Edward Bristol Amberg

Edward Bristol Amberg

Edward Bristol Amberg, 73, passed away on July 5th, 2025, at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City Utah.

He was born on May 16, 1952, in Detroit Michigan to Edward and Margaret Amberg. On April 11, 1981, he married Helen Oyer.

Ed grew up in St Clair, Michigan with his younger brothers John and Bob. He spent many happy hours playing with his cousins, spending time at his grandfather’s orchard, vacationing at the family cottage and riding his bike to Lake St Clair to fish. He felt lucky to remain lifelong friends with kids from his neighborhood and others he met in grade/high school. 

Ed was a proud graduate of Michigan State University, receiving a BA in Recreation and Youth Leadership in 1976. He was a Spartan fan for life. In 1990 he graduated from the University of Montana with a Master of Public Administration. He then became a Griz fan. 

For several years after graduating from Michigan State Ed worked for the Michigan Department of Justice providing recreation programs in a correctional setting. In 1979 Ed moved to Montana to work as a Recreation Therapist on the Forensic Unit at the Montana State Hospital. This began his 30-year career in the States mental health system. Other positions he held at the hospital were Program Development Coordinator and Director of Quality Improvement and Public Relations. At the time of his retirement, he was the Chief Executive Officer for Montana State Hospital. He was proud of the different positions he held, feeling each one made him a better person and leader.

Ed was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, camping, hiking, skiing, biking and traveling. He was a sports fan of Michigan State, The Detroit Lions, Red Wings Hockey, The Detroit Tigers and The Montana Grizzlies. His most enjoyment came when he could share these activities with family.

Ed is survived by his wife of 44 years Helen; daughter Katie (Jake) Canty and their family Adam, Matthew and Mollie of Mesa, AZ; son Eddie (Sarah) and their family Leandra Thompson, Preston Belfiore and Charlie Belfiore of Anaconda, MT. Brothers John of Alexander, VA and Bob of Goetzville, MI.