Long-time Helena resident, Harold (Hal) Eugene Peck, age 62, began his stay in Heaven on June 25, 2016.
Hal was born May 30, 1954 in Springfield, Ohio, to John and Mary Ola (Bozman) Peck. Hal spent his early childhood in Shamokin, Pennsylvania. At the age of 14, Hal’s family relocated to Helena, MT. In 1972, Hal graduated from Helena High School.
One of Hal’s first jobs after graduation was as a broadcaster for KCAP Radio. His interest in communication continued in 1974 when he furthered his education at the Don Martin School of Broadcasting. Hal earned a First Class FCC Certificate in Broadcast Electronics. From September 1976 until December 1978, Hal pursued degrees in Music Education and Journalism at the University of Montana. For the next 10 years, Hal worked as a Production, Promotion, and General Operations Manager at KTVH Television.
In 1982, Hal’s life was forever brightened when he met his life-long love, Sally Reno from Hardin, Montana. They married on September 28, 1991, in the Helena Salvation Army Church.
Shortly thereafter Hal made a career change, and went to work for the State of Montana as a Water Policy Specialist at DNRC. He also worked for the State of Montana in the Department of Administration in Human Resources, as well as in the Department of Labor and Industry.
Hal and Sally enjoyed hosting cookouts and get-togethers at their mountain home. Hal had a life-long love for music. He sang with the Helena Symphony Chorale, and he played the baritone horn, as well as the guitar, in the Salvation Army Band. When he wasn’t involved in music, he enjoyed woodworking.
Hal is survived by his beloved wife, Sally, mother Mary Ola (Robert) Churchwell, Alder, Montana, brother Kenneth Peck, Helena, sister Dorothy (Chris) Means, Phoenix, Arizona, brother Jim (Rose) Lytle, Helena, sister Carol (Kevin) Pitt, Kalispell, sister Donna E. Weathers-Maynard, Missoula, aunt Della Bozman, Missoula, aunt Ada (Bozman) Southwood, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, uncle Vernon Bozman, Tahoe, Nevada, uncle Bill Bozman, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania and many nephews, nieces, and cousins, who will miss him dearly.
A service celebrating Hal’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 1st at the Salvation Army, 1905 Henderson St. A reception will follow the service in the social center at the Salvation Army. A graveside service will follow the reception in at Forestvale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Hal’s name are suggested to the Salvation Army 1905 Henderson, Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 1, 2016
Salvation Army
1905 Henderson Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Celebration
Friday July 1, 2016
Social Center of the Salvation Army
1905 Henderson Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the Reception
Friday July 1, 2016
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 1, 2016
Salvation Army
1905 Henderson Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Celebration
Friday July 1, 2016
Social Center of the Salvation Army
1905 Henderson Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
Following the Reception
Friday July 1, 2016
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Sid and Terri Burgess says
Our deepest sympathy to Sally and Hal’s family. We have many fond memories of our times together and hope that your memories will see you through this difficult time.
Doris and Greg Leikam says
Sally, cards, flowers, and fancy words, all seem so lame,
When you’re dealing with all this pain,
Doris, Greg, Kalen and Keaton all want you to know,
We are thinking of you and that we love you.
Kim Overcast says
My heartfelt sympathy to Sally and all Hal’s friends and families. Hal worked with the DNRC for a time and he was a terrific person to work with. I was just visiting with some DNRC staff about 2 weeks ago and Hal’s name came up. I told them that he was one of the top 5 people I’ve worked with over the years that understood the complexities of water rights so quickly. I will talk to Jesus about your loss Sally; He will be there to meet your needs.
Terry Bass says
A unique style. Latent talent. A good person. Peace to Hal and family. May he rest in Peace and May God take care of all.
Christy Stapley says
Sending sympathy to all of Hal’s loved ones. Hal was one of the first to show me the ropes at Department of Administration where we both worked. He was very generous with his knowledge and I appreciated this as a new employee to the state. I will always remember Hal by his smile and genuine caring attitude towards others. Will miss you Hal, rest in peace.
Barb Cole says
Sally I can’t tell you how surprised and sorry I am to see this in the paper. Sending thoughts and prayers and hope to see you the end of August or the end of Sept. If all goes as planned we should be in Helena briefly then.
