In Memoriam – July 2025

As is our tradition, we are taking a look back at the lives of the people we have lost in the past year, continuing with obituaries that appeared in July 2025. For obituaries that appeared in January, see the Dec. 21 edition. For February and March, see the Dec. 23 edition. For April and May 2025, see the Dec. 30 edition. For June, see the Jan. 3 edition.

William James Corcoran (Rocky)

Our mom told the story how Rock was born with hands positioned in fists, reminding our parents of the legendary Rocky Marciano, thus, his nickname was coined.  Rocky cherished childhood Sunday drives, camping, fishing, and sledding down Birch Street.  Rocky graduated from Anaconda Central High School in 1972 where he excelled in football as a guard and was a member of the 1971 Western Conference Championship team.   He was king “Jake” in his high school group called The Big Jake’s! After school Rocky worked for a time with the BA&P railroad, but he found his true passion when he entered into the International Ironworkers trade, he was very talented in his trade and over time he traveled to many states mastering his skills as a worker and foreman, eventually retiring back home in Anaconda where he enjoyed his love for cooking and his love for dogs, especially Shoes, Ginger and Sally.

Arthur Louis Fergerson

In his younger days he enjoyed dealing cards at Fetty’s, he particularly loved hunting with his good friend, Buzzy and his cousins, Henry and Marie.  Art was known for his legendary, underhanded hurling of a fast-pitch softball.  Leading numerous teams to a state championship.  He was also a member of the Montana Bowling Association Hall of Fame.  Having the distinction of being part of the only father/daughter duo to each bowl perfect 300 games.  Art loved camping with family at Jerico Bay.  After it was closed, he moved onto the Sportsman’s, where he made many lifelong friends.

Susan Bea Jacobs Montgomery

In 1979 she married David Terrell Montgomery and in 1986 gave birth to her daughter, Karen Bethany. Being a mother was her greatest joy and she put her whole heart and soul into the vocation. She nurtured children as her own including her three stepdaughters, her daughter’s friends, her sister’s children, and as a godmother. Sue’s gentle heart and empathy drew others to her, especially those who had experienced difficulties. She was a beloved employee of Discovery House for Homeless Youth, and she was a sanctuary for stray animals in need. In 1994, Sue began pursuing a lifelong dream by enrolling in nursing school. She graduated from Montana Tech in Butte in 1997 as an LPN earning a 4.0 GPA with high honors. She worked as a nurse at Anaconda Community Hospital and the Community Nursing Home until her retirement in 2014. Her dedication to comfort care for her patients was her true passion as she worked to connect with them personally and uphold their dignity. Her first objective in life was always to put the needs of those around her before her own, a trait that defined her.

John Michael Laughlin

After graduating high school in 1980, John pursued his passion for engineering at Montana State University in Bozeman, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology in 1985. Shortly after, he moved to Southern California to begin what would become a distinguished 37-year career in the aerospace industry. John’s first role involved testing fuel systems for the B-1B bomber, which marked the beginning of an extraordinary career designing, developing, and testing fuel and environmental control systems for the world’s most advanced aircraft. His expertise and commitment to national security made him a revered figure in the aerospace community, with contributions spanning the X-31 Demonstrator, Space Shuttle, B-2 Spirit Bomber, RQ-3 Darkstar UAV, X-35 Fighter, F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, B-21 Raider, C130J and numerous other classified projects. John was a true patriot and was deeply dedicated to supporting our Nation’s defense. He was widely respected as one of the top fuel system design engineers in the world and was equally admired for his passion in mentoring young engineers and passing on his vast knowledge of aircraft systems.

Edward Bristol Amberg

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.

Robert “Bob” Glenn Hamel

Bob was born to Howard and Rea Hamel in Anaconda, MT in 1947. He attended local schools    and was drafted in 1966-1969 to serve in Vietnam. After his return, he went to work for the Anaconda company as a Pipe fitter/welder until its closure.  He then traveled the country working on numerous projects as a pipe fitter/ weld tech and did that until he retired. He married the love of his life Peggy Hamel on January 13, 2001. They spent 24 amazing years together. One of Bobs favorite things to do was take long walks with his wife through Washoe Park. He loved horseback riding, hunting, shooting his pistols and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren who called him Gaga. He was a member of the plumber and pipe fitters Union, local 30-Billings, and the Anaconda Gun Club.

