Joseph “Haley” Beaudry was born on December 30, 1946 in Butte, Montana. He died peacefully in his home on April 13, 2021. He was 74 years old.
Haley grew up on the East side of Butte and spent his childhood raising hell with his siblings and friends. After graduating from Butte High in 1965 he went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering and Math at Montana Tech. He married Elizabeth (Symonds) in September of 1974. Together they had 3 girls, Renee, Aimee and Haley Ann.
His career began at Bechtel Corporation in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Haley traveled to various places around the world for several years until Western Energy Co. brought him back to Butte where he worked as a project manager on the Rosebud Mine. Soon after, he co-founded the White Resources Corporation (WRC) where he evaluated mining operations for foreign investors. In 1995 he was appointed by Governor Racicot to a special committee regarding power plant licensure. Later that year he ran for representative of House District 35, where he became the first republican elected from Butte since 1950.
Haley owned and operated Emerald Engineers LLC; specializing in blasting, demolition and drilling. He was an active lobbyist for Columbia Falls Aluminum Company and Billings Power Plants. His various board memberships and chairs include: the Montana Tech Foundation; guest lecturer and instructor for Montana Tech; Butte Chamber business development; construction chairman of the U.S. High Altitude Sports Center; United Way; Montana Workforce investment Board; Governor’s Energy Task force; Montana Board of Professional Engineers; Economic Development Corporation; Montana Coal Council; Environmental Quality Council and many others.
Haley loved his work but is most remembered by family and friends as an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. He could often be found floating the river or having early morning coffee with the “breakfast club”. Often reminiscing of his travel adventures, telling a good story and making all around him laugh, was a specialty of Haley’s. His own chuckle was contagious. We often heard stories of football, wrestling and politics. He loved a good debate and won most of the time. Haley was strong as an ox, stubborn as a mule and was known as a gentle giant. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. The “big man” was loved by many and will be missed greatly.
Haley is preceded in death by his parents Joseph Harold Beaudry and Viola (Polly) McIntyre and his brother Charlie (Judie) Beaudry. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Lizzy); siblings Mac Beaudry (Judy), Pollyanna (Lenny) Thurmond, Callista (Shamus) Rojecki; brother-in-law John (Margo) Symonds; children, Renee (Steven) Schultz, Aimee (Eric) McNabb and Haley Ann (Josh) Kristovich, and 9 grandchildren; Kale, Cooper, Kelton, Teaghan, Finley, Rielynn, Addison, Betsy and Chloe, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 17th at the Copper King Convention Center in the Grand Ballroom, 4655 Harrison Ave, Butte, MT 59701. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Haley’s name are suggested to The Montana Tech Foundation, 1300 W. Park Ave., Butte, MT 59701. All funds will be moved to the Haley Beaudry Engineering Scholarship fund upon setup. Please visit below m to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Haley. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Haley and his family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 17, 2021
Copper King Convention Center in the Grand Ballroom
4655 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 17, 2021
Copper King Convention Center in the Grand Ballroom
4655 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Gary Wiens says
I was very saddened to learn of Haley’s passing. I and others with our organization worked with him on legislation a few sessions back and at that time and ever since then he was always a bright spot in my day because Haley was without fail kind, friendly and willing to engage in conversation, very accepting. That means a lot to a fellow lobbyist, especially if you’re having a bad day. He was a very good man and will be missed in the halls of the Legislature!
Gary Wiens
CEO
Montana Electric Co-ops’ Association
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Liz, Renee, Aimee and Haley Ann,
We can’t begin to tell you how sorry we are to learn of Haley’s passing. He was a tremendous, loyal friend who will certainly be missed! Please know we are thinking about you at this difficult time, we care and send our Love and prayers to you all.
Mark Johnson says
R I P my friend
Bill and Kathy Lakner says
To Calissta, Pollyanna, Mac and all of Haley’s family he was a good friend and will be remembered by all that knew him. I was sorry to read about him passing, I just had a nice conversation with him at Bill Burn’s funeral it was so good talking with him. I will not be able to go to his memorial but please realize how sorry we are for his passing, our prayers are with all of you. Your friend Bill and Kathy Lakner.
