Ward Anthony Shanahan was born in Libby, Montana, on November 24, 1931. The son of Ward P. Shanahan, a bank surveyor, and Antonia Kessels Shanahan, a nurse and homemaker, Ward and his sister Mary Shanahan Haskins grew up in Miles City. He joined the U.S. Navy after high school and graduated from the University of Montana in 1953.
He served for two years as a naval officer during the Korean War. His experience helping soldiers navigate the Uniform Code of Military Justice inspired him to become an attorney. He graduated from the University Of Montana School Of Law in 1958 and was admitted to the state bar the same year.
Upon graduation he joined the oldest law firm in the state: Weir, Gough, and Booth—later renamed Gough, Shanahan, Johnson, and Waterman—and was a staple of the Helena legal community for more than half a century.
In addition to his legal practice, Ward made a significant contribution to the civic, philanthropic, and political life of Helena and the state of Montana. He lobbied for the Montana Railroad Association and was an active member of the Montana Republican Party. He was the Judge Advocate for the Navy League. He served as a trustee to the State Bar of Montana and on the boards of the Montana Law Foundation, the Montana Mining Association, the Montana Historical Society, the Montana History Foundation, the Mountain States Legal Foundation, Kiwanis, Montana Legal Services, and more.
Ward loved Montana and its history. For many years he enjoyed annual pack trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness with friends. True to his Irish roots, he was a great storyteller and had a wonderful singing voice.
Ward met the love of his life, Gayle Gibbons of Billings, while studying at the University of Montana. The couple married in 1956 and had two children, Catherine Monks (Paul) and Philip Shanahan (Mary Schulz).
Please see below to off the a family a condolence or to share a memory of Ward.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday January 26, 2017
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Thursday January 26, 2017
2nd Floor at the Montana Club
24 W. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Mary Kay Bennett says
A bright light burned out in Helena yesterday..may he Rest In Peace.
Ward was our neighbor for over 25 years. We enjoyed those years immensely. Love & peace to the family.
Mary Kay & George Bennett ?
Bev Opitz says
Dear Gayle ,
So saddened to hear of ward’s passing
We will keep you. In our prayers . Hugs to you.
God bless , Bev & Don Opitz
Paul Fossum says
Learning with great sorrow of Ward’s death. Feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to come to know him so well through my folks and Ward’s close friends Rosie and Dick Fossum, on whose behalf I also write. Will miss him greatly, and the world is a lesser place without him. Loving thoughts to you, Gayle, and your family. –Paul
Thomas E. Donnelley II says
When I joined the Montana History Foundation (which was established in 1984) it was a captive part of the Montana Historical Society with the primary responsibility to raise $50,000 for “petty cash” purposes each year. In August, 2006, the MHF won its breakaway freedom and Independence due to Changes in the IRS Code. During those early years Ward was the glue that held us together and lead us toward the big time by guiding the Foundation in our first campaigns to raise $500K for the privately published Montana History Text Book and funds to help the MT State Legislature consider the purchase of the Virginia City Bovey interests. In each case Ward gave us the intelligence, experience, and guidance to make it all happen. From then on, with the exception of a few stutter steps, we all, MHF, MHS, and MHC, have gained in credibility, recognition, and the expertise to do great things on behalf of the State of Montana. Without Ward’s “fathering” us during those early years I don’t think any of or our organizations would be where we are today. May he Rest In Peace with the knowledge of having accomplished an amazing job of bringing many people together to literally make Montana History come alive and active.
Thomas E. Donnelley, II
Michael R. Foster says
So sad to hear about Ward’s passing, as he was a “man” whom I respected and admired very much. I first met Ward, when I was fairly young, as he and my father served together in the Navy Reserve in Helena. After growing up and becoming a man myself, I really came to know Ward. It was then that I came to know him for the wonderful, caring, giving man that he was. During my life I have to say that “Ward” is one of the few men, who truly impacted and influenced who I am today! I will miss him very much.
John (Jack) Ward, CDR USNR (Ret) says
Ward became my friend through my uncle, Larry Ward. He was a fellow Navy Officer, recruited me into the Navy League, was a brother in the Hibernians, a fellow Republican, and the former Reserve CO for my late brother, Jim. Ward was there with me at the National Navy League Convention when my son, Ken, was selected for the top leadership award in the United States Navy. This incredible gentleman was a mentor and one of the most exemplary men I have had the privilege of calling “friend”. Thank you and God bless you Gayle and all the Shanahan family.
Sean Logan says
I was saddened to hear of Mr. Shanahan’s death. He was a fine man to be around as a young boy. Phil and I were good friends in grade school. His powerful voice and laugh are fond remembrances of my childhood as were the many hours spent in the very welcoming home that he and Mrs. Shanahan kept. There were memorable trips to Holland Lake and getting to watch him fish the Blackfoot. Thanks for your presence in my life and rest in peace.
Gilda Clancy says
I thought so much of Ward. I loved his life stories which he never hesitated to tell if I had the time. He was a great icon to our community and will be missed. RIP Ward!
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Gayle and family,
We are so sorry for your loss . Ward was a fine man, who loved his country, his family and our community. He will certainly be missed. Please know you are in our prayers, we care.
Bernie Schulz says
I was so fortunate to get to know Ward Shanahan because of the marriage of my sister Mary and his son Phil. It was clear he loved his wife Gayle, his children Phil and Catie, all things Montana, and life itself. I am praying for Gayle, Phil, Catie, Mary and all those who loved him. Rest In Peace Mr Shanahan.
