discussions, and figuring it all out .
My sympathies to all his family and friends.
Respectfully,
Terrill Korell
Grass Valley, CA.
Charley Parke says
I was very sorry to hear of John’s passing. We were Glasgow High School friends and teammates in football. My sympathies to the Etchart family, especially Gene and Elaine, John’s parents. Gene and Elaine were always very good to me at my many visits to the Etchart home.
Teri Laird says
So sorry to learn of the passing of your husband, Sarah. Days past seem gone in the blink of an eye when we have to say goodbye to those we love. Remember you as a newlywed in Billings. Please accept these sincere condolences.
Teri Laird
Scott Emge says
Sarah and Jeannie,
Very sorry to hear about John’s passing.
We will miss him bringing a beer out to us when we were there working on the pool. It is a pleasure to work to work for this family. John, Sarah, and Jeannie always had time to talk to us and we’re so friendly. My condolences to the entire family. Scott Emge
Robert Doran says
Doooran says:
Semper Fi our Hawk…..guard the streets of Heaven with Little Billy and Sister…..make sure there is plenty of Black label for Jimdo, Dowd, Bearmat and Famous Amos and me…..
Love you,
Doooran
Ed Langsdorf says
Although saddened by John’s death, just thinking about him brings a smile and a ton of great memories and happy thoughts to mind. He was my best friend in high school and his family, Michele, Joe, Janeen, Jacque and especially parents Gene and Elaine, more or less took me in as one of their own. I’m forever indebted to them for their friendship, love and influence in my formative years. John and I participated in football, basketball and track together for four years at GHS. We went on an historic Key Club trip to the East Coast as sophomores where we saw the Yankees of Maris and Mantle beat the Yastrzemski led Red Sox at Yankee Stadium and had our pictures taken with Senator Mike Mansfield on the steps of the US Capitol. We attended Boys State following our junior year where John taught everyone eating near us in the dining hall his new table grace which was, “In His name; eat it.” I spent several summers with John bucking bales and branding calves for Gene’s Hinsdale Livestock Company. During those years there were interesting challenges, a few fights but mostly raucous good times. After going our separate ways, getting married and raising families, we resumed our friendship through football while I was coaching at Linfield College when Carroll and Linfield met in McMinnville, OR, for an NAIA playoff game. That relationship continued a few years later as I made my way to Helena twice a year to evaluate Carroll players as a scout for the San Diego Chargers. I would spend the night at John and Sarah’s house or meet John for a meal during those trips where we would rehash old times, critique any number of NFL or DI coaching decisions and a few of Coach Van Diest’s and debate who might win a Carroll-Linfield rematch. John’s love of Carroll and pride in not only it’s record setting football team but also it’s strong tradition of academic excellence were always on display. All those visits were highlighted by John’s informed insights, his vast vocabulary and his incomparable wit and humor. John will be missed but never forgotten. We’re all better for his touching our lives. Rest in Peace my friend and my best to all the Etchart!
Mary Lawrence says
I remember John fondly from Carroll days. That his life was filled with so much admiration, love and achievement is a testament to his character. My sincere condolences to his family.
Candy Score says
Janeen, Joe and your families, I am so sorry for your loss. He was an amazing man. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Candy
Bill Greenwood says
John was one of my dearest friends. He was smart, witty, thoughtful, very caring, and brought a high degree of competence to everything he touched. I will always be grateful for all that he did for me and for my family. He will be deeply missed by all of us.
Linda Pouliot says
Love and prayers from all the Pouliot family ……………..we so love all of you?????????
Bob says
My most sincere condolences to the Etchart Family! I know that John will be missed by many!
Jim & Marilyn McMahon San Jose, CA says
Marilyn and I send our sincere condolences to you, Sarah, and all the Etchart family! John was a “tower” among men.
John & I first met when I was a senior and he was a freshman at Carroll. We became teammates and friends that year playing football for the Saints. John was a great athlete and competitor. But, he was a better person. When I returned to Carroll over the years, for whatever reason, I always would enjoy a meeting with John. We were not only former teammates and loved golf, but we were also combat Veterans – a special bond indeed. John was a Marine Officer and I was a Naval Officer – the service rivalry prompted a great exchange. SEMPER FI !!
Mike and Diane Langenfus says
Janeen, Sara and all the Etchart families, may you find peace in togetherness at this time of loss.
Susie Fergerson -Wong says
Sending our love and prayers to all of you.
The Fergerson Family and The Wong Family
Michael boehme says
I was very sad to hear of John’s passing. John and I were good friends during our formative years both at St. Raphael’s and Glasgow High in the late fifties and early 60’s. Living close by I have fond memories of spending many a day and night in the Etchart household. What a wonderful and caring family. Gene, Elaine and family my heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow but rejoice in John’s 71 years of accomplishments and contributions to his country and community.
God bless you all.
Michael Boehme
Missoula
dick torkildson says
To all the Etchart Family, you have been in our thoughts and prayers. We regret prior commitments required us to be out of town for John’s service. We hope that the joy of Spring and lush green hill sides will lighten your burden. Peace be with you all. Dick and Ruthie Torkildson