Samuel “Sam” Frederick Pulfrey, age 91, of Helena

Samuel “Sam” Pulfrey, 91, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 31 in Helena, Montana.  He will be greatly missed.

Sam was born on May 25, 1934, to Alma and Samuel Pulfrey in Aberdeen, South Dakota, as it was the closest hospital to his family’s home in Claremont, SD.  From a young age, Sammy, as he was known then,  loved the outdoors and could be found hunting birds with his dad. He also enjoyed exploring the countryside near his home with his loyal dog and pet raven, Jim. He would enjoy a piece of his mother’s mile high chiffon pie when he returned home.   At a young age, he developed an interest in ice skating, an activity he later enjoyed with his wife on Gibson Pond in Great Falls.  Sam was also an excellent dancer. He liked dancing at local events where the crowd could be heard to comment, “Look at that kid in the red Pendleton shirt go!”  Later in life he continued his love of dancing with his cousin Patsy Brennan. Sam never lost his  zest for life, and it was  contagious to everyone around him.

At a young age, Sam’s family moved to Montana to purchase the local bar in Troy. By the time they made the drive from SD to Troy, the deal was called off.  The family then drove south to Arlee, MT, where they purchased and ran the Jocko River Fishing Resort and Campground, which started Sam’s lifelong love of fishing.  The family subsequently moved back to Claremont where Sam graduated from high school in 1952. He joined the Navy that same year and served until 1955, at which point he was honorably discharged and returned to Montana.  He attended the University of Montana with financial support from the GI Bill and a $3,000 loan from his parents.  Sam graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1959.  Upon graduation, he repaid the loan from his parents with the winnings from a poker game.

Sam’s first job was with the General Motors Acceptance Corporation (“GMAC”) in Great Falls, where he was responsible for car repossessions, mainly in eastern and central Montana.  Sam met his future wife in Great Falls, Sharon (“Jae”) Barrett. They were later married on December 28, 1963, starting a family with son Cory Scott Pulfrey, and later, daughter April Dee Pulfrey. When GMAC subsequently offered Sam a significant promotion, which required a move to Los Angeles, he resigned, not wanting a big-city upbringing for his family. Typical of Sam, he thought of his family first, always.  Sam was subsequently hired as the Civilian Personnel Director at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, where he won multiple awards for his superior job performance.  Sam retired from Malmstrom as the Head of Civilian Personnel in 1987 to begin a long and well-deserved retirement.

Shortly after beginning his career at Malmstrom, Sam started and ran B&P Properties with his lifelong friend and business partner, Bill Brennan. B&P was a house rental business which they built from the ground up into a business that provided meaningful support to both in retirement. Bill and Sam spent untold hours, mainly after work and on weekends, buying, fixing up, and maintaining their rental properties while Jae Pulfrey managed the business side of the entity.  Sam and Bill’s sons, Cory and Billy, spent many hours working on these rentals, which at one point included tearing down a small house by hand and hauling it all to the dump.

In their off time, the families would gather at the Brennan’s cabin in Lincoln. “Sambo”, as the Brennans fondly referred to him, enjoyed snowmobiling and playing cards. He also spent time hauling his daughter and wife’s horses to shows throughout the years, including six shows all over the state in 2021. His other love was buying, selling and making a deal/profit on all types of vehicles. His last car purchase was his proudest. Sam could be seen driving around town in his 1988 light blue Cadillac El Dorado.

With family first for Sam, he would often travel to Lewistown MT to spend time with his parents, who had moved back to Montana, and aunt’s Marie and Esther. His sister Shirley (Huber) also lived in Lewistown with her first husband Butch, and, after his passing, her second husband Don. The six Huber children, Stan, Sherri, Terri, Donna, Chug and Mike spent many fun weekends with Uncle Sammy.

Sam had a lifelong love of fishing, a pastime that brought him peace, joy, and endless stories. Whether casting for trout in Montana’s lakes and streams or fishing stripers at Lake Mead, NV, Sam had a passion for fishing. He also enjoyed exploring new waters in Canada, Belize, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. He found deep contentment in the quiet rhythm of the line and the beauty of the outdoors. His favorite place to fish in Montana was Holter Lake, where he caught a plethora of fish over his lifetime while spending time with nature and his family. Sam’s favorite fishing partners were his father Sam, his mother -in -law Gerrie Barrett (Weeks), his wife Jae and Bill, Pat and Danny Brennan, with trips to Lac la Ronge in Northern Saskatchewan spanning three decades in the 60s, 70s and 80s to fish Northern Pike and walleyes. This tradition continued in 2013 with a special father-son fishing trip to Scott Lake Lodge in Saskatchewan in 2013, where Sam and Cory caught over 150 fish in five days, including several Northern Pike that exceeded 40 pounds each.

Sam was a traditional fisherman at heart – he preferred spinning gear and lures over fly fishing, which he never tried, believing that a well-cast lure and a steady reel were all one really needed. In later years, he enjoyed teaching his grandson, Torin, how to fish, passing on not just a skill, but also his patience, respect for nature, and love of time spent together by the water with family and friends.

Beyond his time outdoors, Sam was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  Sam and his lifelong partner and wife, Jae, raised a family rooted in love, respect, and humor.  Sam was a quiet person but always enjoyed spending time with family.  His calm wisdom, ready laugh, and quiet strength enriched the lives of all who knew him.

Sam is survived by his spouse, Sharon (“Jae”) Pulfrey (Helena), his daughter, April Pulfrey (Helena), his son, Cory Pulfrey and daughter-in law Diane Pulfrey (Bozeman), his grandchildren, Morgan Pulfrey and her husband Zack Cady (Billings), Torin Pulfrey and his wife Molly Pulfrey (Sherwood, OR), and his great-grandchildren, Hadleigh and Easton Pulfrey.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Alma and Sam Pulfrey, and his sister, Shirley Huber.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59602. Viewing will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service from 12:00-1:00 p.m. and a graveside service at Forestvale Cemetery, 490 Forestvale Rd, Helena, MT 59602.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the giver’s charity of choice.

Sam will be fondly remembered for his warmth, humor, and devotion to family – and a life well lived under Montana’s Big Sky country.

Service Schedule

Visitation

10:00am to 12:00pm

Monday November 24, 2025

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Funeral Service

12:00pm

Monday November 24, 2025

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Burial

Following the Funeral Service

Monday November 24, 2025

Forestvale Cemetery

490 Forestvale Rd.

Helena, Montana 59602

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