On August 6, 1931 in the small town of Fort Benton one of the finest auto mechanics to ever hold a wrench was born and on September 28, 2010 Virgil Elton Allison was returned to the Lord.
Virgil was the first of 4 children born to Jesse Elton and Mildred Pearl (Johnson) Allison and after 79 short years on this earth and a lifetime of memories, Virgil passed onto a new life.
Graduating from Fort Benton High School in 1949, Virgil was a certified auto mechanic while still in his teens. He followed in his father’s footsteps as a Ford mechanic being known as the second best Ford mechanic around (his father was the best). While working at Power Motors in Fort Benton, Virgil couldn’t accept that there wasn’t a vehicle he couldn’t fix (especially a ford).
In 1965 Virgil moved to Helena it was here he met his soul-mate for life in Charlotte Mae Tovey. On October 1, 1966 they were married. Virgil and Charlotte raised three children from this union Marvin, Chris Ann and Dawn. They would have celebrated 44 years of marriage next month.
The happy family spent many years camping, fishing, hunting and traveling together. It was during these times Virgil expressed the importance of being honest, working hard and to be thankful for what you have.
During his 40 plus years in the auto mechanics profession, Virgil received numerous awards of excellence while working at Capital Ford. His demand for perfection and honest efforts made him a highly sought after and much respected mechanic.
In 1987 Virgil hung up his wrenches and retired from being a mechanic. He then pursued carpentry under the wing of good friend Bob Paynter and several years later retired altogether.
Virgil loved going on short trips with his wife around Helena whether it was going to dinner, observing wildlife or visiting family and friends. Despite his aches and pains from growing older he really enjoyed these moments with her.
There aren’t enough words to express the loss of this amazing man. His dedication as a husband, father, grandfather and friend will never be forgotten.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, T.J. Reddy.
He leaves behind his family who loved him so much, wife Charlotte; son Marvin (Patti); daughters Chris Ann Reddy (Dan) and Dawn Martin (Steve); granddaughters Heather McKasson (James) and Nicole Reddy; his beloved sister Bonita Gebhardt (Delvin); brothers-in-Iaw, Charles Tovey, Ed Tovey (Lily), Kevin Longmire and Tim Longmire; four children from a previous marriage Ron, Tom, Jackie and Brian; grandchildren Cassandra, Casey, Nicklas and Dustin plus numerous nieces and nephews.
At his request, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Memorials may be made in Virgil’s name to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, PO Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604-4455 or American Cancer Society, 1903 Central Ave., Billings MT 59102. 1903 Central Ave, Billings, MT 59102.
Special heartfelt thanks to St. Peter’s Hospital, Benefis Hospital of Great Falls and Cooney Convalescent Home.
Local arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
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Chris Ann And Nicole says
I want to Thank everyone for your prayers and memories. My Dad will be very missed from our family. If asked, he was always there for us… checking our vehicles, putting air in our tires, teaching us how to check the oil ect…. Dad love doing that with a little grin on his face.
I was the one kid that tested his and Moms patience. But we got through all of that, hopefully with a smile.
Dad, We will miss you when your looking out your den window at us before we would go home to Gt. Falls and your little wave. I know it was hard for you to say Love Ya but I could see it in your eyes and that’s why I would hug you first and say love ya. I know you are in a better place with no more pain. We will watch over Mom and each other until we see you again. You better of said Hi to T.J. for us… DAD LOVE YA AND MISS YA…..
Always, Chris Ann and Nicole
Traci Steen says
Char, Marvin, Chris Ann, Dawn & Heather….
Virgil was a silent, strong one. Always there to lend a hand, no matter the job and he did it with a smile that went ear to ear. I was lucky to have called him my father-in-law, even if it was only for a while, and I have many memories to cherish. I remember hunting trips, working on them Fords, harvesting the garden, Hamms beer, chasing them damn ducks around the yard and his face that beamed with pride and love at the mention or sight of his granddaughter Heather! He was stern, yet gentle and caring; strong, stubborn and silent, yet able to touch your heart and soul in a way that only he could.
He’s up above just a ‘crankin on a wrench and cussin at that old ford’…. I’ll miss ya Virg~
Winnie, Logan and Tony Strainer says
Charlotte, Marv, Chris Ann, and Dawn,
We are so sorry for your loss. Virgil was as honest as the day is long and as hard a worker and great mechanic as there is. I have a lot of great memories of Marv and I growing up on Custer and hanging around at each others house and watching and helping our dads work on their projects. Please do not hesitate to call if you need anything at all. We are thinking of you and you are in our prayers.
The Strainers
LuAnn Gleed says
Charlotte I am so sorry to hear about Vigil, my prayers are with you and the kids.I know there are no words that will help at this time. I have alot of good memories of visiting with all of you. I know how much Punky respected Virgil, I
like to think they will be Bulls**ting and drinking a beer, when they meet up.Take care.
LuAnn
Diane and Mark Ratcliff says
Dear Aunt Charlotte, Marvin, Chris Ann, Dawn and families,
I am so sorry for your loss. I wanted to see Uncle Virgil so bad this past summer, but as usual time goes by so fast. I miss Uncle Virgil. I will always remember our times togeter and my rock I gave him! I love you all!
David Anderson says
Char and Family,
Char it was nice to have seen you and Virg recently. We are so sorry for your lose, Virg will be missed by many. It was a privilege to have worked and known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with and your family.
David and Chrys Anderson
Larry Pfeiffer/ Sharon says
Char,
Virg was the best, always there and ready to help or share a good story and brew. One of our favorite times was when we both received employee of the month and went to dinner at the now gone Black Sands………..will miss him, and thinking of you.
Kim Tovey says
Charlotte and family I am so sorry for the loss of Virgil. If there is anything I can do please know I am here for the family. Sincerely, Kimberly Tovey
(you can get my phone number from my dad)
Bea Steen says
Please accept my prayers and sympathies to all of you. I always enjoyed Virg’s humor Char you were blessed to have him in your life too. I will be thinking of you all. Keep in toucc. Bea
Jesse A. and Donald R. Allison says
Dear Jackie, Ronnie, Brian, and Tommy,
Just to let you know that we are thinking of you all at this time.
Your Uncles: Austin and Don Allison
Barb Hagen says
Dawn and family,
You are in my thoughts during this sad time.
Karen & Prudy says
Charlotte, out thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ross Battershell says
Marv & family, very sorry to learn of your loss.