William J. Giles, age 83, of Helena

William (Bill) J. Giles returned home to his Heavenly Father on December 15, 2023.

Bill was born on May 11, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was raised on a farm in Greenfield, a small town outside of Indianapolis. He joined the US Army at 18 and served three years active duty and three years Army Reserve. Following his time in the Army, Bill enlisted in the US Air Force Reserve where he served for 26 years. During his time in the Reserves, Bill attended the NYC Police Academy and joined the NYPD. Bill served as a NYPD officer for 20 years. Bill was quite accomplished and also obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business from Purdue University. He worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs as a federal police officer in Indiana until 1994 when he transferred to Fort Harrison Montana.

Along the way, Bill was also a long-haul truck driver for a couple of years, but didn’t like being away from home and his own bed. He was a real estate agent, a tax preparer, and also a security guard at the Montana State Capital.

Bill had a wonderful sense of humor and a zest for life. Bill loved his horses, dogs, and cats and he enjoyed taking care of them. He felt a deep connection with animals. Bill spent a lot of time in the great outdoors and enjoyed snowmobiling and riding on his Gold Wing. He also enjoyed rodeo, hockey, football, and baseball and every year going to Symphony Under the Stars.

Bill loved to cook and share a meal with those he cared for. If you gained his trust and respect, you gained a friend for life. He had a “no bull” perspective, but was also very kind and gentle. Bill was set in his ways and did not deviate from them until he met Arlene Thurston, the love of his life. She was his soulmate and he was hers. They had many adventures together and looked forward to so many more.

As a family, we miss Bill terribly. We are grateful for the time he was in our lives and look forward to seeing him again.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Leathea Dean Giles, his father, Joseph Emry Giles, and his stepmother. He is survived by Arlene Thurston, her children Tari (Dennis) Nyland and Sean (Maggie) Thurston, grandchildren Jamison Nyland, Aimee (Claudius) Cramer Von Clausbruch, Mikaela (Zac) Buckius, Jessie (Justin) Meecham and Marion Thurston, and nine great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, December 29th, 11:00 AM, at Last Chance Chapel, 6240 Raven Road (off Birdseye Road), in Helena. A reception will follow. Military honors will be presented at the graveside.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial/donations in Bill’s name be directed to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604.

Service Schedule

Celebration of His Life

11:00 a.m.

Friday December 29, 2023

Last Chance Chapel

6240 Raven Road

Helena, Montana 59602

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Reception

Following the Service

Friday December 29, 2023

Last Chance Chapel

6240 Raven Road

Helena, Montana 59602

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Burial with Military Honors

1:30

Friday December 29, 2023

Montana State Veteran's Cemetery

3550 Heroes Rd.

Helena, Montana 59636

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