Philip W. Hanify

Philip W. Hanify of Great Falls, MT passed away peacefully at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Billings, MT on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 due to age and natural causes. Philip was born on July 31, 1941 to Kenneth T. and Gwendolyn(Tootie) Pond Hanify. He was born in a private home with a registered nurse as midwife, Hazel Robb.

Philips early years were spent on the family ranch North of Belle Fourche, SD. The home was full of love and caring. The home consisted of two rooms, no insulation and a dog at the foot of the bed during very cold spells.

Philip’s education consisted of attending a one-room school for two years and the remaining school years in Belle Fourche. Philip was Junior Class President and Student Council President his Senior year. He was nominated by his peers to be Homecoming Marshall his senior year. Rumor has it that he was taught how to dance by his cousins, Art and Dick Hanify during lunch hour at their home. He had to lead the Grand March for the prom and had to know how to dance. Dancing was something that he was good at and enjoyed. Philip graduated High School in 1959. He enrolled in college in 1961. This was just the start of his continuing education. Northwest Community College, Powell, WY. was his first start and upon graduating he then attended Black Hills State. He graduated from there with a degree in Science Education. He received his Master of Science Degree from Montana State University-Havre. Quite an accomplishment for a young man who was not an outstanding student during high school. In high school Philip participated in track and football. In his senior year the relay team participated in the State Track Meet. He played football at both Northwest Community College and BHSU. After High School Philip worked on road construction, missile sites pumping water from the sites(it rained cats and dogs that summer), local U&I Sugar Factory, American Colloid plant and picked peas in Washington state(folks sent him money to get him home, the peas rotted in the field, to much rain) and was fence inspector for the SD State Highway Department.

Philip received his “Uncle Sam” papers in 1967.He completed Basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO and advanced training at Ft. Polk, LA. He was sent to Vietnam as the radioman with the 4th Infantry. Philip’s unit was stationed in the Central Highlands and were heavily engaged with the enemy during the TET Offensive. He was discharged in January. 1969. He was hired by the Great Falls Public School System during the Fall of 1969. Philip taught History in Middle School. He retired from teaching in the early “90” s. He became a volunteer at the Charles M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, MT.

His past time activities included skiing, volunteering, attending rodeos and athletic events and reading. Philip loved history, which was satisfied by his frequent visits to the local library. He was famous for his many clippings he sent to friends and family all around the world. He also participated in the Honor Guard for military funerals.

Philip was preceded in death by his parents, Kenny and Tootie Hanify. He is survived by his sister Nancy (Don) Turbiville, Belle Fourche, SD and brother Kenneth (Marlene) Hanify, Laurel, MT. Nieces Anne Marie Hanify (husband Dale Loper), Kody(Mike) Wilbur and nephews Brian(Carla) Turbiville and Aaron(Tammy) Hanify, great nieces Breanne and Ally Watts, Sidney Hanify, Kayla Hindman, Keeli Doyle and great nephew Braxton Turbiville and several great-greats and many cousins.

A Memorial Mass will take place 10:30 A.M. Monday, June 30th, 2025 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Belle Fourche. A visitation will be held 2pm to 5pm Sunday, June 29th at Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. Inurnment will take place at Pine Slope Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the C.M. Russell Museum.