John E. Siders

John E. Siders, (77), of Butte, Montana, lost his battle with cancer and passed away on October 1, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. John was born to William and Gladys Siders in Twin Bridges, Montana, on October 7, 1945. He was raised in Opportunity as the middle child of 9, causing lots of trouble in the way only Oppor Boys can, with his two older brothers Clint and Jim. 

John joined the Army in 1963 at the age of 17 with his two friends, Serge Myers and Bob Huffman, hoping to be a cook. Instead, in typical Army fashion, John shipped out to Stuttgart, Germany, as a Cessna L-19 “Bird Dog” Mechanic after graduating tech school in Alabama. He learned to speak fluent German and after his discharge from the military in 1968, lived in Germany working for the Red Cross. In 1977, he returned to the Anaconda area and met the love of his life, Renee Harmon. John and Renee were married on February 25, 1978, and raised their two children on Sunnyside Road in Anaconda. 

John held many titles: Prison Guard, Logger, Carpet Layer, and Animal Warden, but his favorite role was being a father. He loved nothing more than spending time with his adult children, Sunny and Cody. He was always there for them, whether helping them move across the country due to a PCS or getting Cody’s Camaro unstuck from deep in the mountains…several times.

When John wasn’t helping others, he and Renee would hit the trails and explore the Montana wilderness on horseback. John loved the outdoors and spent much of his free time camping with friends and family, always with Renee by his side. 

John also loved auto racing and would always have racing of some sort on either the television or his cell phone. His love was contagious as he put the “FAN” in “FANATIC,” leading his family to cheer with him. His favorite drivers were Rusty Wallace and Denny Hamlin.

John, fondly known as Doompa, doted on his seven grandchildren, Tristan, Celeste, Angel, Nataleigh, Lucas, Belana, and Emmett. He especially adored playing make-believe with them while they explored their imaginations. His grandkids loved spending time with their Doompa and will truly miss him.

John fought his battle against esophageal and liver cancer for a year and a half. Despite spending much of that time in and out of the hospital, he never lost his sense of humor. Throughout his journey, he cracked jokes, made silly faces with his grandchildren, and always had an anecdote to tell the nurses. He had a remarkable ability to make others smile, and his sense of humor will be missed.

He was kind and genuine, with true acceptance in his heart. With the life he lived, he shouldn’t have been such a gentle soul, but he always made the best of it by choosing to look at it with optimistic, sometimes warped, humor. Everyone who met John loved John and has a “John” story they will never forget.

John is preceded in death by his father Bill, mother Gladys, sisters Juanita, Catherine, and Virginia.

John is survived by his wife of 46 years, Renee Siders. His children, Cody and Lindsay Siders of Anaconda. Tom and Sunny Restuccio of Helena and his grandchildren Tristan Restuccio, Celeste Restuccio, Angel Restuccio, Nataleigh Siders, Lucas Siders, Belana Restuccio, and Emmett Siders. And great-grandson Ayden Restuccio. Siblings Clinton Siders, Jim Siders, Bob and Tana Dunkin, Larry Siders, and Robert Siders. And many nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of Life Service for John will be held at 11 am, October 27th, 2023, at the Washoe Theatre, 305 Main Street, Anaconda, MT 59711.  Express condolences at www.wayrynen-richards.com.