Obituary - Ron Belcourt

Ron Belcourt, 78, died Monday, August 16, 2021, after a courageous battle, succumbing to the injuries he received in a fall in September 2013. Ron peacefully passed away with his daughter Brenda at his side at Peace Hospice in Great Falls. 

A Celebration of Life service will be at 7:00 p.m., Monday, August 23, 2021, at the Holland & Bonine Funeral Chapel. His funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church with burial to follow at Highland Cemetery.

Memorials in Ron's honor may be made to the Friends of Havre Animal Shelter or Great Falls Peace Hospice.

Ron's family is grateful for the caring staff at Peace Hospice.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please visit Ron's online memorial page at http://www.hollandbonine.com to leave his family a message of condolence.

Ron was born August 24, 1942, in Fort Belknap, Montana to Edward and Pearl (Wells) Belcourt. After attending Havre High School, Ron immediately chose to enlist in the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged in 1966 after receiving the Good Conduct Medal. Ron was very proud of his service in the Navy and enjoyed traveling overseas - with Japan being a favorite destination.

He met Patricia Lucas in North Long Beach, California, and they were married in 1966. Together they raised three children and made the decision to move to Montana in 1971 to get away from the unpredictable earthquakes in California.

Ron attended Northern Montana College and obtained his bachelor's degree in elementary education and counseling. He was proud of his accomplishment and was the only member of his family to receive a college degree. While in college, he received the Who's Who of American Students Award in 1976.

He graduated college in 1976 and began his career as a high school teacher and guidance counselor with Rocky Boy Schools. Ron impacted many students' lives at the high school over his years of teaching and as a counselor, receiving the Counselor of the Year Award in 1983.

Ron was described as a quiet, gentle, humble, reserved man with a noble spirit, a determined character and an iron will.

Ron was a family man with compassion for animals and people. He always loved music and was an avid reader, with Edgar Cayce being one of his favorites.

Ron loved to golf! His son and son-in-law have good memories of their time on the courses. He was described by his daughters as "grandpa-on-the-go." When he wasn't out and about, he could be found sitting with his animals, visiting his brothers or sisters on the phone and watching football.

Ron was a strong advocate for AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) for over 22 years and it was there that he took a role in mentoring others to overcome their addiction battles as he had proudly overcome his own addiction to alcohol.

Ron also served as an anger management counselor and touched many lives with the various organizations he volunteered with.

Ron was devastated when his wife of 32 years, Patricia, died in 1998. He found solace and comfort in music and became a member of the Other Brothers band as a guitar player and a vocalist. He enjoyed practicing and performing music around the area. He felt it brought joy to others and helped heal his loss. Many people would compare Ron to Elvis Presley.

In September 2013 Ron experienced a life-changing fall and as a result he suffered a traumatic brain injury and was never quite the same. He continued to be honored, loved, and supported by all his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Patricia Belcourt; granddaughter Mary Rose; sisters Carol Belcourt and Janice Sargent; and brothers Gary Eagleman, Mike Belcourt and Harvey Belcourt.

Ron is survived by daughters, Angela (Paul) Silvestri of Conrad and Brenda (John) Goulet of Great Falls; son, Curtis (Carrie) Belcourt of East Helena; grandchildren James Gameon, Dr. Julie Gameon, Shawn Paul Silvestri, Jennifer Neiffer Atchsion, and Garret Neiffer; great-grandchildren, Paislee and Bodie Neiffer; brothers Kenny Belcourt, Larry (Georgette) Belcourt and Marvin Belcourt; sisters Donna (Jeff) Sharp, Evelyn Belcourt, and Darla Friede ,; and numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.

"Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9.