Harold J. Wentland, age 79, of Glasgow, Montana passed away on December 7, 2022, in Glasgow, Montana.
Harold was born in Jamestown, North Dakota on January 30, 1943, to Fred and Margaret (Burkehardt) Wentland. He graduated from school and was attending Jamestown College when he met the love of his life, Dolores Carrignan. They married on September 18, 1966, in Bozeman- where Harold was pursuing his master’s degree in Biology.
They raised two children; Eric was born in 1970 and Nikki was born in 1972. Harold worked as a Biologist for the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department- first in Glendive and later in Glasgow. Dolores suffered cardiac arrest in 2016 and Harold faithfully cared for her until her passing on April 15, 2018.
Harold was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dolores and his son, Eric. He is survived by his daughter, Nicole Peterson of Billings and grandchildren, Hailey Peterson and Joshua Wentland.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at the Bell Mortuary. Refreshments will follow. Harold will be inurned in Highland Cemetery in a private ceremony.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday December 15, 2022
Bell Mortuary
701 Second Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday December 15, 2022
Bell Mortuary
701 Second Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
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Gary Bertellotti says
Harold was an icon to wildlife management because of his knowledge, dedication and love for the resource and those that used it. I as so many gained professionally and personally due to his personality and the friendship he gave freely to all he met.
He came from a generation of men and natural resource professionals that did it for the love of the natural world.
a loss to Montana, wildlife and to his friends and family that cannot be filled.
Lee Anderson says
I first met Harold when I was stationed in Plentywood back in 1997. He was very welcoming to me as a new young warden in the area. I remember his zest for hunting pheasants and he was a wealth of knowledge on all things wildlife for me. RIP Harold!
Jim Williams says
Harold was an incredible wildlife program manager and leader. He always challenged his peer managers to never forget who pays for fish and wildlife management in Montana and to always represent their interests and concerns. He often shared with us “What is the best for wildlife and what is best for people who love to enjoy Montana’s wildlife” . He would always pay for a round when we were together in Helena at the Overland or wherever and Harold really enjoyed philosophical conservation musings late in to the night. He was also a mentor to countless professionals who now work in the field. He will be missed but always remembered.
Harvey Nyberg says
I worked for Harold from 1982 – 1988. We also hunted together during those years. He was a great boss, always open to trying new things and getting funding for our work. He was very tolerant and open to new approaches to get the job done. We spent many happy day’s hunting with our two sons in tow.
Deb Partridge says
I will miss our visits..rest easy my friend❤️
Erin O'Connor says
I met “Uncle Harold” (as I always called him thanks to one of my coworkers/friends of his) when I came to work for FWP almost 18 years ago, and he was still working in Glasgow. He’d always call the office looking for “Little Johnny Ensign”, so you knew it was him – and by his voice. When he retired, the former office manager and I and a few others threw together for a small tab for him at his favorite watering hole for his retirement gift – one gift I’ll never forget, ha ha. I always enjoyed getting to visit with him after his retirement whenever he’d call or come down for a BBQ at Ensign’s. He was one of a great bunch of wildlife professionals that I’m glad to say I had the pleasure of working with before all of them have retired, and he will be missed.
Carolyn Bachtold says
Morning coffee is not the same without Harold! Will miss my dear friend! Thoughts and prayers for his family! Cherish the memories!
Paula & Andy Hicks says
Oh Harold, where do I start with all the memories…camping, fishing, Dolores and Muffin, getting together to coffee at Johnnie’s, taking Josh and you fishing…and so many more..we will miss you as I know this community will too…..your gentleness, kindness, knowledge and your humor we will cherish always…RIP Harold..please hug my dear friend Dolores😔❤️❤️❤️
Lisa Baxter says
Having known both Harold and Dolores for years, now they are together again. Both are missed.
Jim Satterfield says
I had the great fortune to work with Harold in the Glasgow R-6 Regional Office for 5 years. He called me to recruit me for the regional supervisor position in 1999. Harold said the staff was great and so was the hunting. He turned out to be spot on. Harold was a terrific manager. He was organized, had all his people on performance plans, and had a fantastic feel for the wildlife in the region. I trusted him completely with all his season and regulation proposals. He was sensible and got along well with the hunting public and landowners. Of course, no epitaph of this man would be complete without mention of his love for hunting and just being in the field. He was often my duck guide and took all my nephews on fabulous waterfowl hunts around Saco. He was very generous with his time and “secret spots”, especially with kids. Harold was a prince of a man. He influenced a many young biologists and did a hell of a lot for NE Montana. I am grateful for the chance to know and spend time with him. Rest well old friend.
Jeanne Liebelt says
So sorry to hear about Harold’s passing. Harold and Delores were good friends of both Jim and I. I am happy Harold you are together again with Delores and Eric. Will miss my occasional visits with you while shopping at Albertsons. RIP my friend, I am sure you and Jim have a lot of catching up to do. Condolences to you Nikki and your family.
