HELENA—Former Montana Supreme Court Justice William Edward Hunt Sr. died Tuesday in Helena. He was 92. Bill Hunt was part of what Tom Brokaw called “the Greatest Generation.” Hunt served his country during World War II and then returned and served the people of the state of Montana. Throughout his career, he fought for the people and was a strong defender of their rights.
Hunt was born Feb. 28, 1923, in Tacoma, Wash., the son of William C. Hunt, a dentist, and Ann Nolan Hunt, a registered nurse. He was the second eldest of eight children. After falling on hard times during the Depression, the family moved to the family farm outside Burlington, Iowa. “Even though nobody there had any more money than we did, at least we could grow our own food,” Hunt recalled in an interview.
At age 16, Hunt dropped out of school and gave his birthday as Feb. 29, 1920 when he enlisted in the Iowa National Guard April 1939 with his younger brother, Bob. They joined the 113th Cavalry, a horse cavalry unit. The unit was mobilized in January 1941.
As a soldier, Hunt was a radio operator and participated in the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day and the landings in Sicily and Algeria. He was among first wave of soldiers to storm Utah Beach. Those were the defining years of his adult life, Hunt said in a newspaper interview in late 2000 as he was preparing to leave the Montana Supreme Court after 16 years.“If it taught me anything, it taught me how lucky I was,” Hunt said. “The war taught me we’re all the same. We all do our best, and we can’t worry about our differences.”
He served for 25 years in active Army, Army Reserve, and Iowa and Montana National Guards. Hunt was an enlisted man and an officer, holding the rank of captain. He served in the Army until 1945, rejoined in 1946 and stayed until 1950.
Hunt obtained his GED and was on his way to Seattle to enroll at the University of Washington. At his mother’s suggestion, Hunt stopped at the University of Montana. The dean of men convinced him to attend college in Missoula, a decision Hunt said he never regretted. At UM, Hunt completed his undergraduate pre-law classes and graduated from the School of Law in 1955. While a student, Hunt worked nights for the Northern Pacific railroad as a crew caller.
On Aug. 25, 1952, Hunt married Mary V. Fassler, a registered nurse who had just graduated St. Patrick School of Nursing in Missoula. The couple later moved to Walla Walla, Wash., Havre and Chester. In Chester, Hunt practiced law, served as Liberty County attorney for nine years and was the town’s mayor.
As mayor, Hunt was instrumental in forming the Montana Consumer Council in the late 1960s so local governments could oppose a Montana Power Co. rate increase request. That was before the 1972 Montana Constitution created a state consumer counsel’s office to represent ratepayers in a utility cases. Hunt also was a trustee of the Central Montana Legal Services, which provided legal assistance to low-income people.
In 1970, the Hunts moved to Helena when he was appointed director of Montana Legal Services. Gov. Forrest H. Anderson later appointed him as director of state Aeronautics Board. In 1975, Gov. Thomas L. Judge selected Hunt as the state’s first workers’ compensation judge. After his term ended in 1981, Hunt opened a private practice in Helena.
He was elected to a vacant seat on the Montana Supreme Court in 1984 and in 1992 ran unopposed for a second term. As a liberal justice on the Montana Supreme Court, Hunt was often in the minority. “I’m a liberal and you guys call me a liberal,” he said in the newspaper interview in 2000. “I think a liberal is a person who has had a lot of experience and is not bound by what happens in the past, but understands the past.”
In 2000, Hunt received the Montana Trial Lawyers Association’s Public Service and Career Achievement awards and the Citizens award in 2007. Hunt received the 2009 Jeannette Rankin public service award from the ACLU of Montana. In 2003, he was inducted in the Officer Candidate School Hall of Honor at Fort Benning, Ga.
Bill and Mary Hunt enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren, traveling and were longtime Grizzly football season ticketholders. When his children were growing up, Bill read books to them after dinner, including “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens, one stave each night, concluding on Christmas Eve.
His wife, Mary, died in 2009, and their son, Joe, died in 1998. His parents and siblings, Eileen, Bob, Don, Mary Jane, Larry and Janet, are all deceased.
Survivors include their other children: Jim Hunt (wife Barbara Howe, children Hannah and Isabelle Hunt) of Helena; Kate Hunt (husband Todd Johnson, children Arlo and Jane Johnson) of Creston; Pat Hunt (husband Chuck Johnson) of Helena, and son Bill Jr. (wife Shelly Hunt, daughter Vivienne) of Shelby.
Bill is also survived by his brother, Dick Hunt, of Arizona, sister-in-law Sue Hunt of Nevada; sister-in-law, Helen Coleman (husband Verle), of Washington state, and brother-in-law, Bill Byrne of Missoula. Numerous nephews and nieces also survive.
