Harold Roy "Butch" Selway

1941 - 2025

Harold "Butch" Roy Selway of Dillon, Montana passed away peacefully within his home the morning of Thursday November 20, 2025. His loving daughter, and beloved Yorkie were at side during Butch's last breath.

Harold was born in Dillon, Montana November 23, 1941, to Harold and Marie Selway. He attended elementary school and middle school while living in Dillon with his older sister Darlene, and brother Jack. Harold demonstrated great passion, strength, and speed as he matured into his teenage years. He was involved in Basketball (forward), Track (shop put, and disc throwing), and football (guard and tackle) throughout all four years of high school. He was one of the few Freshman earning a spot on the All-State Football Team. Butch played guard and tackle within the team..and boy did he! Harold earned the nickname "Butch" because he was so tough (all who knew him, and played ball with him knew it!). Butch participated in "B Club" Sophomore through Senior year and held the position of "Sergeant at Arms" Senior year. He graduated high school in 1960 where he went on to continue his education at Bozeman College majoring in engineering while enrolling in the National Guard.

As time progressed Butch worked at the Beaverhead National Forest Service climbing the ladder into lead positions while continuing service in the National Guard. Butch quickly became a permanent employee within the Engineering Department in 1963 as a "Lead Civil Engineer". He was one of two individuals within Montana with the means and ability to design the Scenic Byway. This was Butch's greatest project that he held dear to him. He retired in 1997.

While being an active member within the National Guard Butch became a Sergeant. He was on the "combat rifle team" in 1964 achieving "expert status" with the M-14 Rifle. He loved his country, and he loved helping keep it safe. Butch received an Honorable Discharge in July 1993 as Staff Sergeant company A 1st Battalion, 163D Cavalry.

Butch met the love of his life Patricia (Patty) Lynn Cox at a city hall dance in Dillon in the Spring of 1962. He said, "there was chemistry from the beginning." They remained friends while Butch attended college in Bozeman, and Patty attended school in Twin Bridges. They couldn't help but gravitate towards one another. They became engaged in 1963 and married the following year. Butch said, "It was love at first sight," and Patty would say "we had each other from hello." They shared a beautiful life together for fifty-four years. Butch became a father to son Michael (1965), and daughter Shannon (1969). Patty passed away in August 2017.

Butch loved deeply, and with his entire heart. He was loyal to a fault. He was the kind of person to take the shirt off his back for anyone in need. Butch loved his family dearly along with his Yorkie Mia. He loved being a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. The passion and heart that he demonstrated throughout his career and schooling carried on throughout his personal life.

He attended every family event no matter the distance, or circumstance. He prioritized his loved ones. Butch was always there to tell a silly joke, give a helping hand, or provide support in any way possible. He loved seeing those around him happy, laughing, or smiling. He was such a light in the lives of those around him. He was the glue that bonded families, and friends together.

Butch was very talented and excelled at whatever he put his mind to. He was an excellent carpenter and enjoyed woodworking in his outside "man cave." He refurnished and built countless items, sharing his talent with friends and family. He enjoyed growing vegetables in his garden, working outside caring for his yard, playing Sodoko, and he was an avid coin collector. He was an excellent historian and storyteller. He was proud of his heritage and shared his knowledge with those around him.

Butch is preceded in death by his parents (Harold & Marie), Brother (Jack), sister (Darlene), wife (Patty), and son (Michael).

Butch is survived by his daughter (Shannon), 6 grandchildren, and 1 newly born great grandbaby.

Butch's ashes will be combined with his Wife Patty. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring of 2026 in Dillon, Montana in which he will receive his final place of rest.