Phillip “Phil” Joseph Chevallier, age 84, died peacefully on November 17, 2021 on the family ranch in Canyon Creek, Mt.
Phil was born on July 2, 1937, in Helena, Montana to Norman “Shep” and Dreata (Blessinger) Chevallier. He attended school in Canyon Creek and Helena. Phil served in the U.S. Navy from 1957-1959. On September 29, 1961, he married Patricia “Pat” Hurlbert and together they raised three children.
Other than his time in the Navy, Phil spent his entire life on the ranch. Phil was a third-generation rancher and primarily raised sheep until 1966 when the ranch transitioned to cattle. Phil enjoyed all aspects of ranching and in his later years especially loved his John Deere tractor.
He was a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association and spent many weekends helping the local high school rodeo club by donating livestock for the kids to practice on. He never missed the 4-H fat stock sale at the county fair and supported them with many purchases over the years. In 2017, he was recognized by the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame for the Chevallier Ranch’s contributions to rodeo.
After ranching his whole life, Phil’s health forced him to retire in recent years, but he always stayed close to the ranch. He traveled to Mesquite, Nevada in the winters to spend some time gambling and enjoying a little time away, but he was always back before calving started. He never missed a chance to watch his grandchildren at their sporting events, even if it meant making numerous trips to Wyoming over the years. Phil was loved by many and always enjoyed sharing a Miller Lite with friends.
Phil is survived by his sister, Norma (Butch) Wagner of Harve,Mt., children Cindy Gruwell of Wickenburg, Az., Ed Chevallier of Helena, and Donna (Bruce) Eller of Glendo,Wy., grandchildren Zack (Sarah) and Kyle (Karlie) Gruwell, Ashlee and Austin (Brooke) Eller, Jessica (Kalin) Hoge and Amber Chevallier, and great grandchildren Millie Gruwell, KoBurn and Joni Hoge, Gus, Emmitt, and Jake Gruwell, and Olin Eller.
He was preceded in death by his parents Shep and Dreata and grandparents Phillip (PH) and Catherine Chevallier and Joe and Helen Blessinger.
Honorary Pallbearers are Pat Russell, Don Blixt, Dick Kelly, Ed Grady, Roy Ereth, and Jimmy Noffsinger.
Phil’s service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 3rd at the Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception be at VFW Post 10010 in East Helena fo1lowing the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Helena Food Share P.O. Box 943 Helena, Mt 59624 or Montana Wounded Warriors P.O. Box 5519, Kalispell, Mt. 59903.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1 p.m.
Friday December 3, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Memorial Service
Friday December 3, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday December 3, 2021
VFW Post 10010
East Helena, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1 p.m.
Friday December 3, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Memorial Service
Friday December 3, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday December 3, 2021
VFW Post 10010
East Helena, Montana 59636
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Sally Russell says
I am so sad to hear about Phil. He was one terrify man. Love u Phil. RIP. Thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Michael Glueckert says
Phil always treated me well and with respect! A good man! Condolences to the family
deb stansberry says
Its always so sad to hear that someone you’ve known your whole life is now gone. RIP dear friend, you will be so missed…………love and prayers to the family…………..
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Phils Family
,A piece of MONTANA is gone but will never be forgotten ,Round up the wagons Phil, God Bless………………..
Jim Mayer says
Phil was a unique individual. I never had much contact with him but could tell right away he was a stand up guy. Liked him from the time I met him. I know all his people will truly miss him.
John Lyndes says
Rest In Peace, Phil. My cousin and best friend. We grew up together out on the ranch and knew each other all our lives. Connie and I and all the family will miss your friendship immensely.
Keith Stav says
To All of the Chevallier Family,
We are sad to hear about Phil’s passing. He was always so supportive to us when we purchased the clinic, and
We truly appreciated him. He was one of a kind and a true cattleman. I will miss seeing him with his cute smile.
We are thinking of you.
Keith and Sharlene Stav
Val Hornsveld says
Jess, I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories fill the void in your heart.
Tom Juhl says
A great man with a great sense of humor………
Sherri Gentry says
I remember Phil’s great sense of humor & fun loving spirit ! He was always at the Montana Jr rodeos! Heartfelt condolences to Eddy , Cindy & Donna & families.
Mark Ebert says
I Will Miss Phil At The Cathedral At Church On Sunday’s Phil Would Sit In The Back Of The Church With Me And Talk LOUD!! LOL!!!
The meanys says
To Cindy eddy and Donna,and pat. We are deeply saddened by the loss of your farther and our first cousin. We love you and miss you all.
Marlene Barbour says
To all of Phil’s family I’am so sorry, we had a lot of fun when we were young . He was a good guy & hard worker.
Wendy Graveley says
Sending hugs to all the Chevallier family. So many great memories of Phil and being out at the ranch as kids. Phil’s laugh was contagious and he always had a smile on his face. He was a great man with a big heart. Cherish all those memories.
Tiffany & John Thurston says
Thinking of you guys. Hugs.
Arlette McFadyean says
Just won’t seem the same without Phil. He was always respectful to me and our family, left lots of good memories from time at the Canyon Creek store with all his rancher buddies.. Sorry I cannot be there but all of you are on my mind, in my thoughts and prayers. He is not to be forgotten.
Rick & Jody Sandru says
Rick had so many great memories growing up with the Chevaliers. It’s not the end of the trail…..Phil is now enjoying greener pastures and in peace. Sending our deepest sympathy to all of you. Rick and Jody Sandru
Roberts Family says
Chevalier family, we are sorry to hear of the passing of Phil, he will be missed . He was a great man. I will never forget the times I served him at the bar. He always made me laugh. His love for his grand kids was a true inspiration.
Tim McKeever says
Phil hired me to irrigate one summer, after being introduced by Mal O’mara. Phil was a man who appreciated hard work, and I always tried to do the job as best I could. Over the years I have thought of him many times, and have some great memories of being out on the ranch. Happy Trails, Phil. All my best to the Chevalier family during this time of tribulation.
Evy Burris Sass says
Phil’s in Cowboy Heaven with many of his good ole buddies & friends. He sure lived an adventures life, His long time friend Judy S. would also send her condolences to Phil’s loved ones along with myself. Rest in peace Phil.
Wendy and Tal Williams says
To all the Chevallier family,
We are so sorry to hear about Phil‘s passing! He was a true part of our western Montana heritage! He had a great smile and sense of humor. Many fond memories of him at junior rodeos with his kids. He will be missed!
Rick OConnell says
To say Phil was one of a kind is an understatement. I’ll miss our visits. Here’s to ya.
Eddie, Donna Cindy and kids. He’s free now.
Love ya all. Rick and Jan.
Ron Rickman says
Fastest man I have ever seen running in his bare feet and winning the race.
You are at peace now good friend
Sympathy to all.
Karen Chevallier says
I’m real sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. My memory of him he always had a smile on his face. He was a hard worker and I’m glad he got to do what he loved, (ranching, being outdoors)
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. He had many.
My condolences to his family.
Karen Chevallier