The family would like to thank the staff of Rocky Mountain Care Center for their loving care for Bill over the last three years.
There will be a vigil at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at the Anderson Stevenson and Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral mass will be celebrated at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St. A reception in the Cathedral’s Brondel Center will follow the mass. Burial will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to ACLU of Montana, P.O. Box 1317, Helena, MT 59624, or Helena Food Share, P.O. Box 943, Helena, MT 59601.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory Bill.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 24, 2016
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday February 24, 2016
Brondel Center in the lower level of the Cathedral of Saint Helena
,
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Reception
Wednesday February 24, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 23, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 24, 2016
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday February 24, 2016
Brondel Center in the lower level of the Cathedral of Saint Helena
,
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Reception
Wednesday February 24, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
jeff sherlock says
Bill was a great judge and an even better person; a few years ago a fellow attempted to rob a local bank with an overly friendly dog, the robbery was foiled and the robber sent away; Bill and his lovely wife Mary took the dog in, renamed him Jesse James, and gave him many good years; rest in peace Your Honor
Joseph Barrett says
I had the privilege of clerking for Justice Hunt at the Montana Supreme Court in 1985-1986. It was my first job out of law school and Justice Hunt helped me grow in many ways. He was a champion of the less powerful and a good and just man. I am grateful for the time I had with him.
Bob Schleicher says
A great man and friend. One of the most humble, down to earth men I have ever met. He always fought for the little guy. I will dearly miss him.
Ed Tinsley says
The Judge was a giant of man with a heart the size of the Big Sky. I will miss him.
Evan Barrett says
I have so many great, positive memories of Bill (and Mary) over a period of 30+ years … good political “war stories” included … enough that I could contribute a chapter to any book about Bill … let me share one of my favorites …
Prior to coming to Helena under Forrest Anderson as Director of the Aeronautics Commission, Bill had resided in and practiced law in Chester, MT … he was also Mayor of Chester, a position he says he was later “un-elected from” …. If I heard Bill say this once over the years about being Mayor of Chester, I heard him say it 20-30 times or more: “… if it wasn’t for the dogs and the potholes, I’d still be Mayor!”
Mayor, Director, Judge, Justice … whatever the title, you’ll always be remembered by me and my family as a great and loyal friend, a great liberal, democrat, great judge, great human being … RIP, Bill …
Peg Hartman says
Bill Hunt took me flying in a small plane when I was 15 to support the VFW Voice of Democracy program. So generous of him. Later after he retired, he came to sit as a judge in a mock trial for History Camp kids in Virginia City. Nearly 50 years between two incredibly kind actions that left a golden legacy. I can only imagine the ones I didn’t witness. He will be so missed.
Barb Solomon says
Bill and Mary Hunt were the best neighbors. I grew up right next to the Hunts and would often talk to Bill when he was done with his many walks on the path behind our houses. He would let me pet his enormous dogs and compliment my mowing skills. For such a big, important man, he always took the time to smile and chat with the little girl nextdoor. I think that is certainly a theme for the Hunts…always making time for the little guy, gal, pup. I know my Dad’s heart is a little heavier today. Hugs to the Hunt family.
David Demars says
Justice Hunt was a humble man and great story teller, who also took the time to listen. He had strong sense of fairness and applied it whenever he could. He was a rare one and will be missed by his friends and family.
Suzie Solomon says
Bill and Mary Hunt were the neighbors that stories are written about. Such a kind and warm family that became part of our family in Sunhaven. Bill will be missed and my thoughts are with the Hunts and the Sunhaven family.
Brian Lilletvedt says
I clerked with Judge Hunt when the Workers Comp Court traveled around the State. He was impartial as a judge and treated everyone with respect. He will be missed.
Lynn Solomon says
I have lots of memories of the Hunts. They really were an extension of my family. My fondest one, however, is when Bill spoke at my mom’s memorial service. He pointed out that when we all first lived in Sunhaven, you could roll a ball through all the backyards, from one end of the street to the other. At the time my mom died in 1999, the only two yards without a fence between them were the Hunts’ and ours. It was a simple, thoughtful, meaningful observation, and I’ll always remember it — and Bill and Mary — with a smile. Peace to him.
Tina Brilz says
Judge Hunt was my first Judge as a new court reporter – fresh out of court reporting school. I started working for him at the Workers’ Compensation Court in January 1977. We flew all over the state together with Ginny Broughton, our clerk, in that tiny little plane. We used to joke about describing our wonderful jobs to people, and they wouldn’t believe we got paid to fly all over this beautiful state and conduct important business, meet wonderful people, and have a fun time, too. Judge Hunt gave me so much confidence in myself and regaled me with his many stories. He was a wonderful boss and friend. I will always miss him. Warm hugs to the entire Hunt family.