Daniel Killoy says
Over the past 40 years there have been very very few days that Haley and I didn’t visit personally or on the phone. Most of the time giggling like little school girls. I have no idea how I will feel that void. I think I’m just going to keep talking to him just like he never left.
DANNY KILLOY
Cindy Sanderson says
To Liz, Daughter’s, and Haley’s siblings,
I share your grief & send my love & prayers for the entire family.
Haley was definetly “one of a kind”, with incredible intelligence, wit & a flamboyant personality! Discussing world economics & politics was especially stimulating & fun with Haley. Everyone enjoyed him; he certainly will not be easily forgotten.
Haley has been a friend since our days at Butte High School & MT Tech. The privilege of knowing Haley & Liz I count as one of my many blessings in life.
Liz, you especially are in my heart & prayers.
Call upon me if you want a friend to do something with or need help of any kind.
With much love, Cindy Sanderson
Roy Brown says
So sorry to hear of Haley’s loss. It was always a treat to see him when I went through Butte. We both went to Montana Tech in Butte. He was also great help in the state Legislature lobbying for his causes. His smile was infectious. He was a great guy! I am sure he is organizing a great party for all his Butte buddies up in heaven. You will be missed my friend!
Roy Brown
Darrell Himmesoete says
So sorry to hear about Haley.
I knew him in business and in school.
He was a true friend and colleague.
RiP Haley.
Annette Boucher says
We were saddened to hear of Haley’s passing He was my son’s (Jeff) godfather. We send our love and prayers to all. My late husband Terry would tell stories of the havoc he and Haley would cause growing up. I will always be thankful to Haley for his tribute to Terry in 1990. Haley…you and Terry try not to give God a hard time. You will be missed. thanks for the memories.
Love and prayers,
Annette, Jeff and Teri Anne Boucher
RoseMary E Hayes says
My heart is hurting. One of the nicest guys I ever met. He was my friend and coworker. You Wii ne missed.
Bob and Lee Black says
Liz and family, Bob and I are so sorry to hear of Haley’s passing. One of the greatest, kindest guys going. Your bright smile and great laugh will be missed by anyone lucky enough to know you Haley. Wish we could have heard one more story.
Susan Good Geise says
Haley was quick to laugh, and swift to be kind even in the most contentious debates at the Capitol. He was a gem.
Rest In Peace.
Jim Kennedy says
To the Beaudry Family.. .love and prayers for you all. We were all raised together up on the East Side, my all to infrequent meetings with Haley always brought smiles and intelligent conversation! He will be missed!
Dan Battleson says
Very Sorry to hear of Haley’s passing and my deepest sympathies to his Family. I knew Haley for close to 30 years through professional and social activities. Always kind, witty, and always fun! He will be greatly missed.
Shelia Schumacher says
Mac, Pollyanna,Calista all of Haley’s family I am so sorry to hear about Haley he was a good neighbor while growing up he will be missed by so many rip old friend
Brian Doyle says
So sorry in hearing of the passing of Haley. I worked at Columbia Falls Aluminum with Haley, although as a Union officer, I never felt at anytime division between us. He was a genuine person, who was a pleasure to be around. I loved hearing all the football stories, and talking of the old Butte days. He lived a lifetime in those 74 years, and I treasure the memories I have about him.
Tom Brady says
I was saddened to learn of Haley’s passing. We attended Montana Tech together and were friends from 1967. My condolences to his family.
mike merzlak says
What a wonderful person. The world is missing one of the best. REST IN PIECE HALEY
Kathie Roos says
Haley always brought a smile to my face in greeting and as I watched from afar moving through a room full of people. Prayers for those left behind, especially his family.
Leonard Thurmond says
Growing up in Butte, I felt a l had a lot to live up to being Haley’s nephew. Haley was a fixture of Butte and always proud of the Mining City. I remember every Christmas day, the whole family would gather for dinner at Haley’s house. I also remember Haley’s kindness and generosity. When I got my first truck, Haley and I went hunting together. Not being familiar with it, I opened the door without turning off the ignition. Having only driven older vehicles at that point, I was not prepared for the orchestra of alarms blaring through the forest. I must have scared off every elk within 5 miles. Yet, Haley never chewed me out, even though I definitely deserved it. I will miss our conversations about politics, industry, and the myriad of interesting schemes my mom was entertaining at the moment. I pray that Haley finds joy in being reunited with Grandma Polly, Uncle Charlie, my father and all of our family waiting for Haley in Heaven. God bless him and may He receive Haley with open arms, for Haley left the world a better place than he found it.
