Joseph "Haley" Beaudry

1946 - 2021

Joseph "Haley" Beaudry, 74

December 30, 1946-April 13, 2021

Joseph "Haley" Beaudry was born on December 30, 1946 in Butte, Montana. He died peacefully in his home on April 13, 2021. He was 74 years old.

Haley grew up on the East side of Butte and spent his childhood raising hell with his siblings and friends. After graduating from Butte High in 1965 he went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering and Math at Montana Tech. He married Elizabeth (Symonds) in September of 1974. Together they had 3 girls, Renee, Aimee and Haley Ann.

His career began at Bechtel Corporation in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Haley traveled to various places around the world for several years until Western Energy Co. brought him back to Butte where he worked as a project manager on the Rosebud Mine. Soon after, he co-founded the White Resources Corporation (WRC) where he evaluated mining operations for foreign investors. In 1995 he was appointed by Governor Racicot to a special committee regarding power plant licensure. Later that year he ran for representative of House District 35, where he became the first republican elected from Butte since 1950.

Haley owned and operated Emerald Engineers LLC; specializing in blasting, demolition and drilling. He was an active lobbyist for Columbia Falls Aluminum Company and Billings Power Plants. His various board memberships and chairs include: the Montana Tech Foundation; guest lecturer and instructor for Montana Tech; Butte Chamber business development; construction chairman of the U.S. High Altitude Sports Center; United Way; Montana Workforce investment Board; Governor's Energy Task force; Montana Board of Professional Engineers; Economic Development Corporation; Montana Coal Council; Environmental Quality Council and many others.

Haley loved his work but is most remembered by family and friends as an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. He could often be found floating the river or having early morning coffee with the "breakfast club". Often reminiscing of his travel adventures, telling a good story and making all around him laugh, was a specialty of Haley's. His own chuckle was contagious. We often heard stories of football, wrestling and politics. He loved a good debate and won most of the time. Haley was strong as an ox, stubborn as a mule and was known as a gentle giant. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. The "big man" was loved by many and will be missed greatly.

Haley is preceded in death by his parents Joseph Harold Beaudry and Viola (Polly) McIntyre and his brother Charlie (Judie) Beaudry. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Lizzy); siblings Mac Beaudry (Judy), Pollyanna (Lenny) Thurmond, Callista (Shamus) Rojecki; brother-in-law John (Margo) Symonds; children, Renee (Steven) Schultz, Aimee (Eric) McNabb and Haley Ann (Josh) Kristovich, and 9 grandchildren; Kale, Cooper, Kelton, Teaghan, Finley, Rielynn, Addison, Betsy and Chloe, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 17th at the Copper King Convention Center in the Grand Ballroom, 4655 Harrison Ave, Butte, MT 59701. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Haley's name are suggested to The Montana Tech Foundation, 1300 W. Park Ave., Butte, MT 59701. All funds will be moved to the Haley Beaudry Engineering Scholarship fund upon setup. Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Haley. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Haley and his family.