Phil Aaberg says
R.I.P., Bill. Thanks for leaving your great family for us. Thanks for all the laughs and the support. And thanks for setting me straight in one of my jobs working for the city in Chester!
Lucas Foust says
Bill Hunt is one of my heroes. A veteran of multiple water landings in Europe during World War II and a true champion for the underdog, Bill Hunt was a giant of a man yet humble. Thank you Bill Hunt for making the world a better place.
Joyce pickthorn says
Kate ,Todd and family, I never met your Father but he sure looks like a kind,sincere man! You have our sincere sympathy on you loss! Peace be with you and your Mother!
Mike Cooney says
Caring and compassionate are two words that immediately come to mind when I think of Bill. He didn’t think twice about lending a helping hand. Bill was always looking for ways to help those most in need. He and Mary were the first to volunteer when needed and they never asked for anything in return. Thank you Bill for being my friend, mentor and advisor.
Linda Gryczan says
After he left the Court, I remember an IR interview with Judge Hunt that included a comment that summarized how he looked out for regular Montanans. The sentence and the interview ended with “and give the Indians whatever they want.”
He and Mary were such kind and considerate people. I remember how he rode his bicycle up to Unionville and back in the mornings before chambers. We are losing a great Montanan.
Brenda Wahler says
A truly good and decent human being. On a number of occasions back in the 90s, Bill and Mary welcomed me into their home to help fix Bill’s Mac computer. Then he became a huge supporter when I was developing the YMCA Model Supreme Court program for high school kids. As a result, Judge Hunt was one of the people who inspired me to go to law school and he wrote a letter of recommendation to UM Law that helped me get there. I’m so grateful for his generosity and kindness; I’m a lawyer today largely because of him. Rest in peace, Judge.
Ronda Sewell-Davis says
Pat & family,
Your dad sounds like a great guy….thoughts & prayers with you all…
Gary Moseman says
A great and kind man. Sincere condolences to Pat and the rest of the family.
Margi Sheehy says
I’m very sorry for your loss. I know my parents really respected both your parents. I remember them at a couple breakfasts when I was in Helena and fund them both so warm. I remember they talked about their kids with great, great pride.
Art and Clara Gilreath says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill’s surviving
family
God bless
Jim Elliott says
Bill Hunt was one of my heroes because of what he stood for and who he stoop up for. I so enjoyed spending time with him, and admired and respected him greatly. My sincere condolences to all the family. And all of Montana, for that matter.
Diane Pedersen says
Pat and family,
I was sorry to learn that your dad passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With deepest sympathy. Diane
Mary Anne Simpson says
The working people of Montana lost a steadfast friend with the passing of Justice Hunt. I could always count on the meticulous judicial minds of Justices Hunt, Sheehy and Morrison to separate the wheat from the chaff in labor law cases. They comprehended that the so-called niceties are in fact the roots of the jurisprudence. Through the years until the past five years, we would greet each other: ” We’re still here” and laugh. Whether you were an unpopular cop in Butte, a mistreated nursing home resident or politically unpopular–Hunt applied the law fairly and impartially. He leaves a legacy of good work.
Art Thompson says
A great man, by any measure, and more than that, a really good guy.
In his home, in his chambers, and out on the campaign trail, he was good cheer personified. Full of stories, full of fun, with a pat on the back at the ready. The kind of man you wanted to be, and the kind you wanted to be with.
To Jim and Barb, to Pat and Kate, I’m sorry for your loss. But you have to be so proud.
Pat Kessner says
To the Hunt Family. It was because of your dad I got my career in the legal field when he hired me as his deputy clerk at the Workers’ Compensation Court. He was an incredible man and I am extremely honored that I got to know and work for him.
Pat, Jim and families may your memories surround you at this time. Judge I will miss you.
Patricia Pierce says
After reading Judge Hunt’s obituary, I’ve concluded that he was a GIANT amongst men. I didn’t know him personally; however, he had every quality that made our country great.
You must be very proud. I know that I am PROUD just to know his legacy.
God bless
John Sandford says
Patt, Kay and Hunt Family,
I am sorry for your loss. I am taking a history class in Butte from Evan Barrett, and he sent your father’s obituary to all the class members telling us that your dad was very instrumental in progressive change in Montana during the time that a new constitution was created in the state. Evan Barrett characterizes your father also as a “Giant” during this important time in Montana’s history. I didn’t understand it at the time, but your father and all the others involved, at that time, made Montana a much freer and efficient state. This effort helped all the citizens of Montana. My condolences.