Mal Soare says
I had the opportunity to fly Harold on game and bird counts when he was in Glendive, and it was always a pleasure to be around him. He and I were flying a Big Horn sheep count in Southeast Montana when we spotted 4 sheep. He couldn’t figure out why they didn’t have any young. I told him if they would put in a couple of more ewes in there, it might happen. They had 4 rams and 1 ewe. I suspect the rams just fought with each other. He was quite an outdoor person.
Howard A Pippin says
Through all the years that I have been around fish wildlife and Parks employees, none were any better than Harold. Most I knew were very good and I can definitely say, that Harold belongs at the top the list.
Brad Schmitz says
Harold was a great mentor. He had unlimited passion for public wildlife and public use of that resource. His tutelage and wisdom was available to so many of us that were mentored at his hand. Harold had experienced both the good and the bad in our field of wildlife management and had a calm way of helping many of us through the bumpy parts. His often gruff exterior was a thin façade that covered a huge heart. We will miss you Harold! May your family find peace in your passing and happiness in your memories.
Ray Mule’ says
Harold hired me for my first permanent position in FWP, the Area Biologist stationed in Culbertson. I’ll never forget when I got to Glasgow for my first day in Region 6. Harold lined me up with some equipment and an old 4×4 Jeep pickup, and said “Go to Culbertson and do good things.” I spent 18 great years in Region 6 working and learning under Harold’s mentorship.
Harold led by example and he was whole-heartedly dedicated to habitat conservation, free public access to our wildlife resource, and always looking out for the common man who funds everything. He never let us forget that and always pushed that we kept those things in the forefront of all of our work efforts. The legacy of the many habitat and access projects completed during his tenure is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Harold was great fun to be around and his sometimes gruff exterior belied a heart of gold. One time he was visiting us in Culbertson and a neighbor friend of my wife happened to come by. Later on after he left, the lady said, “Your boss is like a big, cuddly, teddy bear!” He got a real kick out of that description and chuckled whenever I reminded him of it.
I could go on and on, but I just want to express my gratitude for having known and worked with Harold Wentland. He will be greatly missed, but we can take heart in knowing that he is now sitting in a duck blind with his trusty dog by his side on a perfect morning with his eyes scanning the horizon for a never-ending stream of incoming birds.
Kristi says
Harold was a man with a big heart and a great smile. The love he had for his family and friends was always welcoming. Both Harold and Dolores hold a big spot in my heart. I loved them both dearly, as they shared their son Eric with me. May the three of you be dancing in Heaven and loving well. You will be missed. Your smile and hugs will always be a memory I will cherish.
John & Jeanne Ensign says
Nikki, Josh, Hailey, Carol & Helen: We are all saddened to learn of Harold’s passing. It leaves an empty spot in our lives. Harold was friend, mentor, compatriot & “partner in crime” to so many. He showed many of us the “path” and was always there to help us along our journey. So many fond memories! We will miss his smile, his wry sense of humor and wiseacre comments. I Raise a double shot of JD to Harold. His time here on earth was well spent but the time has come to rejoin Delores & Eric. May the Lord give Harold and endless supply of “confiscation” tags -he’ll know what to do with them.
Kathy Callahan says
I met Harold and Delores when they bought the house on the hill next to my parents. They were wonderful neighbors and very good to both of my folks. We were saddened by the loss of Eric and Delores. Our hearts go out to Nikki and her family. Rest in peace, Harold. You will join your son, Delores, and my folks.
Kathy (Schaale) Callahan
gerald archambeault says
Harold was a kind and generous soul. A spot was reserved for him in heaven. God Bless!
Windy Schoby (Davis) says
Harold was a great mentor to me and so true to the people and the land. He and the other FWP legends of eastern MT took me in as a new wide eyed biologist. They helped me gain experiences, confidence, and a lifelong love of hunting and the friendships and adventure it brings. I will never forget his perspective at his retirement in relation to anyone who just might get in the way of doing the right thing…”they all came and went, and I am still here!” May his spirit live on in our hearts. My condolences. – Windy
Mary Lou Ayre & Ayre families says
Sincere condolences with love to Nikki and family, and dear friends of Harold. Many fond memories of Harold, Dolores, Nikki and Eric as neighbors in Forest Park during the kids growing up years. Remembering Harold fondly with his sly smile, humor, and love for wildlife brings back memories never to be forgotten. He was a gem!
Barbara K, Hansen says
I was saddened to learn of Harold’s death. He was such a kind and caring man and one that I truly enjoyed having at our dining room table Friday nights. (I knew the guys, including my husband, would get there on time as long as Harold was driving!)
Billy Cobean says
RIP JHS Classmate!