In Memory Of
Ronald “Ron” Errol Magill, age 82 of Helena
April 27, 1940 – December 24, 2022
Ronald Errol Magill, 82, passed on Saturday, December 24th, 2022, in his home at Touchmark in Helena, Montana. Ron was born in Helena at St. John’s Hospital on April 27, 1940 to Emmet M. and Ethel A. (Amsberry) Magill. He moved to Washington in 1941, attending grade school for the first few years in Enumclaw and grades two through eight in Verona, North Dakota, while helping his dad on the farm.
In 1958, Ron graduated from High School in Oakes, North Dakota before moving with his family back to Helena, Montana. He attended Montana State College (now MSU), worked for several contractors as a laborer, as a salesman for Town & Ranch Furniture in Helena, and a Salesman and Serviceman for the Phillips 66 service station. While dancing, Ron met the love of his life and married Laura (Laurie) Jean Smith on February 10, 1961. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in Lake Havasu on February 10, 2016. Five children were born to their marriage: Todd, Toby, Tana, Trevor, and Trent.
Ron was a member of the North Dakota and Montana National Guard for nearly eleven years. He worked for the Montana National Guard for one year as a clerk, and seven years as a vehicle mechanic. In 1967, Ron started a family construction company with his father and was joined shortly thereafter by his brother Donnie in the family business. After his father’s retirement in 1983, Ron continued with the excavating business with his son Toby, until his own retirement after nearly 40 years in the business. During these years, Ron always offered his dump truck and trailer to be used by high school-age kids and grandkids in the annual Vigilante Parades, which he enjoyed greatly. Ron was actively involved in the “Motorcycle Club”, which included several moto cross, flat track and hill climb events over the years, also serving as “The Mystery Man”, who rode his motorcycle through walls of fire to help promote events. A jack-of-all-trades, Ron participated in the Boy Scouts of America for several years, serving as Scoutmaster in 1986. He had assisted with city-wide emergency snow removal, and often helped his neighbors on the entire block. Ron was always quick to lend a hand. He also enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in Lincoln, camping with his family, and attending regional rodeos. During his retirement years, his favorite activity was RVing with Laurie, visiting friends and family, and seeing new sites.
Ron is survived by his sister Cheryl and Ron Schrader (White Sulphur Springs), his sisters-in-law, Alice Magill (Helena), and Marty Shwaiko (Sun Lakes, AZ), his brothers-in-law Harvey Smith (Las Vegas, NV), and Rick and Karla Smith (Las Vegas, NV), his five children, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. His children and their spouses include: Todd and AnnMarie Magill (Helena), Toby and Melinda Magill (Helena), Tana and Steve Meuer (Helena), Trevor Magill (Helena) and Trent and Aspen Magill (Virginia).
Ron was preceded in death by his wife Laurie Jean Magill, his parents Emmet M. and Ethel A. Magill, and his brother Donald T. Magill.
Funeral Services will be held at the First Lutheran Church, located at 2231 Broadway, Helena, MT at 11:00am, Wednesday, Jan. 4, with a reception immediately following the service in the fellowship hall of the church. Interment will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery, 3685 North Montana Avenue.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday January 4, 2023
First Lutheran Church
2231 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday January 4, 2023
First Lutheran Church
2231 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the reception
Wednesday January 4, 2023
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday January 4, 2023
First Lutheran Church
2231 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday January 4, 2023
First Lutheran Church
2231 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the reception
Wednesday January 4, 2023
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Linda and Jim Gillett says
Toby, Melinda and family. We are so sorry about the passing of your Father . Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult and sad time .
connie perrin says
Toby, Melinda, Tyler, Danielle,
I was sad to learn of Ron’s death . He was a nice fellow – and I remember how kind and understanding he was when I needed help from him when the water line broke in your home when you were away on a trip. I always thought he raised you well and his kind ways showed in all of you as his family members.
Linda Schild says
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He and Laura were a great couple and if things are as they should be, they are now together again.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Therese Gochanour says
We are very saddened by the news. Remembering all those family memories we shared together when we were kids. Our parents sure knew how to have fun. Uncle Ron is now with Aunt Laura. Back together forever. Our hearts go out to you all.
Love
Therese
Donna Hansen and Jeff Sturm says
We were saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. Even though you try to prepare yourself for it, it doesn’t stop the grief and sorrow. Ron and Laurie were a huge part of our group from work. We stayed in touch with Ron after Laurie’s passing. He was a gentle man and we loved visiting with him.
Ron and Laurie are together again watching over their wonderful family, proud of what they have accomplished. Hold on to your special memories to sustain you.
