In Memoriam BWHS Class of 1979 20 Year Reunion Site | 30 Year Reunion Site | 1979 Memorial Page | Online Class Email Directory | Class of 79 Memorial | Lost Bears | 30 Year Reunion Downloadable Registration Form

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This page is in Loving Memory of: Bob, Ron, Pat, Wayde, Tracy, Steve, Julie, Dwight, Stu, Kim, Robbie, Ken, Dave, Rich, Terry, Jeff, Jay(added 6/09), Jan, Jeff, Doug and Lorrie

Editor's Note: When we planned our 20 year reunion in the summer of 1999, our goal for this project was to uplift and encourage the families of our classmates and let them know that West High's Class of 1979 will remember their loved one as our friend! The task of finding and contacting families began in January, 1999. It was soon obvious that the families wanted us to not only remember those classmates that had passed away, but they wanted us to know them a little better. Parents (and siblings) were open and willing to provide pictures and information about the deaths of their loved ones. In fact, the one common denominator in each situation was that the families we were able to contact seemed genuinely pleased that we were doing this project. They wanted us to know that we should "not be afraid to talk about and share our memories of our friends". One family member said, "Families members never forget, although the pain will lessen over time. We are thrilled that you haven't forgotten, either!" What began as a difficult task had actually become a very rewarding experience. My heart was truly touched by this project. It is my hope that each member of the Class of 1979 who reads these pages will be as touched by the lives and deaths of these men and women as I was by meeting and talking with their families. Several times since the 20 year reunion, we have had to add names to our Memorial Page.  We want each of the families to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We promise never to forget! God bless you and thank you for making this page possible! ~Julie Knebel Schopp Special thanks to the Billings Gazette and the families for use of portions of the obituaries.

Lorrie Hofferber Pies May 16, 1961 - September 21, 2008 Lorrie Ann Pies went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sept. 21, 2008, after a three-year battle with cancer.  She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Kevin, and their two children, Victoria and Kenny.  Lorrie received her associate of arts degree from Crown College, Minn. She earned a certificate in early childhood education from Vanguard University, Calif., and a bachelor of arts degree in religious education from Global University, Mo. Lorrie was a talented violinist, teacher and writer. Above all, while treasuring her family, she enjoyed working at the Air Force Academy Child Development Center, playing her violin with the Pikes Peak Philharmonic in Colorado Springs, and writing numerous articles and publications. See full obituary as published in the Billings Gazette on 09/29/2008. Doug Hardt June 4, 1961 - September 12, 2008 Doug Hardt passed away at his home on Sept. 12, 2008 following a year long battle with cancer. Doug was born on June 4, 1961, in Billings, to Dick and Betty Hardt. Following graduation from Billings West High School in 1979, Doug farmed on the family farm west of Billings. He loved collecting antiques, especially Red Kitchen Items, Crocks, and Oak Furniture. Doug will be remembered for having a big heart and always willing to help anyone in need. See full obituary as published in the Billings Gazette on 09/29/2008. Jeff Marsac October 16, 1960 - January 4, 2008   Jeffery Dean Marsac passed away January 4, 2008, of natural causes, at age 47.  He was born Oct. 16, 1960, to Neal and Verda Marsac.  Jeff pursued continuing education classes in marketing, sales and business. and worked in Montana in the food and beverage industries until 1990, when he moved to Kansas City, Mo.  He continued his career working for Embassy Suites, Yarbroughs, the Federal Reserve Bank, the historic Savoy Hotel and as a Senior Manager for Shoal Creek and Hodge Park golf courses supervising banquets and catering. Jeff married Christine Reeder on June 6, 1992, and they later divorced. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and a season ticket holder, enjoying many tailgate parties with family and friends at Arrowhead Stadium. Jeff loved playing baseball, softball and golf and excelled at them all. Jeff was also a great lover of animals, and adored his many pets through the years. Jeff returned to his beloved Montana in the fall of 2007 and was  employed as Banquet Manager at the Holiday Inn of Billings at the time of his death. See full obituary as published in the Billings Gazette on 1/8/2008.

Janice Faye Hart October 1, 1961 - November 10, 2007 Janice Faye Hart died Nov. 10, 2007, at the Aspen Meadows nursing home in Billings. Jan is the daughter of Ardis Hart (Billings) and Howard Hart (deceased); the mother of Koby Keller and Aubre Skye Hart; the sister of Kathy Snooks (Meridian, Idaho) and Helen Hart (Baltimore); and loved by her many friends. Jan was born Oct. 1, 1961, in Billings. She graduated from Billings West High in 1979. She worked for a time in Colstrip and Miles City and returned to Billings several years ago. Jan loved animals, and had several cats and dogs over her life. She was very outgoing, and was happiest in a big, lively crowd of friends.  In the last few months of her long illness, Jan and her daughter Aubre were cared for by Jan's dear friend Lisa Martinez.

