Burnell “Bernie” D. Hart, 79, of Hinsdale, Montana passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital.
Bernie was born July 2, 1941 in Bottineau, North Dakota to Everett J. and Alma I. (Henrickson) Hart. He received his early education Bottineau and then graduated from West Seattle High School in Seattle, Washington.
He married Judy Stahl in 1960 in Seattle, Washington and the couple made their home in Seattle until moving to Columbia Falls, Montana, where he raised his family. He as a member of the Mason’s, Ducks Unlimited in both Glasgow and Malta, very active with Montana Fish and Game and a big supporter of local youth athletic programs.
Bernie was an avid hunter and fisherman: he enjoyed sharing his land and knowledge with people from all over the U.S. and Canada. He could tell a tall tale with the best of theme and after two trips to Africa he had many to tell!
Bernie loved “living his dream” in Montana, especially in Hinsdale. He had many friends and was an active community member and was the first to help others, especially kid and animals. Bernie was a good friend, active “jokester” and a handshake was all he needed to seal a deal. He often told family how proud he was living in the Hinsdale community and how great the people are.
Bernie was often called on to open his heart, his home and his wallet to just give one more rescue dogs a home – which he always did – his personal best was ten dogs at one time. They are all waiting for him under the Rainbow Bridge.
His family is grateful to all his friends near and far, for their concern, friendship and support. He lived his dream and we are thankful for the life he lived and that people considered him a good friend. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
Bernie is survived by his son, Rocky Hart; daughter, Shari Brusse; grandson, Ryan Hart; and sister, DeNae Stafne.
He is preceded in death by both of his parents and his ex-wife Judy.
A Celebration of Life will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday August 13, 2020 at the Hinsdale American Legion Hall in Hinsdale, Montana with Howard Pippin officiating. Everyone is asked to follow Valley Covid-19 precautions and social distancing is requested.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 13, 2020
Willie Nelson American Legion Post 45
Hinsdale, Montana 59241
Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 13, 2020
Willie Nelson American Legion Post 45
HInsdale, Montana 59241
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Jon Blockhus says
You were one of a kind my friend. You will be missed. Rest easy.
Dennis Broadbrooks says
Sorry for the loss of Bernie. If you didn’t know Bernie, you didn’t know how wonderful and caring a person he was . My mother Harriet loved Bernie and all his story telling. They visited here in Malta. I will miss his best friend attitude every time I saw him. He was always upbeat and in a good mode. Something we all need to work on!!! Bernie moved from Malta a few years back, but his spirit never left Malta. Once a friend always a friend. We will think of you always Bernie!
Teresa Ready says
So sudden Just talked to my good friend Shari Burnie s Daughter days Ago. Asked her how her Dad was . Everything fine. She said a little hard of hearing just normal stuff . Shari and I have spent time with her Dad in Hensdale running around the hills dogging Mosquitoes Out on our walks , and ventures . Burnie sure enjoyed his dogs and life in Hinsdale. Always enjoyed our visits . Shari and her Dad had a special relationship . Burnie has left behind A very sweet and caring daughter that will miss her dad dearly . I will miss being around the two of them together Was comical and fun . Memories I hold close to my Heart . Prayers and Blessings to each of his friends and family. And to you Burnie Hart safe Travels and God Bless .
Ann Silvis says
Bernie had the best stories, he’d have you on the edge of your seat until he have the punch line! Rick and I ( Ann) went to visit him last Sept. and we loved his hospitality. What a great person Bernie was.
We send our condolences to his family from the Silvis’s Rick, Ann, Ryan and Royce Silvis
Thanks for the great times Bernie you will be missed !
Brandon Bone says
I was planning a trip to Montana to hunt next year, and I was looking up Bernie and just seen where he passed. I was fortunate enough to have met Bernie 20 years ago and hunted his place for a week, and by the time we left it was like we’d known him all of our life’s. Good guy and good stories, his name has been mentioned many times by me telling stories of our hunt. By the time we left nearly everybody in town knew us , and couldn’t believe we drove all the to Montana from Georgia to hunt deer. Good folks He’ll be missed
Patrick R. Chapin says
Came as quite a shock last fall when I returned to hunt and learned Bernie had passed. We worked at the plant together back in the eighties and of course I knew his kids growing up in Columbia Falls. The first time I hunted his place four years ago was a cold December afternoon on my last day in Montana. Had no idea it was Bernie’s property. I hunted late to get my last pheasant for possession and didn’t get back to the sign-in box till after dark. There was a vehicle waiting with engine running. “What the hell is a guy from Ontario doing all the way out here? Just for birds?” I explained I was coming home again. “Where is home?” Then we connected. Driving home from town he had seen my vehicle parked after dark and waited to make sure his hunter was okay. He made me follow him to his house for a pot of coffee (which I desperately needed for the twenty hour drive back to Ontario!). Ever since I have made it a point to stop for a couple of days each hunting season. My brother (who worked directly with Bernie) and I drove over to his place this fall from Chinook. We didn’t stay long. Snow was too crunchy and deep … and no Bernie. As we were about to cross the Beaver Creek bridge north of his house, a couple of antelope stepped up into the field. We stopped to watch as at least a hundred followed in a long line, all proceeding right past the front of Bernie’s house. I told Mike they were paying tribute to a fallen adversary. Bernie sure loved to hunt (and eat!) antelope. It was quite a sight. A fitting memory. Bernie is gone but I do hope his place remains open to the public for hunting. He would want that.
Steve kudile says
Every year I travel from Maryland to eastern Montana to hunt deer and pheasants. On one trip several years ago I had the good fortune of meeting Bernie while signing in at the block management box on his farm. He invited me in to look at his pictures over a cup of coffee and then pointed out the best way to hunt his place as well as recommended a few other places in block management that were worth a look. Every year since that trip I would stop in and visit to see the same pictures and hear the same stories. He was a great guy and I was hoping to introduce him to my son when he was old enough to go on his first deer hunt. While I may not have known Bernie as long as others, I am thankful for the time I did get to visit with him.
Jo Lynn Dietz says
Burnell was my 1st cousin. His father and my mother were brother and sister. I have fond memories from my childhood of Burnell and his family. He had a personality as big as the state he lived in! He would often call my Dad and try to convince him to move to Montana as my Dad loved to hunt and fish. I am so sorry to learn of his passing. Rest in peace Burnell. With love.