Stanley V. Harwood, age 94, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2018, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena. Stan was born on July 22, 1923, in Willow Creek, Montana, to Lou Harwood and Ruth (Jenkins) Harwood. His father died when Stan was young, and he was raised by his mother and step father, Sol Miller, on the ranch in Willow Creek. While growing up on the ranch, Stan was nicknamed “Horse Collar,” a nickname he carried with him throughout his life.
Stan joined the army in 1943 and served with the 361st Special Service Engineers in France, Japan, and the Philippines. After returning to Willow Creek in 1946, his attention was captured by a sweet and pretty young girl named Marian DeBree. Stan and Marian were married on July 12, 1947, in Butte, in a double ceremony with his brother, Alton, and his bride, Barbara. Stan and Marian were married for 58 years, until her death in 2005.
Stan and Marian lived in Helena and East Helena before settling in Jefferson City where they raised their five children. Stan liked to be outdoors and enjoyed tending his garden, camping, huckleberry picking, and fishing (especially ice fishing).
Stan worked for many years in the maintenance department at Fort Harrison. After retirement, he and Marian lived in California, Thompson Falls, and Superior, before returning to Helena in 2002. Stan enjoyed watching baseball games and rodeos. He loved a good story and spent many happy hours listening to books on tape from the Montana Talking Book Library.
He was a lifetime member of Masonic Lodges Ottawa Lodge #51, Mountain Lodge #110, and Bannack Historic Lodge #3-7-77. He was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Algeria Shrine Temple where he was a member of the foot patrol. Stan and Marian enjoyed many good times attending Shrine functions.
Stan is survived by his children, Daryl (Bonnie) Harwood of Helena, Connie (John) Yeatman of Lompoc, CA, Vicki (Joe) Steiner of Montana City, Candy (Randy) Vook of Helena, and Wayne (Valerie) Harwood of Missoula; 11 grandchildren; and 21 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Alton (Barbara) Harwood of Butte, Lou (Georgene) Harwood of Joliet, LeRoy (Mary) Miller of Three Forks, Faye (Julie) Miller of San Mateo, CA; sister, Marylyn Bohn of Vancouver, WA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; step father, Sol Miller; sister, Naida Allen; brothers-in-law, Bill Bohn and Otto Allen; and granddaughter, Amy Vook Rolfe.
Our heartfelt thank you to Country Life Assisted Living and the Masonic Home for the loving care and assistance they provided during the past few years. Memorials are suggested to the Montana Talking Book Library, PO Box 201800, Helena, MT, or the organization of choice. Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held in the summer of 2018. Please visit below to offer a condolence or to share a memory of Stanley.
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Williams Family says
Condolences to the Harwood family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” May God bring you comfort and peace.
Jessica Schaan says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all that got the privilege of knowing Stan. He was a amazing man that taught me alot in the many years I worked at country life. The late night talks and buttermilk with cookies. Thank you Vicky and Joe for sharing him with us. He will be missed.
JOHN (JACK) MORGAN says
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL OF STANS FAMILY. TALKING WITH SEVERAL OF OUR MEMBERS WHO WERE ACTIVE IN THE SCOTTISH RITE WITH HIM, I KNOW HE HAS LEFT MANY, MANY, WONDERFUL MEMORIES. IF AT ANY TIME WE CAN ASSIST YOU PLEASE EMAIL OR CALL THE HELENA SCOTTISH RITE. I KNOW HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL. WE WILL HONOR HIM AT OUR NEXT MEETING WITH A MOMENT OF SILENCE AND A TIME OF REFLECTING ON HIS SERVICE.
Linda Sage says
Stanley will be miss deeply he was a good man hope everything goes good for Vicky and Joe. God Bless
The Quihillalts says
Our sympathies to the Harwood family. Hope you all find peace and know that he is at peace as well. Thoughts and prayers are sent to you.
The Quihillalts
Janice Magee says
To the Harwood family
My thoughts are with your family. I think we all have good memories of our growing up years in Jefferson City. Your Mom and Dad were a part of those years. I think your Dad is the last of all our parents. I know he will be missed.
Jan Tintinger Magee