Lawrence Stanley Linton went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 1, 2011. Larry was born on September 24, 1922 to Emily and William Linton.
Through and through, he has been a Helenian. He grew up on Chaucer Street with his younger sister, Ethel Mae, where he enjoyed the company of his family and friends as well as some very special pets. As a boy he sold newspapers on the street corners of Helena. Then after growing up, he worked for The Independent Record for many years in the bindery shop. He continued with bindery work at State Publishing and Artcraft Printers, and then retired from the State of Montana print shop in 1983.
Larry served in the United States Army from 1942 until 1945. He landed on Normandy three days after the official invasion. After the war officially ended, he returned to Helena where he was to meet his wife to be. This gorgeous young lady was named Pauline M. Smith. They were married on June 16, 1950. They had nearly 61 good years together. During these fine years, they raised two daughters, Victoria and Rebecca.
Dad loved the outdoors. He was a great hunter, fisherman and horseshoe player. Not only did he make friends from these experiences but had lifelong buddies. Coffee with “The Old Geezers” was one of his last enjoyable memories. He was an avid Helena High sports fan of football and basketball. His professional team favorites were the Detroit Tigers and the San Francisco 49ers. He also enjoyed many Helena Brewers baseball games. He was a member of The First Presbyterian Church, serving in Mariners for a number of years. The Helena Jazz Festival brought hours of enjoyment to both he and Mom. They had many trips around the country, but especially enjoyed visiting Arizona, Hawaii, and Alaska.
He was Uncle “Lobby” to Elaine, Chuck, Bruce, Ron, Sandra, Lori Jean, Paulette, Dan, Bill and Linda. His greatest privilege was being Grandpa to Erik, Nicole, Brekk and Larissa. He was so proud of each of them for who they are and who they were becoming.
We are very thankful to Our House for the wonderful care given to Dad in his last days and also to Susan who cared for Dad for several years.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Pauline; daughters, Victoria Linton and Rebecca (Jon) Bass; grandchildren, Erik Bass, Nicole Bass, Brekk Bass and Larissa Bass; sisters-in-law, Goldie Sullivan, Gloria Marovich and Laverne Smith; brother-in-law, Gordon Smith; and various nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 4 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 at First Presbyterian Church. A reception will be in the social center of the church immediately following the service. The family would like to suggest memorials to the First Presbyterian Church scholarship fund. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
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Bartole Family says
Pauline, we are so sorry to hear about Lawrence’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
All our love, Shannon (Hornby), Michael, Skylar, Kileigh & Kennedy
chuck and kate says
We love you Pauline and we loved Larry..fond memories forever
Mary (Bodle) Ler says
Pauline,
I was so sorry to read about Larry. I worked with you many years ago, starting in 1981, with the Centralized Services Division. I’ve often thought of you and wondered how you were. My thoughts are with you.
Susan & Rich Proul says
We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, father & grandfather. He was a wonderful man who always had a smile & nice thing to say. Your family is in our thoughts & prayers, today & always.
Tom Naegele says
Family,
I meet Larry when I was like 5 years old at the Bindery Dept of the IR Job Printing Division. My Grandfather Ralph Macmillan was the job printing salesman and had his desk/office in that area. Larry or Bev Liston would take me on their knee and let me play work and encourage me like I was doing work and making stuff. Larry was an early mentor in my life and I always looked up to him and recalled his kindness and guidance when I would see him around Helena. God Bless him
PS: Vicki and I graduated together from Helena Senior High in 1970
Val and Bob Raisch says
Pauline and Becky and family,
It’s a sad week for First Presbyterian losing Joe Spiroff, Claire Wall, and now Larry. What a gathering they’ll have together when they go to meet the Lord!
What a sweet man Larry was. We share your sadness and loss and were blessed to have known such a kind person.
God bless you all now and always,
Valerie and Bob Raisch