Virgil Ray Dixon, 80, beloved father, brother, son and friend, passed away unexpectedly on January 26, 2020. Born on March 31, 1939 in Virginia City, MT, Virgil was one of four children born to Carl and Florence Dixon. Growing up in a true small-town fashion, Virgil loved to tell stories of his adventurous childhood like sledding down “Boot Hill” narrowly missing moving traffic. He was also known to jump onto unsuspecting bare-backed horses to see how long he could stay aboard. Virgil’s love of adventure, passion for learning, and his hard-work ethic carried him through all his life’s journeys. Virgil was a man of many talents. His life of work included stints as a miner, ranch-hand, mechanic, teacher, and coach. He spent the majority of his professional career working for state government and retired as a Director within the Department of Public Health and Human Services. Virgil was not one to let retirement slow him down, however. In retirement, Virgil started a lawn-mowing business, began traveling the world on mission trips and pleasure trips, and enjoyed shuttling rental cars throughout the state. For all that knew Virgil, know that the world has lost an amazingly kind, loving, humorous, and caring human being.
Virgil is proceeded in death by his parents, his brother Bill Dixon, and his stepson Robert Eide. Virgil is survived by his daughters, Donna Dixon (Chris Wells), Nikki Dixon-Foley (Richard), and stepdaughter Tracey Tintinger (Ben). Grandchildren; Kyle Dixon, Jon, Sam, Jaylen, & Trey Tintinger, & Millie and Hattie Foley. Brother Norm Dixon and sister Pat Davis.
A celebration of his life will take place at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 3, 2020 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Virgil’s name be made to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation via https://www.rmef.org/donate/donation-packages/ . Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Virgil.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 3, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Monday February 3, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 3, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Monday February 3, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Al Davis says
A good, good friend who loved all the right things, always had your back, owned an enormous experience learned skill set inventory, always championed the truth, had his priorities in order, and presented to the world an air of humbleness matched by few. I miss my friend Virg!
Paula Stoll says
Virg was a good man. He was my port in the storm when I first started working in state government, working in a rudderless, dysfunctional work unit. I’ll never forget the support and encouragement he gave me some 30 or so years ago. It was Virg who encouraged me to seek greener pastures and gave me the confidence I needed to stretch my skills. I bet there are a lot of other people who would tell similar stories. He was wise, funny, generous, and a trusted friend.
Good bye, Virg. You were one of a kind.
Jim and Betty Konen says
Sorry to loose such a good man. He was a true friend
Ron Saxbury says
I only met Virg a few weeks ago and really liked him. My prayers go out to his family. God Bless.
Rich Foley says
Virgil was the best Father-in-law that one could have asked for. I got to share many memorable days hunting, camping, and fishing with him and our family that I will cherish for the rest of my days.
He showed great love & affection his two granddaughters, and always took the opportunities to be around them. His extensive wisdom, guidance, and love would have been a great boon in the future to these 2 growing girls.
I know his presence will be soarly missed by our family and all his friends and relatives.
He was one of a kind in all the best ways a man can be.
Virg, may you rest in peace and know your love will be cherished always.
Beth McLaughlin says
Virg was a good one. He was my first boss in state government. I still laugh out loud when I think about the Halloween we dressed as CinderFella and the evil stepsisters – yes, Virg wore a dress. He was an extremely supportive boss – you could tell he was a former teacher. I remember once attending a career fair at the Crow Tribal college with Virg. His former students were college officials and he was so darn proud of them. Most of all, though, I remember how devoted he was to his family. I am so sorry for your loss – he was such a good man.
Doris copenhaver says
So very sorry. I will always remember your support on the marathon route. I know you will be missed. Rest in peace Virgil, you were a good man.
Mickey (Clayborn) Kunnary says
Nikki and family – so sorry to hear of Virgil’s passing. He was such a nice man and devoted to his kids. He made your track trips fun! Prayers and condolences to all of you.
Lois Simpson says
Donna,
I am very sorry to hear about your dad. My condolences to your family. I will keep you in my prayers.
Sarah (Rehbein) Martinie says
Nikki – So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Bill Bentley says
Virg was one of the “good guys.” Always a smile on his face and encouraged others to do the same. RIP, Virg.
Catherine Ferguson says
Nikki, so sad to hear about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. God bless you and your family .
Catherine Ferguson 5th grade teacher
Jack L Long says
Virgil was my good friend Just not long enough. I loved his sense of humor we laughed together way more than two old guys should. I would have trusted Virgil with anything I had. His eighty years made him very wise and I appreciated his advice and opinion. I loved how he loved his family with his whole heart.’ I always knew he would be there if I needed. I had to force my way in for him to take help from me so that’s what I did. He just wouldn’t ask. You always knew how much he appreciated it. I can’t tell you how much I miss him. We don’t have the opportunity to make friends like him very often, that’s what makes them so special and he truly was special to me. I pray peace and comfort to his family. Rest in peace good friend.
Karen Munger says
Sorry to hear of Virgil’s passing. I fished with him for many summers on the Kenai River. We shared some great times. My best to his family.
Judy says
I remember his wide smile and kind demeanor. To be neighborly, my dad gave him a used furnace motor when his was going out. I remember looking out the kitchen window at Virgil, who, every morning, would start the vehicles so they would be warmed up for his family. We had many backpacking adventures in the blue and white pickup that Virgil sold to my dad. Tracey and I herded his flock of sheep in the barrow pits east of town one summer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Stacks