Anita Quenemoen says
Sally, I’m devastated. Hal and I worked together at KCAP and Department of Administration and have been colleagues for years. You and I met a number of years ago, but it’s okay if you don’t remember, I remember you! I totally relied on his support and experience throughout my career in state government. My most sincere condolences with wishes for peace and healing.
Connie Wheeler says
Sally, so, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Make sure you are o.k. nothing more you can do. Wish I had known. I thought about you and hurt for you all day. Be safe Sally and be Strong. You can do it. I know you can. Love Ya Connie and Scot. May Hal be at peace now.
don andrews says
sally my thought and prayers are with you I wish I could make your pain go away my heart breaks for you. love ya
Steve Morrison says
Hal was a dear friend to anyone who knew him. An amazing talent and one of Helena’s legendary radio voices. He will be sorely missed. Thoughts and prayers to Sally and family.
Leny & Myrna Mason says
He was a great friend to us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Faun Pullin says
I am so sorry to hear about Hal. My thoughts and prayers to you Sally and Mary Ola and families. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Brandi Carson says
So sorry for you’re loss Sally. Hal was a fantastic man.
Jeff and Debbie Camplese says
Jeff and Debbie Camplese:
We are so sorry to hear about Hal, Sally. Our prayers to you and Hal’s family. We all had some good times together. Hal was a special soul.
Jeff and Debbie Camplese says
We are so sorry to hear about Hal, Sally. Our prayers to you and Hal’s family. We all had some good times together. Hal was a special soul.
Tom Sanburg says
Hal was a good man who always treated the deck hands as good or better than the management. I remember listening to his radio ads and being amazed that he could say “bulk propane” so fast. He would literally give the shirt off his back to help someone who needed it. Hang in there Sally, you are surrounded by friends.
bev guerin says
mary ola and family, we are so sorry for your loss. he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. God Bless. bev and fran guerin
Kevin OConnell says
Sally, So sorry to hear about the passing of Hal. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda Davis says
My friend I am so sad. It has been hard to write something. You were such a thoughtful and kind person and so talented. I wish more people had had your work ethic. You will be so missed. Sally my heart breaks for you. He always spoke with such love when he talked about you. I remember how happy he was when you went on that trip. He said you deserved it because you were such a hard worker. All my love!
Wally Peel says
Sally,
So sorry to learn of Hals passing. He was a good man, who touched the lives of many in a positive way. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Margie Kelley says
Sally, I was so saddened to hear about Hal’s passing. I worked with him at D of A. He was a great person who will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, Hal.
Marty Baumann says
I have many fond memories of working with Hal at KCAP/KZMT, KTVH, and Dep’t of Administration. He will be missed.
Janice Radeck says
Sally, have just this moment learned of Hal’s move to his Eternal Home. My heart aches for you for I know full well the overwhelming grief of losing your Spouse and Best Friend. My John made his transition the morning of June 30, 2017, as I held his hand. Letting John go to be with God was THE most difficult thing ever. Please know my prayers for you will be ongoing. May God grant you Peace.
Melissa Means says
My uncle, Hal, was special to me. Most summers from a very young age entailed a trip to his and Aunt Sally’s house. Big hugs and happy smiles greeted my mom, brothers, and me upon arrival to their home.
Trips together for ice cream at The Parrot, walks around the “old neighborhood” in the south part of the city, hikes up the mountain, camping trips out to Canyon Ferry-of which fishing was a main focus-and late-night visits together out on his and Aunt Sally’s patio are cherished memories we have of him.
One such event, was when my uncle and aunt hosted a lunch for their neighbor kids (the Hoovestals) with my younger brother and me while we were all still in our childhoods. I’m grateful that Uncle Hal and Aunt Sally were so kind to the six of us children then, in taking time and making the effort to bless us all with a happy time together. My uncle was like that-thoughtful and kind to everyone.
If Heaven had a mailbox in which we could send messages to our departed loved ones, I would let my uncle know how much he’s still missed-six years later-by us all. I look forward to seeing his smile again and hearing his laugh someday, when either the Lord Jesus returns, or we finish our time here on earth.
I love you, Uncle Hal. Thank-you for being my uncle and for loving us all while you were here. Hugs…I’m glad you’re safely home with Jesus.