Home Sweet Home!
After a trip to Nebraska Hoot returned to his Butte home and passed away with his family at his side on November 2, 2019.
He was born to Madeline and Harry Gibson on December 9, 1938 in Butte, Montana. He attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and made it through one half of his freshman year at Butte Central High School before he quit and went to work as a shop boy at Wilson Motors. In 1972, he completed his GED only because it would encourage his children to finish school.
He was proud to serve his country as a Navy fireman on the USS Cabildo from 1957 to 1959. In later years, he was thankful for the excellent medical care he received through the VA in Montana and Nebraska.
Hoot married Patricia Irene Gibson on August 19, 1961 in the Immaculate Conception Church in Butte, Montana.
He was a union man and worked hard as an ironworker – Local 81. Looking for the big money jobs (not really finding them) took him and his family to many places including Montana, California, Idaho, New Mexico, Kansas and Missouri. He owned and operated his own G & R Construction Company for many years until a 35-foot fall from a tower ended his working days. Retiring at the age of 50 made “everyday Saturday”.
His favorite activities included snowmobiling, motorbiking, playing cards but most importantly – WRESTLING!
His expertise at fundraising was well known and very successful much to the chagrin of his “go to public”.
As a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, he served as a trustee for many years. He was also active on the boards of the Silver Bow Amateur Wrestling Association and The Lady of the Rockies. Being a Bagdad Shriner was important to him even though they just let him drive a little car in the parade once!
He is survived by his wife, Pat.
Children: Julie and Keith Carlson
John and Yvonne Gibson
Sister: Nancy Zigrang aka Mahonovich
Sister and Brother in law: Nancy and Dan Sullivan
Sister in law: Mary Jo Turner
Brother in law: Rich Alden
Grandchildren: Justin Carlson, Shavon Baltezar and Tom Gordon, Beau Baltezar and Megan Baker
Great Grandchildren: Lilly, Colby and Pookie Gordon
Alexia Baker Milroy
Lots and lots of nieces and nephews.
Proceeded in death:
Mother and Father: Madeline and Harry Gibson
Stepfather: John Garbarino
Mother and Father in law: Jim and Florence Street
Brother and Sister in law: Bill and Shirley Gibson
Sister and Brother in law: Winifred and Rody Holman
Sister and Brother in law: Mary Lou and Louie Mansanti
Sister: Florence Alden
Brothers in law: Jack Hogan, Harold Zigrang and Charles Turner
Niece: Kelsey Patterson
Special beloved Granddaughter: Braydee Lockie Carlson
Suggested memorials: Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Lady of the Rockies, Silver Bow Amateur Wrestling Association, and Shriners Transportation of Butte.
Family will be receiving friends at 12 p.m. on November 9th at the Butte Civic Center, 1340 Harrison Ave. Celebration of Life will begin at 2 p.m. with a reception immediately following.
Interment of ashes with military honors will be at Sunset Cemetery, Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 12:00 pm.
Please see below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Hoot. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Hoot and his family.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
12:00 P.M.
Saturday November 9, 2019
Butte Civic Center
1340 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Celebration of His Life
2:00 P.M.
Saturday November 9, 2019
Butte Civic Center
1340 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Immediately Following
Saturday November 9, 2019
Butte Civic Center
1340 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Military Honors
12:00 P.M.
Tuesday November 12, 2019
Sunset Cemetery
5001 Crackerville Rd.
Anaconda, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
12:00 P.M.
Saturday November 9, 2019
Butte Civic Center
1340 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Celebration of His Life
2:00 P.M.
Saturday November 9, 2019
Butte Civic Center
1340 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Immediately Following
Saturday November 9, 2019
Butte Civic Center
1340 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Military Honors
12:00 P.M.
Tuesday November 12, 2019
Sunset Cemetery
5001 Crackerville Rd.
Anaconda, Montana 59701
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Robin Moodry says
I am sure sorry for the loss of Hoot. He will always be remembered from his one liners to all the hard work for so many years with wrestling and everything else he did for Butte. If you guys need any help with anything I would be honored to help. He was a man that I feel very previlaged to know and call a friend. Our prayers go out to all of the family and friends.