Gene Solomon says
Jim, Kay, Pat, Bill —
My thoughts are with you. Bill (with Mary) was a wonderful neighbor and a calm and thoughtful presence in our lives for decades. He was a committed citizen, soldier, and public servant, and a big part of 20th-century Montana history. He was also a really nice guy. Peace be with you.
Earl J. Barlow says
I celebrate the life of Judge Bill Hunt who left a lasting legacy of outstanding accomplishments. He was a champion of civil liberties for all citizens and made a lasting impression on me. We met in 1970 and became neighbors in Helena where our families got acquainted. On one occasion I told him I had been nominated for membership in a National Fraternity but was denied because I was American Indian. He investigated the matter and was greatly disturbed to learn it was true. He was one of many who convinced the fraternity to change its charter.
Mrs. Hunt and I exchanged books and she could not finish Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown because it was a painful account of treatment of Native Americans.
When he decided to seek election to the Montana Supreme Court, he called me for advice on how to gain support of Indian voters. I introduced him to Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, a prominent tribal leader and the results are history.
Our children bonded and were classmates. Son, Joe, beseeched me to tell him accounts of my life as an Indian. His untimely death was heartbreaking. Son, Jim, and my daughter attended law school. Also I followed the career of his two daughters. His family is his legacy. He was a remarkable person and his spirit will dwell among us forever.
Harold Dye & Nancy Moe says
Bill Hunt was a poster child for the Greatest Generation. Raised in poverty during the depression, he dropped out of high school, lied about his age and joined the Army. He served as a combat soldier from Pearl Harbor to VE Day.
Bill took advantage of the GI Bill – that great engine of social advancement – to go to college and law school eventually serving as a justice on the Montana Supreme Court.
Bill was interviewed by our granddaughter who was interested in The Holocaust. Bill told her that his experience liberating a facility where Nazis performed “experiments” on mentally retarded people and other “defectives” profoundly affected him and turned him into the humanistic and liberal person that he was.
Bill was a fine man – one of the best – and he will be sorely missed.
Harold V. Dye
Nancy K. Moe
Dorothy and Mike McCarter says
Our very deepest sympathies to Bill’s family. Bill and Mary were wonderful people and the world just isn’t the same without them. There are many more fish in the rivers since Mary’s death, and the judiciary will sorely miss Bill’s contributions.
Norma Tirrell & Gordon Bennett says
Our thoughts are with you — Jim, Kate, Pat and Bill — as you reinvent your lives and family without Bill & Mary. We enjoyed them on so many occasions…their humor, their good will, their integrity and their zest for life left a wonderful legacy not just for you but for Montana.
Thompson Smith says
It’s deeply inspiring, and humbling, to read Bill Hunt’s obituary, and these comments. From all of us who serve on the Flathead Basin Commission with Justice Hunt’s daughter Kate, our heartfelt condolences to her and the family, and our gratitude for such a great man and great life. It’s hard to fathom his courage and decency, and all the good he did during his time on earth. A true hero.
Evan Barrett says
From my brother John Barrett, who managed Bill’s first election to the Supreme Court …
“Another one of the greatest nation’s best is gone. Bill served in WWII, in the invasion of Oman. A quiet, understated man whose self-effacing demeanor belied his aggressive, bull dog activism on behalf of those least fortunate among us. Bill was a great man, and managing his campaign for the Montana Supreme Court is one of the points of pride in my life. “
Evan Barrett says
From my brother, Joe Barrett, who served as clerk under Bill when he was Supreme Court Justice — Joe’s first job out of law school:
“Certainly sorry to hear about Bill passing. I loved working for him.”
Lisa says
I have only know Bill for approximately 3 years. His last 3 years. And what I have known from Mr Hunt is that he was a very loving caring and straight to the point kind of guy. The kind of man that would remind me of my father. I do know one thing I will never forget his beautiful smile and his sparkly eyes. And I loved listening to him sing. I was very sad about his passing. And my heart goes out to his family.
Ann Jacobson says
Justice Hunt married my husband Martin and me on November 29, 1985 at the Little Red Schoolhouse. Martin was at that time a law clerk for Justice Hunt. Bill and Mary braved the elements that day to make sure we got hitched! They gave us a beautiful pottery bowl as a gift which I continue to use.
The last time I saw Bill was when he was living at the Waterford. My Mom also lives there prior to us moving to Post Falls, Id after Martin’s death. He remembered me even though many years had passed. Thanks for the memories.