Wesley Alfred Beatty
Wesley Alfred Beatty passed away unexpectedly on May 14, 2023, at St Peter’s Hospital in Helena Montana.
Wes was a fourth generation Montanan. He was born in Helena, Montana on January 5, 1936, to Ruth (Moline) and George Milton Beatty. He was their only child. Wes grew up on a ranch on Beaver Creek east of Winston, Montana. His education included elementary school in a one room school house on Beaver Creek, followed by three years at Broadwater High School in Townsend. After his Junior year, the family moved to Roberts, Montana. Wes finished his high school education at Red Lodge High School and graduated in 1953. After high school, Wes attended Coyne Electric in Chicago, Illinois. Upon completion of his electrical training, he enlisted in the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1957.
Wes married Margaret Ellen Fordyce on April 20, 1958, in Bozeman, Montana. Together they had three daughters; Debora, Gail and Wandy.
Wes’s career began working for Mountain Bell phone company in Great Falls, Montana. In 1958, he started a new career in the paint business with Glidden General Paint. Later, he worked for Columbia Paint. In 1972, he moved the family to Clancy, Montana. Shortly after, Wes changed employment from Columbia Paint to Benjamin Moore. Wes retired from Benjamin Moore in 1997.
Wes enjoyed the outdoors, particularly riding horses, chopping/stacking wood, hunting and fishing. He made annual fishing trips to Saskatchewan with his buddies and grandsons. Wes and Margaret travelled extensively, visiting all US states, most Canadian providences, several European countries, and took many cruises.
Wes was active in the Masonic organization with memberships in the Morning Star Lodge, Boulder/Basin Lodge, and Ottawa Lodge. He was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Algeria Shrine Temple, and York Rite. In addition, he had memberships in the Sons and Daughters of the Montana Pioneers, United Commercial Travelers, and National Rifle Association.
Wes is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Saint Margaret, daughters Debora (John) Hawkins, Gail (Phillip) Amicucci, and Dr. Wandy (Dr. David Sibley) Beatty, and three grand-children, Lt. Zachary (Katelyn) Amicucci, Dr. Catherine (Colton Riebe) Hawkins, and Ian Amicucci, and one great grandchild, Clancy Amicucci.
Wes was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Milton Beatty.
A service celebrating Wes’ life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 19th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 M. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow the reception at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriners Hospital, Boulder/Basin Masonic Lodge, or Montana Sheriffs & Peace Officers Association.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:30 a.m.
Friday May 19, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life Service
Friday May 19, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Friday May 19, 2023
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:30 a.m.
Friday May 19, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life Service
Friday May 19, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Friday May 19, 2023
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Verna Kroll says
Gail & Phillip (& Beatty Family)
So sorry to hear about your dad, sounds like an amazing man. Know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Verna Kroll
Kathleen Broussard says
Gail and family
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have wonderful memories of your dad and spending time at your house.
Kathleen (Stevens), Keith and Kory Broussard
George Lane says
Margaret and family,
I had the pleasure of sitting in Lodge with Brother Wes at Morning Star #5 and Boulder-Basin #41 for 25 years. I learned the importance of Masonry from Wes and the other Brothers. His leadership in #41 kept us going through tough times and we are a better Lodge because of him. Rest easy my Brother.
Dan Benson says
Sorry to hear was that Wes has passed. I met Wes and Margaret thru the Masonic brotherhood and always enjoyed visiting with them at the various functions we attended together. He was one of the good ones and will be sorely missed.
Michelle Rogne Olsen says
Wandy & David, Margaret and the Beatty family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have many fond memories of the sleepovers at your house and your parents being so kind and generous. I do have a particular memory of the wood chopping and stacking! Your parents were at dad’s funeral and we had the chance to visit for awhile. It was so nice to talk about “old times.” Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Melody Grant says
Debbie and all of the family,
So sad to hear of your dad’s passing. He was always such a friendly guy. He always remembered me whenever I saw him over the many years since we were all in high school. Let your many great memories help you through this time of loss. Thoughts and prayers.