Duane Spolar says
Pat, Please accept our sincere condolences. We have always felt honored and blessed to know Hoot. He was a special man. May care and love of those around you and our Lord provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Julie & Duane Spolar
Charlene Stoddart says
Pat, I am so sorry to hear of Hoot’s passing. My prayers are with you and your family. He will be missed by so many. RIP HOOT.
Charlene Stoddart says
Pat, I am so sorry to hear of Hoot’s passing. My prayers are with you and your family. He will be missed by so many. RIP HOOT.
John Burke says
Butte lost a special man in Hoot. I will always remember many conversations that I had with Hoot over the years at various wrestling tournaments from when I was a competitor in the Butte Wrestling Club and the Butte High Bulldogs, or when I was coaching for Anaconda or Helena. The one thing that I take from all those conversations is how supportive Hoot was and how vested he was in the success of other people. He really enjoyed seeing the young wrestlers grow up and have success beyond the wrestling mat. He was just a big Teddy Bear with a hard outer shell. I am really going to miss those hand shakes and the conversations that were had at the wrestling tournaments. Rest in Peace Hoot! Your memories will be everlasting.
Steve and Renee (Beaudry) Schultz says
Pat and family,
We are so sorry about Hoot. He was one of the funniest people I have ever met. I am grateful for the time he was willing to give. Our prayers are with you all.
With love,
Dan and Kim Roberts says
Pat and family,
So sorry to hear of Hoot’s passing. Your family and the town of Butte will forever have great memories of a special man. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Annette Carlin says
Dodo, Julie and family,
I was so sad to see of Hoot’s passing, he will be missed by so many. I’m honored to have met him. I know he has really struggled with health issues over the past few years, I pray you find comfort in knowing he is no longer struggling. I know we are all just a little jealous that he is with sweet Braydee. When my Dad passed a few years ago, I found great comfort in knowing that my sweet boys now have him in heaven! Braydee was blessed by so many people who loved her here on earth and now she has one very special person with her in heaven.
Love and Hugs,
Annette and Maddie Carlin
Dale and Trudi Olson says
We were so sad to hear up hoot passing oh, he had the biggest heart of anyone around. Hoot would always jump in and get things finished even if he wasn’t asked, he just knew what to do. Our prayers are with everyone in the family.
Donna Davis says
Pat,
I’m so sorry about your loss
I will be unable to attend services as I now live in Alaska
Prayers to you and family
Donna Davis
Jerry Funston says
Pat and family , so sorry to hear of Hoots passing. I talked with Larry Graham and he sends his condolences as well, your family will be in our prayers for clousure and peace. He was a great friend and coworker and will be missed . Jerry Agnes Funston and Family
john gillespie says
Hoot and I have been friends for Sixty plus years. We raised our families together and did all the things that families do. children activities, family dinners, camping, and many special in the Butte Wrestling Club. We were neighbors and spent countless hours together. Hoot was a true friend. He had a heart of gold and did many things for many people. I will truly miss my good friend but know he is in a good places. Will always love Hoot.
Shari Yerkich says
Hoot was a very kind man . He was also a good mentor to me helping me over come my gambling addiction. Hoot will definitely be missed. Thoughts and prayers to Hoots family.
Midge Rivenes says
Pat, John, Julie, Keith, Yvonne and families please accept our sincere condolences. While I never knew Hoot it is my understanding that he was a great man. I will pray for all of you.
Steve & Dawnell Komac says
Hoot was a great man who will be missed by so many people! We were very fortunate to have known Hoot all these years through wrestling. RIP Hoot!
Charlotte and George Spolar says
Pat and family, so sorry to hear about Hoot passing. I grew up knowing him being around Kay and Ralph’s he always teased and treated me with respect and never like I was a little kid. He was such a great guy and I feel privileged to to have known him. It is people like Hoot that make Butte such a great place. RIP Hoot say hello to Don and Ralph.