Leonard R. Ennis, fondly known as “Bub”, suddenly left this life the morning of Friday, April 15, 2016. Bub was a dedicated and loving family man. He has always been a caring, diligent, hard-working, generous person while always being the pillar of strength handling many tasks with ease. Bub wore many hats in his full and zestful life.
He loved his career as a marketing director for Hamlin Construction and Development Company and a realtor with Century 21; many friendships and bonds were cultivated there. While a young man still in high school, he worked for Sharbono Construction where he acquired skills and went on to build many personal homes with his father. He continued to gain experience as a young man building a few more personal homes with his family team, working a full time day job and raising a family. Some of his jobs throughout this period were Hanson’s Hardware, Safeway, Power Townsend, and working for Helena Regional Airport as crash & fire rescue, a security guard and maintenance. He went on to Jack’s Ace Hardware, and then Jerry Hamlin hired him on as a carpenter. When his back started wearing out Jerry had Bub working in the office; the rest was history as Jerry, Pat and Bub continue to work together as a team. The company grew and changed with all the seasons of life and still thrives.
A businessman and friend to many, Bub always had time for his family. He always made time in his busy schedule for awesome hunting, camping and fishing trips. He planned and enjoyed numerous vacations, hobbies and motorcycle rides on his Goldwing; some of his favorites were Sturgis Bike Week, Hawaii, Australia, Canadian hunting and numerous turkey and goose hunts. He enjoyed camping with family at local lakes and campgrounds. He earned his private pilot’s license as a young man and always loved small airplanes. He built many model airplanes and recently enjoyed flying the remote controlled varieties with close family members. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and puttering around in his garage as well. Golf was also a fun pastime for Bub until his back problems made him set his clubs aside. He also helped coach his son’s baseball team and spent many hours watching and supporting his children’s many interests. All of these things Bub did with his high school sweetheart bride, Deborah Hultin, by his side.
Bub married Deborah in April 29th of 1977. They had a beautiful daughter, Amanda, in 1982 and 18 months later their son, Jesse, made their family complete. Bub and Deborah always had a family dog and enjoyed many other pets from time to time. He had the ability to juggle many interests and always accomplished the goals he set for himself. His heart of gold stopped beating on Friday and said it is time to rest.
Surviving Bub is his wife Deborah; daughter, Amanda Gohn (Jason); son, Jesse Ennis (Katie); granddaughter, Jasmyn Johnson; father, Ralph Ennis (Sharon); mother Lois Ennis; sister, Iris Nelson and her children Paul Nelson (Laila), Erika Nelson, Scott Nelson, and Robert Nelson (Michelle); father in-law, and mother in-law, Davey and Virginia Hultin; brother in-law and sister in-law, Richard and Lori Hultin; nephew, Ryan Hultin (Heidi); niece, Amber Hultin (Robin ); and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
A service celebrating Bub’s life will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A graveside service will immediately follow the celebration of his life at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial in the social hall at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials in Bub’s name are suggested to the American Heart Association, PO Box 742030, Los Angeles, CA 90074-2030 or at their website http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/ or to Ducks Unlimited Memorial Contribution, One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120 or at their website http://www.ducks.org/. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bub.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 23, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the memorial service
Saturday April 23, 2016
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Saturday April 23, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 23, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the memorial service
Saturday April 23, 2016
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Saturday April 23, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
fran monro says
Our prayers to you Debbie, Jesse, Amanda for the loss of your Husband and Dad. Bub was always a good guy with a great smile God bless all of you. Bill and Fran Monro
Teresa Lightbody says
Bub touch so many live as a businessman, a sportsman, a friend & a true gentleman. We are so sad he is gone but we celebrate his new life. Our blessings go out to Debbie, his family and his Hamlin Construction family. We will miss him so much. Teresa & Jay Lightbody
Bob Hanson and family says
Helena has lost a goodman Bub will be missed by many . So sorry for loss Debbie and kids . He had a heart of gold and would help anyone in need whether they knew him or not .Bub was always quick to smile at you when you meet him on the street and take the time to catch up with what you have been doing . He will be missed .
Mike Mlekush says
I am so sad to hear this news! Bub was a great man! He always had the kind word and a good story to share with me! I will miss him deeply. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife Debbie and his children.
Mike Lightbody says
Debbie, Jesse and Amanda, so sorry to hear about Bub. Such a great guy! Always had so much fun chasing geese together. He was a ton of fun in the field. He was an awesome guy to share a day with in a goose blind. My thoughts and prayers to the whole family. He will be missed. I will think of him often. Went out to the goose field this weekend and sat in our blind. What great memories, will cherish them forever.
Dennis & Kathi Cates says
Neighbor, friend, and business associate, Bub Ennis, will be sorely missed. Our hearts go out to Debbie and family. Our prayers are for your healing in this difficult time of great loss.
Dennis and Kathi Cates
Ken Keller says
My thoughts go out to the family, Bub will be missed by all who knew him. Bub was truly one of a kind and his sense of humor would always lift me up no matter kind of day I was having. Words cannot express the sorrow I have for the loss of Bub, but I am a better person for knowing Bub Ennis
Donny and Marlana Reichert says
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bub, a friend and business associate. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts go out to you in this difficult time.
Deanna Satre says
Bub was an absolute joy to work with. This just breaks my heart. I am so sorry for your loss.
Donna Elford says
Bub smile lite up a room, great guy, easy to work with, we are so sorry for your loss. You all our in our thoughts and prayers.
Leslie Elford & Donna Elford
Brenda Jittu says
What a loss !! My prayers are with your family. Words cannot express how saddened we are to loose Bub. He was never short of words to make you laugh. Funny, kind, patient , generous person he was. many people came into his office to talk and Bub always had a ear to listen. We will greatly miss Him .
