On Wednesday, September 1, 2021, just after 12:00 PM Mountain Time, Jay Waterman passed away suddenly from heart failure on his way to Saint James Hospital in Butte, Montana. His wife and best friend of 45 years, Stacie Lynn Waterman (67), was by his side, taking care of him until the end. Jay’s remains have been cremated, as per his request, and his immediate and extended family have privately celebrated his life.
Jay was born on September 7, 1954 to Edward James Waterman and Carol Fern Waterman in Havre, Montana. He was the third of five children, with older brothers Steve and Ed, and younger identical twin sisters, June and Jill. In 1947, his Grandpa Louie and Uncle Bob purchased a property on Lake Five, near West Glacier, Montana, where Jay spent every summer of his life. He adored his Grandparents, Louis (Grandpa Louie) and Bernice Anderson, and Lake Five would become his favorite place in the world. He attended Havre Schools as an exceptional student and athlete. He continued his education at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, where he studied Chemical Engineering . He graduated with a BS and MS in Chemical Engineering, in 1976 and 1979, respectively. A Bobcat, forever.
While at Montana State, he met his wife and life partner, Stacie. They were married on June 26, 1976. Jay and Stacie experimented with big-city life for a brief period in San Francisco, California, where Jay designed artificial organs for human medical use. Their desire to start a family, however, brought them back to Montana, near both of their families. Jay started a long, incredibly well respected, and productive career at Montana Power Company (MPC), later Northwestern Energy (NWE), in 1979. They spent some time in Cut Bank, Montana, where Jay worked as a field engineer to build and manage a gas transmission plant (1981-1983). While in Cut Bank Jay and Stacie welcomed their first son, Kelly Andrew Waterman (April 1982), and their first dog, a Cocker Spaniel named Jake. In 1983 the young family moved to Butte and settled into their life-long home, and Jay continued working for the Montana Power Company as a Senior Engineer in the gas department. The couple would have three more children; son, Casey Jay Waterman (July 1984), son, Ryan Lewis Waterman (July 1987), and daughter, Kathryn (Katie) Arden Waterman (1989). Jay loved nothing more than nurturing and mentoring his wife and family and was always passionately involved in every aspect of their lives. He loved coaching youth sports, which he studied meticulously, and was involved in the academic development and extra-curricular activities of each of his children. He loved bringing his family to Lake Five every summer to visit their grandmother, Carol, just as he had visited his grandparents when he was a child. At Lake Five, he shared his passion for hiking, nature, outdoor recreation, and hard work with his family. It was important to him that the family learned to care for and appreciate the Lake Five property proportionally to the amazing privilege it offered to their life experience. He loved teaching his kids landscaping, carpentry, home maintenance, financial management, and other critical life skills. Together the family enjoyed watersports, boating, fishing, and recreating in Glacier Park. Upon Carol’s passing Jay became the owner and primary caretaker of Lake Five, and he and Stacie transitioned to residing there full time during the summer. Jay enjoyed making improvements, hosting his family and friends, and teaching both kids and dogs to jump off the docks he had built to swim and chase sticks.
He worked at the Utility (MPC/NWE) until 2004 (25 years), finally pseudo-retiring as the Director of Gas Transmission and Storage. Additionally, he started his own Engineering and Energy company, Waterman Energy, Inc., in 2004, and was a registered Professional Engineer in multiple states for over 40 years. Jay immensely enjoyed partnering with his friends and Utility Company alumni to contribute to the growth and prosperity of multiple entrepreneurial small businesses. He was associated with Jetco, Jetco Midstream, and KWR, a company he helped his eldest son, Kelly, launch in 2017. He spent the last few years transitioning from his full-time career to his retirement, which included participating as Managing Member of KWR. Jay never really “retired” and continued to provide tremendous professional value to clients and associates in energy, gas and oil, and professional services through September of 2021.
Jay was brilliant, charismatic, creative, athletic, funny, and supremely talented in so many ways. Despite his brilliance, he was humble, kind, and extremely generous with his time, wisdom, and other resources. On top of the continuous mentorship, support, and friendship he provided to so many people, he quietly donated to many causes in need, usually giving credit on behalf of other people he had admired. He thought of his family first in every decision that he made. He made it a priority to teach his family the importance of education, work ethic, financial management, and caring for one another. He developed an extended family of close friends and business associates to whom he provided immeasurable support, guidance, and opportunity. He was passionate about the creation of “value” in every endeavor and relationship that he nurtured, professionally and personally. He strove to facilitate mutually beneficial relationships, which he often referred to as “win-win”. He conducted himself with grace and integrity in every interaction, and he lived his life “taking the high road”. Jay has left an incredible legacy in the contributions he has made to so many of those around him. The value in his teachings and generosity will continue to make his “circle of influence” within this world a better place.