Jay Brian Schilling February 10, 1960 - December 2, 2003 Jay Brian Schilling, 42, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2003 at Deaconess Billings Clinic. Jay slipped into a coma over Thanksgiving weekend in 2003 after battling a long illness.  He never recovered.  Jay is the son of Buck and Fran Schilling of Billings.  He is the brother of Mark Schilling of Billings, Kristi Schiff of Billings, and Jim Schilling of Great Falls. Jay’s ashes were scattered over the Beartooth Pass.  Jay was an avid outdoor enthusiast.  His interests included backpacking, snowshoeing, canoeing, hunting, & fishing.  He enjoyed 4-wheel driving and was a bit of a pool shark. After high school, Jay graduated from MSU-Bozeman with a degree in Film & TV.  He spent many summers navigating the waters of the Jefferson, Madison, Gallatin, Smith and Yellowstone rivers.  He worked in St. George, Utah and Bend, Oregon before returning to Billings in 2000. Jay was a very friendly, outgoing person and will be deeply missed.

Jeff Hardesty December 17, 1960 - March 15, 2001 Jeffrey Mark Hardesty died at his home March 15, 2001, of natural causes. Jeff was born Dec. 17, 1960, to Jan and Marilou Hardesty at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings. He attended Meadowlark Elementary, Will James Junior High and graduated from Billings West High in 1979. Jeff was the victim of a tragic accident at the age of 20 that changed his life forever. Jeff had a deep love of the mountains and enjoyed fishing and camping. Jeff is survived by his parents; his sister Jana and her husband Bryan; his nephew Gene; his niece Carlee; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He will be sorely missed by those who loved him. A memorial service was held on Monday, March 19. Donations may be made to ZooMontana, 2100 S. Shiloh Road, Billings, MT 59106. Dahl Funeral and Cremation Service was in charge of arrangements.

Terry Aalgaard October 3, 1960 - September 7, 2000 *Note, Terry's younger sister, Tammie is also a member of the Class of 1979. PASCO, Wash. – Terry Aalgaard, 39, of Pasco, chose to spend eternity in a happier place on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2000, in Kennewick. Terry was born to John and Lauretta Aalgaard in Billings, on Oct. 3, 1960. He left behind his shining stars, Megan, 21, Jessica, 15, Tyler 12; his grandson, Zachary, 4, aka Critter; and his wife, Tacine, whom he called the love of his life; his parents, John and Lauretta Aalgaard, Billings; brothers, Barry and Larry Aalgaard; sisters, Jackie Hudon, Sandra Aalgaard, Sherry Miller, and Tammie Aalgaard (Class of 1979); grandmothers, Helen Bromgard and Gladys Aalgaard. Terry worked and thrived in retail management for 15 years before becoming ill in 1997. His passion became breeding tropical fish, especially African cichlids. Terry’s family meant the world to him. He touched the lives of all those around him. Everyone that knew him will miss his laughter, friendship and love. May you rest in peace! Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Sep. 11, at Mueller’s Greenlee Funeral Home in Pasco.  If you would like to mail a card to the family, please email Julie for family addresses.

Richard J. Holmstrom August 17, 1961 - February 4, 2000

Richard J. Holmstrom, Valedictorian of the BWHS Class of 1979, died unexpectedly in his sleep at his home in Brooklyn, New York.  He graduated  from Boston University in 1983 with a degree in Philosophy, and from Columbia University Law School in 1988.  Rich loved to travel. He spent a summer as an AFS exchange student at 16 in Reimlingen, Germany,   traveled in Europe for the summer after high school graduation, spent one year in Tubingen, Germany when he was 21, and has visited several times since.  He spoke German fluently, and also studied Italian while he was in Germany.  After graduation he worked in real estate law in New York, and left his first employer with another associate to open a NY branch office for a Boston firm in September of 1996. Rich loved music, and developed a real love of opera while living in New York.  He was looking forward to traveling to New Zealand and Australia at the time of his death.  He exemplified the old saw "You can take the boy out of Montana but you can't take Montana out of the boy".  Whenever he came home he insisted on a trip up the Yellowstone and another to Red Lodge, and always exclaiming how beautiful it was, a nice change from the cement and bricks of New York. Services for Richard were held on February 18 in NY and on February 23 in Billings.  Several classmates from the Class of 1979 were in attendance.

David W. Rush December 7, 1960 - December 7, 1996

David ended his own life on his 36th birthday. David's 7 sisters and brothers wanted us to know that David was greatly loved for his caring ways and dedication and love for his family. David's sister, Susan, assured us that it is wonderful to have their brother remembered by his classmates. She said that there were many, many friends and loved ones at David's funeral. "If only he knew how much he was loved, perhaps this tragedy would not have happened."

Kenneth Walter Kuhr October 29, 1961 - September 6, 1994

Ken died when the plane he was piloting encountered wake turbulence problems and crashed. He graduated from the US Air Force Academy as a 2nd Lieutenant and went on to earn his wings at Williams AFB in Arizona. He left the Air Force with a Captain's rank and was employed with Copper State Air in Mesa, AZ when he left this world. He loved flying, but his first love was serving Jesus Christ, Ken's Lord, friend and provider.

