John Anderson Willard

John Anderson Willard, loving husband, father and grandfather, noted historian, author and outdoorsman, passed away early Saturday, Oct. 29, 2005, after an extended illness. Willard was born Aug. 23, 1915, to John and Mary (Symon) Willard of Augusta. John was loved and respected by everyone whose life he touched.

He lived and worked on the family ranch. He later attended Montana State University, and graduated with honors from the University of Montana in 1938. He was a member of many service and academic organizations during his college years.

His professional career began in 1938 in the editorial staff at the Montana Record Herald and continued his journalism career with the Helena Independent Record until 1955. At that time, he began a career in railroading as the Public Relations director for the Montana Railroad Association, which included legislative representation of Montana's railroads at the state and federal level. In 1970, he went to work for Burlington Northern Railroad, where he worked until his retirement in 1981.

John's passion for writing included numerous statewide publications, syndicated newspaper columns and five books. His most noted writings, other than his books, were his syndicated weekly newspaper column "Outdoor Montana," and a monthly column in the Montana Motorist. His latest favorite endeavor was editor of "Hoofprints from the Yellowstone," a semi-annual historical monograph of the Yellowstone drainage. His books include "Game is Good Eating," "Adventure Trails in Montana," The CMR book and two children's books. These books were a compilation of the passions in his life: hunting, Montana history and family.

John loved hunting and the outdoors. He has the honor of taking a bull elk in the early 1950s from the Elkhorn Mountains that currently ranks 34th in the Boone and Crockett record book. His hunting experience has spanned well over seven decades, where he has taken virtually all species that Montana has to offer.

Over and above the many passions in his life, the most important element in John's life was his family. He married the love of his life, Helen Bennett, on Dec. 26, 1941. They lived in Helena until 1970, when he moved his family to Billings.

Survivors include son Jack of Billings; daughter Frances Shoquist and husband Darrell of Spokane Wash.; and son Jim of Helena. His three grandchildren, Tim and Lindsey Shoquist and John Willard were the light of "Grandpa's" eye.

John was preceded in death by his father and mother and brother Charles.

Memorial services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3, at the St. Stevens Episcopal Church, located at 13th and Crawford.

Memorials may be sent to the Western Heritage Center, 2822 Montana Ave., Billings, MT 59101 or your favorite charity.