Jay was so grateful for, and proud of, his family and close friends. He also enjoyed being a grandfather to three grandchildren, whom he visited in Spokane, Washington (Blake Kelly and Lily Jay Waterman) and Billings, Montana (Vivi Arden Bury) as often as he could. He spent the last many years conceptualizing, designing, and constructing a new outdoor deck and living space at Lake Five, which he completed with the help of his children (and their spouses) and close family friends in August of 2021. He continued to learn new things and grow as a person, student, friend, and provider every day.
Jay was preceded in death by: Edward James Waterman (Father), Carol Fern Waterman (Mother), Steve Grant Waterman (Brother), Jake (Cocker Spaniel), Hank (Cocker Spaniel), Jackson (Border Collie Mix).
Jay is survived by: Stacie Lynn Waterman (Wife), Kelly Andrew Waterman (Son), Casey Jay Waterman (Son), Ryan Lewis Waterman (Son), Kathryn Arden Waterman (Daughter), Ed Waterman (Brother), June Snipes (Sister), Jill Johannesen (Sister), Micah Ann Romero Waterman (Daughter-in-Law), Louis Zachary Bury (Son-in-Law), Blake Kelly Waterman (Grandson), Lily Jay Waterman (Granddaughter), Vivi Arden Bury (Granddaughter), Jack Ward Bolme (Father-in-Law), Arden Rae Bolme (Mother-in-Law), Joni Bolme (Sister-in Law), Michael Bolme (Brother-in-Law), Danita Brooks (Sister-in-Law), Charlie (American Pit Bull Mix), Luna (Belgian Malinois), Dave (Corgi), Phil (Corgi).
Jay’s family would like to give special thanks to the following people for supporting Jay and his family through his life, during his passing, and moving forward: Tod and Shawna Chapman and family, Kristen Manson and family, Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services, and Saint James Hospital. Memorials may be sent to a charity of the donor’s choice in Jay’s name. Jay’s family will spread his ashes at Lake Five, along with his beloved family members (including dogs) that preceded him in death.
Jays Favorite Movie Quote, from the Cinematic Masterpiece “Caddy Shack:”
“……So we finish 18, and he’s going to stiff me, and I say, ‘Hey, Lama… Hey.. how about a little something, you know… for the effort.. you know..?” He said, “Oh, there won’t be any money… but when you die… on your death bed… you will receive total consciousness. So I got THAT going for me… which is nice.”
Jay, you had all THAT going for you. Which is nice.
We LOVE you.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of John.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for John and his family.
Becky Mattila says
So sorry to hear about Jay my thoughts and prayers are with the family 🙏🙏
RoseMary E Hayes says
My prayers are with all of you. Such a nice man, boss and friend. Take care.
Ben and Gail Surwill says
Stacie and family: our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ben and Gail Surwill. (Scilley)
Rusti Jennings says
Jay was such a kind man. He was always joy to work with. Even though I only met Jay physically once or twice we worked together remotely for many years. Always upbeat and in good spirits. It was a pleasure and an honor to have known you my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Stacy and Jay Lemelin says
Katie and family ~ our thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family!
Mary Warner says
There are no words, just treasured memories of a wonderful man. I feel blessed to have shared many good times with Jay, Stacie and family. God be with you during this difficult time. In my heart and prayers.
Bill Delancy says
Stacy and family,
So sorry for your loss. Jay was a dear friend
Our most sincere sympathies.
Bill and Becky Delancy
Ellen McKeon says
Stacie, my forever friend:
My deepest condolences to you and the kids. I can only think of Jay with a smile on his face, such a super, wonderful man. You were a devoted, loving couple and I can only imagine your grief. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am here for you.
Charlie and Patti Anderson says
Jay. Years ago he took a young Montana Tech graduate under his wing and became her mentor and lifelong friend. Such anguish over his loss, but such a privilege to have known him. And, yes, that unforgettable smile that was so much a part of who he was, a man of warmth and kindness.
Stacie and family, such wonderful memories you must have, even in your grief….
Pat Kelly says
Such a great neighborhood friend on Saddle Butte Drive and classmate with many talents.
Thoughts and prayers to each of you.