Robbie Joe Maichel May 9, 1961 - September 7, 1993

Robbie was raised in Butte and completed his high school years with the Golden Bears of '79. He also attended Eastern Montana College and was active in political affairs. Aside from his accounting career in the Seattle area, he was very active in AIDS hospice services, working as a volunteer. Robbie died in 1993 after a long battle with AIDS. Special thanks to Mr. Maichel for providing us with a picture of Robbie. Our thoughts are with you and the rest of Robbie's extended family!

Kim Campbell Christianson April 3, 1961 - August 6, 1993

Kim and her husband, Kelly were both killed when a car collided head on with their motorcycle. At the time of her death, Kim was a manager at a motel in Boise.  Kim and Kelly were wonderful, loving people who helped all people in need. They were avid motorcycle enthusiasts and free spirits of the best sort.  Riding their Harley was the passion of their lives. Kim's parents were touched by the fact that our class is making every effort to make sure her daughter, our classmate, is not forgotten by the Class of 1979!

Stuart Kittleson January 15, 1961 - December 3, 1992

Stu was a warehouse manager for Pierce Flooring at the time of his death. He was killed in an automobile accident at the age of 31. He loved salmon fishing in Alaska, playing darts for Tiny's and was a member of Magic City Fast Pitch Association. His mother proudly provided the above photo to the Class of 1979. We thank her and want her to know that we are thinking of her and the rest of Stu's family!

Dwight Robin Torno November 23, 1960 - July 21, 1991 Dwight died in his home at the age of 30 due to complications of Beurger's Disease. He loved drag racing and bowling. He was a member of the Billings Men's Bowling Association and one of the major accomplishments in his career was having to change from his right hand to his left hand in bowling due to the amputation of his left foot. Dwight had been married for nearly 5 years and had a four year old son and a 20 month old daughter at the time of his death. His mother provided the above picture and we thank her for helping us remember her son and our friend!

Julie Ann Glumbik February 21, 1961 - May 6, 1986 Julie worked a short time for First Interstate Bank and was an instructor for Billings Training Industries at the time of her death. She was a member of St Patrick's College Renewal Group and loved the outdoors, outdoor activities, snow and water skiing and biking. Julie died in her home after a battle with cancer. We are grateful to her family for providing the photo above so that we can remember our classmate and our friend, Julie Glumbik.

Steven Fink February 11, 1959 - August 3, 1983

Steve, actually a member of the Class of 1977, received his diploma with our class in June, 1979. Steve had worked as a gas station attendant and as a laborer for Pierce Packing. He was interested in cars and was a member of St. Andrew's United Presbyerian Church. Steve died at the age of 24 in an automobile accident on I-90.

Tracy Ann Bilant January 23, 1961 - May 27, 1983

Tracy and a passenger in her car were both killed on their way to a family wedding on Memorial Day weekend, 1983. Tracy loved the mountains and looked forward each year to the Yellowstone River Boat Float. She was an avid reader, loved children and was a member of Grace Methodist Church. Her mother was thrilled to hear that we are honoring and remembering her daughter, our friend, for this special occasion, our 20th reunion.

Wayde E. Wilson February 1, 1961 - February 2, 1982 Wayde passed away at the age of 21 from injuries sustained when he was hit by an automobile in Huntsville, Texas.  Wayde joined Telecrafter in 1980 as a cable television installer. His employer had transferred him to Texas, then Florida, and again to Texas. Fishing, camping and hunting were his hobbies. Wayde's mother provided us with the above photo. Thank you for making it possible for us to remember and honor our friend! We will miss you, Wayde!

Pat Allen McClaren July 16, 1961 - February 3, 1981

Pat was killed in an automobile accident at 64th and King at the age of 19. He had been employed at Radio Equipment at the time of his death. His father preceded him in death. Pat's mother and sister provided us with the above picture and are grateful that we are honoring and remembering their son and big brother.

Ronald James Harvey June 16, 1961 - December 18, 1979 Ron transferred to Boise in January of our senior year. While he actually graduated with the Class of 1979 from Boise High School, we still consider him our classmate as well!  In December, 1979, Ron died of a gunshot wound. We are still unable to find his family, but we hope they know that we remember Ron!

John Robert "Bob" Burton

October 4, 1960 - August 21, 1978

Bob passed away one week before our senior year began in 1978 after a battle with cancer. If you knew Bob, then you will remember that smile and the jolly laugh that went with it!  Bob's mother passed away in July, 1998 and his sister, Betsy now lives in Canada.  His father and sister were both very happy to hear that we are remembering Bob, although Dad was a little apologetic about Bob's "long hair" in the photo. "I guess that's the way all the boys were wearing their hair back then!"  He is sure right about that!

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