John Cherie Dahl says
Ron was a friend many years ago and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏
Thomas Juhl says
My condolences to the FAMILY, known Ron for ages & worked with him, fun and easy going. R.I.P. Ron……
Cheryl Schrader says
My dear sweet big brother! I will miss you terribly!, but I know you are happier now you are with Laurie and the rest of our family! You & Laurie can really ‘cut the rug’ now! I will always cherish what times we had together, tho I wished there could have been more! I love you, forever and always! Until it’s my turn…see ya later!…
…Your little sis, Cheryl ❤️
Cheryl Magill Schrader says
My dear sweet big brother! I will miss you terribly!, but I know you are happier now you are with Laurie and the rest of our family! You & Laurie can really ‘cut the rug’ now! I will always cherish what times we had together, tho I wished there could have been more! I love you, forever and always! Until it’s my turn…see ya later!…
…Your little sis, Cheryl ❤️
Jeff and Linda Douglass says
Please accept our most sincere condolences.
Diana Piccono says
Magill family so sorry about the loss of Ron. I have fond memories of Ron and Laurie from years passed. They were so much fun. Ron and Laurie are together again and they both will always make me smile when I think of them. God bless.
Karen Malebranche says
I only knew Ron a short time from Touchmark. He was a quiet sort but was so welcoming to my husband, and good to have a conversation with quick wit and always a cheerful hello, loved his Irish tam, shirts and he told me a bit of his background and told me a lot of Irish in MT were in Butte! We talked of taking the bus trip there with some of the residents. He was always helping staff and enjoyed a near beer with my husband who likes his wine in an after dinner drink! He will be missed, really enjoyed our short acquaintance and this kind, always smiling man!
Jeri. says
Toby, Melinda, and Family. My deepest condolences goes out too all. Ron was a great man. I myself have great memories of him. What a great family!
Greg Paull says
Magill family, I was Ron & Laurie’s mail carrier for 18 years until my retirement. So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Ron was one of the nicest men I had the pleasure of meeting and having chats with during my career. Ron always had a smile and great conversation to make my day better, the world was a better place with people like him.
Joseph Baumgardner says
JOE and MARY ANN Baumgardner
We were fortunate to be close neighbors to Ron and Laurie for years during which time we came to know both Ron and Laurie very well, along with the T children (Todd, Toby, Tana, Trevor and Trent). Our children played together and along with other neighbors we had annual block parties wherein all neighbors became friends. Over time Ron and I (Joe) became quite fond of each other over neighborly tasks and he was always full of good solutions thereby becoming my advisor because of his experience. Mary Ann and I will miss Ron, as we have Laurie.
Laurie Gaffney says
To Ron’s Family, I met and got to know Ron over the past 2 years at Touchmark where I do a Dance Movement with the residents. Ron was one of my favorite dancers. He had great rhythm and beat and so often knew the words to songs that we played. I so appreciated Ron’s sense of humor as well as his kindness and gentleness with staff and residents. I will miss him and his smile very much. I wish each of you in Ron’s family comfort and compassion during this time of your significant loss. Go gently.
Sincerely,
Laurie Gaffney
james m backstrom says
avn8310@blackfoot.com
We are so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. We aren’t able to make it to the service. Ron did a lot of work for us. He was a great guy, we’re going to miss him. We used to visit with him & Laurie often.
Ruby and Ron Andridge says
Todd, Toby, Tana, Trever and Trent, our most sincere condolences to you and your families. Ron and Laurie were very special friends to us. We were godparents to each other’s children. We moved from Helena in 1971 but continued our friendship whenever we could get together.
We use to travel to nearby towns to eat dinner. One time we went to Great Falls to an Italian restaurant for dinner and drove back to Helena by moonlight as the lights in Ron’s car didn’t work. It must have been Devine intervention to get us safely home especially by the river.
Love to you all.
Ron and Ruby Andridge
Kim Brown says
I’m so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. We were good friends in the late 70s. He suggested I work with his father Emit where I learned everything I ever knew about carpentry. Ron and I worked at American Plumbing and Heating together and then with Magill and Sons. Working with Ron and Emit will always be my favorite working experience. Love those guys. I hope I will meet up with Ron and Emit if I make it to heaven someday!!
May God bless your family. Great people.
Hal Harper says
Years ago Ron dug foundations for my constuction projects and always did them right, also worked on the four-lanes this side of MacDonald Pass as an operator. His hand was steady and we laborers loved it when he was the one lowering the huge concrete pipe sections down to us in the hole.
When I later saw him at Touchmark where my mother was, he recognized me and was always a joy to talk to. This truly was one of the great human beings to help build and share our beloved Helena.