Obituary - William Carl 'Business Bill' Harbolt

CHINOOK - William Carl Harbolt, aka "Business Bill", age 97, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2015, at Northern Montana Hospital surrounded by family.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, 7 to 9 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home in Chinook. Services will be held Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the Chinook Presbyterian Church, with a reception following at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church.

Arrangements have been made with Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook. Condolences may be left for the family at http://www.edwardsfuneralhomemt.com.

Bill was born to Ira S. and Lillie Moorehead Harbolt Aug. 29, 1917, at the family home in Chinook, Montana, the youngest of three children. He graduated from Chinook High School in 1935. He participated in football, basketball and track, excelling in track by setting a record in the high hurdles.

Bill enlisted in the National Guard 163rd Infantry Tank Division when he was 15 years old. Bill received an honorable discharge due to a serious car accident. In 1938, at the age of 21, he joined his father's insurance business and managed it until he turned 70, at which time his son, Bill Jr., took over the business.

Bill married Mildred Chesarek on Dec. 30, 1939. Married for 69 years, Bill and Mildred were the parents of six children: Connie (Jim) Oliver of Covington, Virginia, Francie (John) McMahon of Missoula, Carol Jo (Sonny) Lubick of Fort Collins, Colorado, Bill (Kathy) Harbolt of Chinook, Maggie (John) Moffatt of Missoula, and Beth (Rick) Cottingham of Helena.

Bill was an active, progressive community member and a huge Chinook booster. He firmly believed in giving back to the community and did so generously. He was a volunteer fireman, a member of the Elks, Lions, Eagles and the Masonic Lodge. He served as a board member for many organizations, including the Sacred Heart Hospital, the Sweet Nursing Home, Chinook Businessmen's Association and the Blaine Bank of Montana. He was an avid golfer, bowler and fisherman and an active member of the Presbyterian Church.

Bill lived life to the fullest. He was passionate about his sweetheart, Millie, family, friends and political activism. Even at 97, Bill moved fast. Slow wasn't in his nature.

Survivors include his six children, their surviving spouses, 17 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred; parents, Ira and Lillie; brother, Glenn; sister Juanita; and son-in-law, John McMahon.

A memorial in Bill's name has been established at the Chinook Presbyterian Church.