Norman “Matt” Dillon, age 82, of Butte, Montana

Norman McCarther Dillon (Matt) of Onieda Indian Nations (Bear Clan) lived to be 82 years young. He peacefully passed at the Copper Ridge Rehab in Butte, Montana.

He was survived by his brother, Kenneth Dillon of Texas; his son, Joshua Dillon and daughter-in-law, Selena Frye of Butte; his grandsons, Francis Frye and Nathen Dillon of Butte; and many family and friends he gained along his journey.

Matt grew up in New York with his brothers and his mother, and spent some of his childhood in a boarding school for Native children. Then he enlisted in the Army where he met his good friend, Gail Woods. Later, he moved to Massachusetts and had a son, Matthew Dillon, who passed away as a young child. Gail talked him into coming to Montana after the tragedy.

He worked at the Anaconda Company as a miner, was a truck drive and logger, and he guided in the Bloody Dick Range and enjoyed hunting with his buddies. He soon met Dorthy (Patty) Chenoweth where he built his loving family. They had a son, Joshua Lee Dillon. He supported his family by driving semis and bartending at Alba’s. He loved his family beyond words and was always a great supporter. He was a stern but loving man. He taught his son the value and importance of family, to honor and respect yourself, to have pride in what you do and do it well.

He soon found himself a business owner, patronizing his tenants at the Budget and City Center Motel. He enjoyed his job as an owner and took a lot of pride in his business. He was a man of many trades, a Mr. Fix It, if you will. Then he became a papa. He loved his grandsons more than anything. I think it might have been his favorite part of life. He taught them both how to be the young men they are today. His work ethics were among the best and he taught them the same skills. He was always spending Papa time with them shopping, having lunch, or teaching them how to drive. He loved family time, hunting, camping or going on vacations, or just a nice visit to say, “I love you.” Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the Fourth of July were his favorite holidays. He loved to spoil all his family.

He battled with COPD for many years, he was a fighter, he never let it slow him down until the very end. He was still dancing and joking around trying to keep his spirits up like the honorable man he was. He will be deeply missed.

Celebration of His Life with Military Honors will be held at 1:30pm on Wednesday, June 12^th at Front Street Station, 800 E. Front St. in Butte.

Visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Matt.

Service Schedule

Military Honors

1:30 pm

Wednesday June 12, 2024

Front Street Station

800 East Front St.

Butte, Montana 59701

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Celebration of His Life

1:30 pm

Wednesday June 12, 2024

Front Street Station

800 East Front St.

Butte, Montana 59701

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Reception

Following the celebration of life

Wednesday June 12, 2024

Front Street Station

800 East Front Street

Butte, Montana 59701

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