Ron D Hinds says
Debbie, Jesse, Amanda words cannot express how much Bub will be missed. So many times Bub, Jesse and I have spent precious times together hunting. The connection was so strong that it cannot be replaced. Bub and I spent years together hunting, and fishing. Bub I miss you my friend. I am grieving along side of you.
Karen Goldsberry says
Bub was a wonderful person. He always had a laugh even if he was telling you something couldn’t be done. Bub will be missed. My prayers to his family and Hamlin.
Cindy Stevick says
Words are difficult to come by right now as I think of this great man and colleague. I always knew I could get a big smile and wonderful laughter from him, no matter what! And I could always trust him to give me his honest opinion and top it off with a kind word and a big smile! What a great friend… Bub… you will be missed by many!
Willie and Pam Miller says
Our memories of Bub are nothing but fond and funny.Wonderful man great friend.We will miss you Bub! Willie and Pam
Yvette Worman says
Bub and I have worked in the same building for many years. I have come to know him as a kind, gentle and funny soul. He was always willing to talk with me about business. I valued his advice. Recently my son expressed a desire to get into some real estate investing. Bub met with him for 2 hours and talked him through some of the pitfalls. He was always so willing to help out his fellow man. He leaves behind a legacy of light. That is what he brought to the world. Light, love, and laughter! Bub, I will miss you greatly… your kind greetings, your worthy advice, your laughter and your afternoon sneeze. Yvette
Barb Hamlin says
Barb Hamlin
Bub was a true friend. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for a friend and his family. We will miss him so much. The office just isn’t the same. Debbie, Jessie, & Amanda, we thank you for sharing Bub with us for 27 years. May the Lord bring peace into your lives.
Tim & Sioux Roth and family says
What a guy! Bub was one of the treasures of the treasure state. Bub shared his knowledge, skills and abilities, mentoring so many, and showcasing the best of what being outdoors offered. Honesty, a smile, several chuckles, and willingness to help, was the signature of his character. Bub left heartfelt memories, for our hearts, and has moved on to scout new territory. Until we meet again…
Dawn and John says
Bub was not just a co-worker but a treasured friend. He will be sorely missed by many people. Our hearts and prayers go out to you through this difficult time. He was the person we called on so many occasions. Whatever we needed he seemed to have an answer for. We loved talking to him and showing up in his office as he always had a smile on his face and in his voice.
Colleen and Tim Phillips says
Our heart breaks for the loss of our friend and we hold the Ennis and Hamlin families close to our hearts during this incredibly difficult time. We thought the world of Bub and will miss him more than words can express. But as we shed our tears we hold fast to the knowledge that we are better for having known him.
Terry W Bass says
I have known Bub since he was born. Watched him grow and know he left a positive mark on many. May he rest in Peace, and may God provide to all his family His blessing.
Andrea (Andy) Amundson says
The kindest, gentlest and funny man with a heart of gold. Bub was all of these things and so much more. I always looked forward to seeing him and his smile at work. The man lit up a room. He will be missed by so many who knew him but always remembered with a smile and laugh. Debbie, Jesse, Amanda and the rest of his family, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know how much Bub was loved and the wonderful memories so many will share of this amazing man. My love to you all
Lawrence Nelson says
Deb, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss and grief. Bub was a wonderful man. We were blessed to have him in our family and I feel lucky to have known him. Please know that all of my memories of him are happy ones. God Bless you and your entire family.
Melissa Botteron says
I was saddened to hear the news on that Friday. Even though it was only once a month that we’d talk because someone thought my phone number was the concrete guy, I enjoyed the little conversations and giggles we had. You had such a big heart and always willing to help even though I should’ve called someone else. I haven’t had the chance to meet your family, but I’m sure that greatness runs in groups. Here’s some warm hugs and prayers to your family for their loss. You’ll be missed !
Bill and Donna Simmons says
We are so sorry for the loss of Bub. He was such a joy to talk with during our business transactions, with Hamlin Construction. Bub will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give You and your family Peace and comfort .
Gary and Maxine Mougeot says
Dear Debbie, Jesse & Katie, Amanda, Jasmin & Jason, We wanted you to know we are so sad for your loss. Bub was an amazing guy and so much fun to spend time with. We love you all. We will see you Saturday. God Bless you and may you find some peace in celebrating the life of Bub, your husband, dad and grandpa.
Dianne Centrella says
My deepest sympathies to the family. I worked with Bub for the last ten years working in the agency handling Hamlin Construction Business. When he would call for anything – he just made your day – Always, pleasant, professional and a kind word – concerned about your day and wishing you the best. Could not leave the conversation without a smile
He will truly be missed.
I believe the memories that are shared help to heal the heart and get us through the most difficult days. My wishes for many many happy memories during your difficult time
Russ Gowen says
What a huge loss for all his family,friends and all that knew and worked with Bub. If I had to pick one word to describe him it would be “BUB” Everyone knew exactly who you were talking about and his reputation in the business community. Rest in peace my friend. I will let the moose in Canada know they are now safe.
Melody Hurley says
Bub was one of my favorite people. If I had a bad day, I would make sure to visit Bub on my client visits because he could always make me smile. I will miss him a lot and am so sad about this tragic loss. I am sending prayers and love to all of his family.
Bob and Sherry Kuntz says
We just heard about this and are saddened. We enjoyed being your neighbors in Mt City and have all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Cathy & David Huntley says
My husband & I were so sorry to hear of Bub’s passing. We bought our Hamlin home back in 2001 & worked a lot with Bub during the completion. He always had a smile, kind word & infectious laugh. He went beyond the call of duty to make sure we were happy. Prayers to his family, you should be very proud of the man he was.