Tim Fox says
Ward – I will miss your sense of humor, your wise advice, and your personal and professional mentoring on my behalf. I am proud, humbled and honored to have your name as the nominating member of the United States Supreme Court Bar on my certificate of admission to that great court. I pledge that will conduct my personal and professional affairs in a manner that will honor your life and legacy as a great American, a devoted citizen, a dedicated sailor, a loving husband and father, an accomplished lawyer, and a trusted friend. Farewell my friend, until we meet again. With love – Montana Attorney General Tim Fox
Roza says
Dear Mrs. Shanahan,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I would never thought when last time i was Helena, I was seeing Mr. Shanahan for the last time. I am really sorry and I wish I could be there. My heart and my prayers are with you. Roza
Ross Cannon says
My deepest sympathy to Ward’s family. I’ve known Ward since law school days and have always regarded him as the model for what every lawyer should be. He will be missed.
Ann Power Scherner says
Gayle, Catie and Phil,
I am so saddened to hear of Ward’s passing and my thought and prayers are with you. Ward was such a part of Helena life and contributed in so many ways as well as a good family friend. I have memories of him at Men’s Clib when it would be st our house, of social gatherings throughout the years. His booming voice and sense of humor is what I remember most growing up. My condolences to you.
Bill & Ramona Holt says
Gayle:
Our sincere sympathy to you and family from us both. What a surprise to read that Ward had passed. We had some great memories.
Our Love, Thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Bill & Ramona Holt
Terry W Bass says
One of his finest assets was the ability to stop and visit. No matter what or where. Made you step back and think. Respected. Always a true gentleman and true to his word. May he Rest In Peace.
Ron and Tanya Lukenbill says
Ward was a deeply respected man who dedicated his life to family, friends, community, and country. We were blessed to count him as a friend. Love and prayers to Gayle and family.
Catherine and Dave Schulz- Markley says
Gayle, Catie,Paul, Phil and Mary
One of my most favorite things about Ward are his stories. These will truly be missed amongst all of those that have had the opportunity to witness something that is a unique quality of very few people today. He had the kind of personality that when you met him you felt like you knew him all your life. Gayle, although we can’t be with you in person know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
“May your coming days
be touched by a bit of Irish Luck
brightened by a song in your heart
and warmed by the smiles of the people you love.” – unknown
KD Feeback says
Mary Gayle:
Ward was a greatly valued friend and mentor, one of the finest fellows I ever had the good fortune to know. I will miss him a great deal as will the Montana legal and historical community. Best wishes and condolences to you.
Linda Vaughey says
Gayle and family:
Ward was in the same mold as my late husband Bill Vaughey, Jr. who passed from this life more than 20 years ago. Ward was ever a gentleman and spoke with knowledge, kindness, and respect. He was a patriot, loved his family, his heritage, his country, and his community. I was blessed to have known Ward and fortunate to have heard some great stories along the way! Love to his family and {{hugs}} to his best friend and loving wife Mary Gayle.
Nelson 'Jerry' Weller says
Such a great guy. Watching Ward and Gayle dancing the Charleston was always a hit.
Michael & Evelyn Sass says
We wish to send our Sincere Condolences to all of Ward’s loved ones. He will be missed by all. Michael & Evelyn Sass.
jeff and melissa sherlock says
Ward was a wonderful mentor, not only to the young lawyers in his firm, but also to every young attorney he happened to meet; no matter how contested the issue might be, Ward was always a gentleman while representing his client with the utmost skill. Men like him are hard to find. Best to all in his family.
PETER F HUNTER says
I worked with Ward and Tom Donnelley to raise funds for the Montana History Foundation for nearly three years. Ward held a history of Montana that gave us all energy and humor to build on the “last best place” to record Montana’s important role in our country’s history. I had a wonderful interview with Ward that lasted nearly an afternoon. It is one of those memories of a good informative time you will never forget. Montana has lost a legend.
Patrice Fritsch says
Gayle and family, working with Ward for so many years gives me many good memories to share with others. He was just a great man. I remember fondly the bow tie party we gave him at the Montana Club to celebrate his 60th birthday. He will be missed by many. Blessings. Patrice Frirsch
Webb & Kathy Brown says
He was a mentor to me in the Legislature. Always a positive outlook. Our sympathies.
Tom Rasmussen says
What a wonderful funeral today, the large turnout was reflective of the many lives that Ward touched and the impact he had on the Helena community.
He was truly a “larger than life” figure and will be truly missed in our community.
I wish God’s blessings on Gayle and the family.
Bob Kiesling says
…… a hearty Here! Here! to all the above tributes. In addition to all those virtues, Ward made (and enjoyed) one of the best martinis in the universe.
Glen Parsons says
Phil your dad was a great Montanan. Ward and Gayle will always be two wonderful people in my life.
Shirley says
I found Ward’s business card among my possessions today and I looked him up online to check in on his progress on a book he said he was writing. I am saddened to see he has passed. Ward shared his card with me a few years ago on a flight to or from Salt Lake City. He was the best seat mate a person could have as he kept my rapt attention for hours with his wonderful and inspirational stories. He told me he was working on a history book and I told him I would look him up after a while to buy a copy. I don’t know if he ever finished that book, but from his glorious obituary and the words of those to whom he meant so much, I’m sure it is or would have been fantastic.
Condolences to his family and friends. Ward was a Great Man.