Webb Brown says
Rest in peace, gentle giant of a man. It was my pleasure to work with you on various boards. We always had a lot of fun, even when times were tough. Miss you already.
Larry and Jayne Krizan says
Sorry to hear of you passing Haley. We met at Montana Tech many moons ago. We never crossed paths in our different pursuits, but the memories we shared at Tech will last forever. God bless your family.
Kim Gillan says
Sorry to hear of Haley’s passing. We served together in the legislature, however, chatted more when he was around the Capitol as a lobbyist. As others have said, it was nice to chat with him and his positive outlook–especially during the heated legislative sessions. My thoughts and prayers for the family. Kim Gillan. Billings/RedLodge/Sioux Falls
Shelly and Mike Peris says
Liz, Renee, Aimee and Haley Ann.
So sorry to hear about Haley. Our heart felt condolences, he will be so missed.
Rick Martin says
RIP my friend and fellow Tech graduate. You were a special person. My condolences to the family.
ROBERT HUNSAKER says
Dear Liz,Ranee,Aimee & Haley Ann,
The entire Hunsaker family extend our sincere sympathy to each of you. May the memories of all those “good times” help you adjust to this loss in your family. Thanks for all the memories as neighbors on Bittersweet and Redwood.
God Bless.
Bob,Jolene, Hal, Burke,Brant & Valli
John Giacomino says
I attended Mt Tech and played football with Haley….fun times. I would have coffee with him in Columbia Falls when he came that way and we would reminisce about “the good ole days”. A great guy.
W. R. Hansen says
he’s the best friend a man could have
Jack Baker says
Haley was one of the best ! R.I.P.
John & Genie Bowsher says
John & Genie Bowsher – Tucson –
Liz, Renee, Aimee and Haley Ann
Haley was a great friend, many great memories to maintain and give comfort. We will never run short of them. One of which, toasting the sunrise, at the Columbia Gardens, with some good bourbon, the morning after our high school graduation.We were part of the crowd that started School of Mines in the 60’s and finished in the 70’s. We met in Jr High and continued for the rest of our lives. My family’s earliest connection to the Beaudry family was in the early 40’s when they lived in Butte during their first sojourn in Butte, renting a house from them. Haley was one of those individuals who filled their life. For many of us, he was our common and lasting connection to each other. He was that rare thing – one of the threads in our lives. He was a product of a great Butte Family, and his choice of Liz was outstanding, as many of his life decisions were. Liz is a true Southern Belle. BHS reunions will never, ever be the same. We’ll miss you Bro. Life is so unfair sometimes.
Russ Markwald says
I will miss you at our reunions. I had many a good time BS’ing with you over the years.
Don Brunell says
Haley was a good man who did lot of good things in his life.
Doug Mood says
Haley and I were seated next to each other in the legislature. His sense of humor was a delight to be around. I’m saddened to read that he is no longer with us. My deep sympathies to his family.
Pauline A. Gless says
To Haley’s family and friends:
I wish you comfort knowing that Haley was so loved and cherished.
My husband and I also loved him and enjoyed visiting with him
when he was a student at MT Tech, and afterwards. Peace and
comfort to all of his family and friends.
Dee Brown says
I sent a card to his daughters but got it returned. Haley and I worked on CFAC things and other lobby ideas through the legislative sessions. He would always blush when I said he had the best handwriting of any man I knew. I was especially happy when he gave me one of Governor Martz’s turtle pins. When he gave me one of the buzzards from the MT lobbyists it was a total crack-up. So many memories, he will be missed by many of us 🙂
Heidi Martin Keal says
RIP Haley. I bet you and Dad (Donald Martin) are having a good time up there! Sorry for your family’s loss.
David Byrne says
I was a young kid about 7 Haley was the fellow on shields street with his brothers and sisters Haley was the big fellow never seen but just was the man RIP always rembered