Joseph H. Heavey Jr.

Joseph H. Heavey Jr., 85, of Havre, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, at Benefis Medical Center in Great Falls of natural causes. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, at the Fifth Avenue Christian Church with Ila McClenahan officiating. 

Joseph was born on Jan. 19, 1928, at the family homestead north of Havre to Joseph and Rose (Gillen) Heavey, Sr.  He was raised there, attending the country school that was on the property next to the homestead until the eigth grade. He attended high school in Havre, where he learned mechanics and welding; skills that enabled him to fix or repair just about anything. He graduated from Havre High School in 1946. His passion in his early years was hunting.

He married Helen Delp in June of 1956, and their union was blessed with two sons whom they raised on the homestead. Joe was a founding member of the Hill County Seed Growers and he took great pride in producing quality certified seed.  He was also one of the last producers of Hereford cows in the area.  His heart was always on the farm.

Joe took great pride in the role he played in ensuring that the St. Joe Road was completed to the border.  He used to say that he wanted a smooth ride to the cemetery

Joe was a very social man who was able to talk with anyone.  He had a great sense of humor and was a wonderful story teller. His mind was sharp until the end. 

He loved harvest time. His passion was driving his combines and tractors. He enjoyed making a few rounds in the combine with his son this past harvest. Joe and Helen were members of the Jeans and Janes Square Dance Club for over 20 years, and they were long-time members of the Good Sams Club. In his later years, he and Helen spent several winters in Yuma. 

Joseph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen, in 2002 and his parents, Rose and Joseph Heavey Sr.

He is survived by his two sons James A. Heavey (Linda Hinkle) of Havre and Wayne O. Heavey of Pocatello, ID; his two grandchildren, Teresa and Kari Hinkle; his five great-grandchildren; and his greatly appreciated caregiver for the past 18 months, Mel Bretzke.

The family has requested that memorials be made in Joseph's name to the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line or to the Havre Senior Center.  Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements, and you can leave your memories and/or condolences for the family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.