Pat
Kennith Albertson says
Great friend,neighbor and classmate. He will be missed
Marsha Gunderson-Daulton says
On behalf of the Havre High School class of 1972 –
We are all greatly saddened to hear about Jay.
He will be missed! We all have fond memories of Jay.
From kick the can games in the neighborhood to fun times as classmates.
We all hold your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Becky Schulz says
Stacy, wishing you and your family courage and peace during this time of sadness.
Jay had a tremendous impact on all who were fortunate to work with and know him.
He will always be in our hearts and memories.
Dale King says
Worked with Jay for a number of years. Really nice guy.
Carl J Donovan says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Jay. Prayer to his family
Millie Rigby says
My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you Ryan and all of your family.
Julie Henrich says
Dear Stacie & family,
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jay. His kind & soft-spoken ways were always hallmarks of the man that he was, & he will be missed by many. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Ryan Nielsen says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Waterman family. Jay always had a smile on his face and was such a great person to deal with. He will truly be missed.
Sheila Lopuch says
Stacie and family, sending wishes for peace and happy memories of your life with Jay. We are so sorry for your loss.
Mariann Matosich says
My condolences to Stacie and family. Your memories will last you a lifetime and will give you some comfort.
Karen Schellin says
Stacie and family. My most sincere condolences.
Obituary says it all. Best human I ever worked with. RIP Jay.
Cyndy &Toby Richards says
Toby and I extend our love to the Waterman Family, for peace and strength to help ease the pain of their broken hearts. Jay left his footprints on our hearts and we will treasure his humor and goodness for all times. Please know that your Dad will live on through you and he will always be with you. Stacie, our hearts are broken for you. May you have all of your lasting memories to comfort you with a life well-lived with your soulmate. We love you all, Cyndy and Toby
Jim and Ann Else says
So sad to hear this news, Jay meant so much to our family, from the 30 below BBQs in Cut Bank to the softball games around the state. He was a mentor and a friend, sadly the miles grew between our careers. I can see his smile as he fields grounders on the Field of Dreams diamond. His family is his legacy, please carry his dreams forward.
Dan Bemringham says
Stacie and family, so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Jay through several different career iterations (both mine and Jay’s). It started with Montana Power, then moved to Jetco. Over the last 3 years we collaborated on the “Merit deal”. Come to Dallas – he would chide me- it will be fine. Recently we shared thoughts and feelings about retirement and what that would look like. Through all of my interaction with Jay he was always First Class. He always attended to work but his first priority was family.
It was an honor and a privilege to work with Jay and to be able to call him a friend.
Ed says
Jay was everything to everyone who knew him.
No one was kinder or listened as well as he did.
Jay may have been the smartest person I have ever known.
Yet, he was also the most humble.
Mostly, he was my brother.
Jay’s strength and gentleness remain an inspiration to me and to all who knew him.
How fortunate are we!
Ronda Stark says
We didn’t know Jay well, but we sure enjoyed being neighbors to the family. Our heartfelt condolences to all of you
Richard Chapman says
“What’s the limit? Ten thousand words?”
We met on a catwalk on top a Cut Bank cooler in December, an evening riddled with starts and stops. The stars were put on hold in the darkness. For once the wind behaved. The still would soon flush over and this condenser would start cooling. Ours wasn’t a rendezvous, we met there by accident. The condenser was next in the flow line. It was cold. Colder than the brass buttons on a Carhart field coat. We waited in the chill air. “If it was like this all the time, we wouldn’t need a cooler.”
Eating pizza off the hood of the pickup, cause, that is all that was open.
The rest of the ten thousand would be minutes, days, or years in our friendship. And our constantly meeting on top of condensers in winter.
In Friendship,
RdeCC
Suzie Taleff says
Dear Stacie,
Mick and I send our saddest and most heartfelt greetings to you and your family. We had a nice visit with Jay a few weeks before his death when he was walking Charlie and we were walking George. He and Mick bantered about retirement (or not!). After reading all about his life and his accomplishments we can only say that we wish we had gotten to know both of you much better. We can’t imagine the shock to all of you – we hope that you had a family gathering to honor this very nice man. Take good care of yourself, Stacie, and hold your family close. We hope we see you at Lake Five very soon.
You are in our thoughts.
Suzie and Mick Taleff
Darren Huestis says
I really liked working with Jay. He was a good guy. Sorry for your loss.
Chuck Smith says
Jay working with you at MPC then later
Seeing you in 2005 when you
and Rhichard Chapman worked up in
Sweetgrass hills.
Your friendship will alway be
Cherished.
God Bless