Hugh Dennis McManus, 89

Hugh Dennis McManus “passed from life” on Jan. 24, 2013, at the age of 89.

He was born in Great Falls on Nov. 7, 1923, to Nathan and Gertrude McManus. Hugh was the second son of seven children.

He is survived by his wife, Norma, of 57 years; and four sons, Dick, Dennis, Jack and Allen.

Hugh's younger years were spent in Great Falls and Coram, where he helped his family working with his Dad with lodge pole logging in the Coram area. He moved back to Great Falls, and in April of 1943 he joined the Army. Hugh served with the 110th Graves Registration Platoon and was shipped to New Caledonia, New Guinea, then to Cebu and Leyte in the Philippines. He was discharged in January of 1946, as a Tec 5. He went home to his parents’ place in Rollins.

Hugh met and married Francis Pritchet from Lakeside in 1948. They had one son, Dennis.

Later in 1955, he met and married his cute little blonde, Norma. They raised four boys, Dick, Dennis, Jack and Allen. Hugh and Norma have been married just shy of 58 years.

Hugh worked at Bell Manufacturing, building campers, then he went to work for Anaconda Aluminum in Columbia Falls. He retired from there and continued welding at his shop in Evergreen. Hugh spent many hours welding bicycles for kids or boat propellers for boats, always a rush job because somebody always needed it in a hurry.

Hugh spent a lot of time teaching his kids, grandkids and anybody else who wanted to go fishing with him. He hunted a lot, here and east of the mountains. What a guy. Most memories have been attached to fishing and hunting by kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews.

Hugh was preceded in death by his Mom and Dad; brothers, Harold, Dell and Glen; and his sister, Shirley.

Hugh is survived by his wife, Norma; sons, Dick, Dennis, Jack and Allen, and their wives; 12 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Dean “Red” McManus of Kalispell and Welton, Ariz.; and sister, Carol Warnes of Kalispell.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that any donations be made to The New Covenant Church or the Veterans Pantry. Please mail your donations in care of Norma McManus at Wel-Life, 156 Three Mile Drive, No. 118, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Celebration of life services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at The New Covenant Church, 436 Birch Grove in Kalispell. A reception will follow. Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.