Harold M. Brown, 96, son of Martin and Leila (Hull) Brown was born and raised on the family homestead in North Valley County on July 17, 1921. He grew up with a love of the outdoors, and working with cattle and horses. While not as enthusiastic about farming, he learned to love the changing seasons and the joy of a good crop in the bin. As the middle child of 13, he left home early to find work, which would supplement the family income.
As a teenager, he joined many other farm kids in the CCC’s working in the forests. He worked in Glacier Park in Western Montana clearing trees in what would become the future “gem” of the National Park Service. In addition to creating parking lots, trails and camping spots, he worked on what is now the “Going to the Sun” highway – one of the most beautiful drives in the nation.
On July 25, 1942 he married Erma Hartley at the United Methodist Church in Glasgow, Montana. WWII dawned and he was called to service in the US Army Air Corps. From 1943 to 1945 he served in the “Unknown War” in the Aleutian Islands. He returned in March of 1945 from overseas and ended the war driving for the Russian delegation as a chauffeur in the UN Conference in San Francisco. In October of that year he was furloughed from the service and returned home.
He joined the Black Ranch and worked for John and Roy for 4 years during which time the family lived along the Milk River East of Hinsdale. In 1951, the family moved to the Klind Ranch, south of Hinsdale, ultimately doing the farming of all Waino’s cropland – until he injured his back while carrying a sack of grain pellets to feed cattle during the winter of 1959. From February – June he spent either in the VA Hospital in Miles City or at home in bed.
Unable to do farm work do to the back injury, in July1959, he purchased the Park Grove Bar north of Fort Peck. He and Mom operated this until it was sold in 1982. He then became a brand inspector for the state, which he did for the next 15 years.
Dad was the consummate “fix- it” guy. Like many farmers, by necessity, he developed many skills. Through the US Army Air Corps and his work in the Aleutians he learned carpentry skills. Through the GI Bill, he learned welding, which kept our farm equipment operating. He was proud of his Army experience, but never shared many stories.
The Park Grove Bar echoed with his huge laugh during the time he and Mom operated it. His friends Lud Grose, Mickey Trotter, and others kept everyone on their toes with their practical jokes and stories of the day. Dad discovered there was a shortage of housing for temporary workers in the Ft. Peck area so he hauled in some trailers and bought adjacent land with small houses on it, which he rented out. This provided an adequate income during their retirement years. It kept him busy and everyday he was up and out the door by 7:00 AM with places to go and people to see and grass to cut.
His greatest joy were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His greatest disappointment was when it became clear that they would have to move to assisted living in Glasgow. His greatest sadness was the loss of Erma his wife of 74 years in October of 2016 and two sons – Bob in Vietnam (1969) and Calvin (2008) to cancer. The men that they became were his greatest pride.
He is survived by sons Harold (Buck) and Vernon; grandchildren Trish Anderson, of Glasgow; Jason of Fort Worth, TX; Jessica Hickson of Luxembourg; Leila Avery of Kalispell; Johannas of Turner; Jennifer of Billings; and Robert of Bowman, N. Dakota; 10 great-grandchildren and many nephews and nieces.
A Memorial Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 16, 2017 at United Methodist Church in Glasgow, Montana with Pastor Howard Pippin officiating. Inurnment will follow at Hillview Cemetery in Hinsdale, Montana at 11:30 a.m. A reception and Celebration of Life will follow at the American Legion Post 45 in Hinsdale. The family requests, that in lieu of flower to consider a donation to the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 45, Hinsdale, MT 59241 or to the NE Montana Veterans Memorial in Fort Peck, P.O. Box 202, Glasgow, MT 59230.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 AM
Saturday December 16, 2017
United Methodist Church
500 1st Ave. N.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Luncheon
12:30 p.m.
Saturday December 16, 2017
Willie Nelson American Legion Post #45
Highway 2
Hinsdale, Montana 59241
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 AM
Saturday December 16, 2017
United Methodist Church
500 1st Ave. N.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Luncheon
12:30 p.m.
Saturday December 16, 2017
Willie Nelson American Legion Post #45
Highway 2
Hinsdale, Montana 59241
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Margaret davis says
Brown’s bar was of the best places to eat, hang out , drink . Loved Harold and Erma
Virginia Redstone says
Harold was one of a kind. Always there to greet us at Park Grove when he was there. He and Erma were always two of my favorite people. He will be missed.
Tan says
Struggling to find words to appropriately honor such a legend of a man. For now all I can say is our hearts are heavy with sadness knowing he is gone, but also believe he is happily reunited with his beloved Erma, both healthy, strong and joined by Bobby and Cal. We love the Brown family. Tan (Mason) Leckie
Daun Dickson says
To Buck and all his family, my deepest condolences. i loved your mom & dad. Really enjoyed their visit in Fort Worth. Praying for peace and wonderful memories for all of you.
Rhea Burner Nelson says
Buck , Vern and your families my deepest condolences. Your parents were like having another set of parents , they looked out for all of us . I have the best memories of them both .
Robin R. DuBeau Sutton says
For many years Harold and Erma my families dear friends, neighbors, mentors, Park Grove Bar and Cafe’ and.our homes such trio! Harold to the last visit with him, he still an all around Mr. Fix it, with pliers in hand or back pocket! Blessed to have had him in my life! Fabulous family!
Wanda Dale says
So sorry for your loss, Buck and Vern
Mary Ann Wells says
Buck, Vernon and families: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. A real cowboy legend , a Mr. Fix it, Brand inspector, barowner, and tender and at times a cook, a friend for life, wonderful husband and father, with a laugh that is unfogetable! Harold, Erma, Bobby and Cal will never be forgotten, they are In our hearts as are you Buck and Vern, love and prayers, Mary Ann Boyum Wells.
Mary Ann Boyum Wells says
Buck and Vern, I am so sorry to hear of your loss.Your dad was a legend in so many ways, a cowboy, Brand inspector, Mr.fix it, bar owner, bar tender and occasionally a cook,a wonderful husband and father. He had an unforgettable laugh and your whole family is loved by everyone who knew or knows you all and will be in our hearts always. Love and prayers, Mary Ann Boyum Wells
Michelle Gagne says
So sorry for your loss. One of my favorite childhood memories will always be hanging out under the shuffle board table feeding Baron BBQ potato chips while Mom and Dad hung out with Harold and Erma.
Linda Koski says
Buck, Bonnie and Vern, My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of sorrow. I pray your Dad is with Erma, they were such a large part of Valley County’s History. Blessings to all your families..
Caig luse says
Harold is a good guy he will be missed i have many good memories of the park grove especially harold and his wife wonderful people
Joan Burns says
Had many fun times with Harold. I can still hear his giggle when he was giving me a bad time. Sorry Buck and Vernon, your dad was a great man.
Deb Stein Waarvik says
Many memories of Harold at the bar, Irma in the kitchen and Baron laying on the floor. Harold’s laugh that Vern inherited and Irma’s knitting skills, rosy cheeks & smile. They were a staple to the community and will be missed. Sympathies to Buck & Vern.
Jody Decker Nystrom says
Park Grove Bar was never the same without Harold & Erma! Many happy memories there! He is gonna keep Heaven lively, that’s for sure! Condolences to Bucky & Vernon. Jody (Decker) Nystrom
Howard Pippin says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family. Harold was everybody’s friend.
Tom Doke says
Bucky and Vernon, so sorry for your loss. I have many happy memories with your mom and dad and the Park Grove Bar. Hope God is a republican when Harold gets there. I was glad Red and I stopped up to see him a short while ago here in Billings, we had a nice visit.
Mary Hartley Callis says
I have so many great memories of your Dad (& Mom too!)! As a kid I loved visiting Ft Peck in the summer. I will always remember your Dad’s huge smile & sense of humor. He was truly a good guy! Hugs to all the family.