Derek Deforest Rhinehart

Born in Billings, Montana on December 13, 1981, to Harry Rhinehart and Lori Reierson, Derek lived a life rich in adventure, laughter, and deep connection with both people and the land. As a young boy, he spent his summers and weekends with his beloved grandparents, Jack and Georgia Ferguson, learning the ways of ranch life. Whether he was breaking horses, roping cattle, or helping with branding, Derek dove into it all with grit and heart. He also learned to operate heavy farm equipment like a natural, skills that stayed with him for life. These years built the foundation of the hardworking  man he would become. After graduating from Forsyth High School in 2000, where he was awarded an art scholarship, Derek continued working the land he loved, living with his grandmother Georgia at the North 40 and working for Bill Swanson. He later moved to Billings to begin a career in sheet metal, but his heart always stayed connected to the ranching lifestyle and the people who made it special.

Ricardo “Ricco” Garcia

Ricco had many hobbies over the years. He loved hunting and fishing, camping and enjoying friends and family in the outdoors of Montana. He tied his own flies and reloaded and repaired firearms for many, many years. Ricco had lots of collections too. From stamps to coins to hot wheels sport cards, and even baseball caps. In his later years, he like to hit the highway on his Harley. He travel to Sturgis for the annual bike rally. He also participated in many local poker and fun runs. Always willing to leans lend a hand to friends, neighbors and family. He liked to tinker and it was once said if “Grandpa“ can’t fix it then it’s broke. Ricco truly lived a full life right up till the end. He and his son Russell worked around the house and cut firewood and many other chores. He also like spending time with his kind and lovely girlfriend Carolyn.

Patti Mae Casey

She passed away at home surrounded by family and friends. She is survived by Ron Baudino, her dad Russel Gibson and Barb, her sisters Wanda and Dave Johnson, Peggy and Don West, Nancy and Ray Knutson. Her son Russ and wife Jenn Yust, their four kids Emily, Issic, Kasandra and Jimmy, along with Colleen Casey her daughter, with her four kids. And her nieces and nephews.

Patrick David Colligan

In his early years, Pat loved hunting and riding his Harley with close friends. As he got older, he picked up a camera and began capturing wildlife in photos instead. He loved the outdoors - camping, snowmobiling, trail riding in the side-by-side, and exploring ghost towns and national parks. His passion for history, especially the Lewis and Clark expedition, ran deep. Montana was his dream. He and Christina built a home there together, one that Pat poured his heart and hands into. It became a gathering place for family and friends, full of warmth, laughter, and the views he loved from the deck. He treasured watching wildlife around their land and sharing that life with others.

Michael K. Petersen

Michael was educated in Anaconda and graduated from Anaconda High School in 1985.  He attended Western Montana College where he studied Art and Elementary Education.  In 1987, he attended Buffalo State University, in Buffalo, NY.  While in college, Michael worked at AWARE Inc. with individuals with intellectual disabilities.  It was initially a job but later became his calling.  The individuals he had the opportunity to support inspired and motivated him.  He returned to Western Montana College and graduated with a double major in 1992. He went to student teach in Anaconda at Lincoln Elementary and Anaconda Junior High.  His mentor teachers further helped to mold him into a compassionate individual that wanted to give back.  Upon graduation, Michael continued working in group homes and work/day programs.  His drive continued and he worked for the State of Montana for 20 years as a Social Worker and Quality Improvement Specialist.  He enjoyed helping individuals with intellectual disabilities gain independence and achieve their goals, a service Michael found extremely fulfilling.  He gave 110% and brought his endless creativity to the positions, touching the lives of many.

Sheila (Morse) Saur

She married Fred Saur and they had three children (Rhonda, Brenda, and Fred Jr.) She was the last surviving sister of seven (Lorraine Casey, Ginny Bessette, Peggy Morse, Jane Ann Bartley, Mary Sue Morse and Aleta Cuchine.) She was a beloved mother, grandmother and aunt who will be missed by daughters and son in laws: Rhonda & Pat Maes (Adam & Ashley), Brenda & Bill Sandin (Shezell, Roger Jr) and son and daughter in law Fred Jr  &  Lisa Saur (Kyle & Tiffany) her great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Loren E. Verlanic

Loren graduated from Anaconda Central high school in May 1965. During his high school years, Loren played football and ran track. In 1966 Loren enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was honorably discharged in 1970. He was an accomplished cook/chef. Loren had many different employment avenues. Although his favorite was riding horses and working on a ranch. He loved the outdoors.

Marilyn Luella Opp

A proud Anaconda Copperhead, Marilyn graduated from Anaconda High School in 1963 and earned her business diploma at Butte Business College in 1964. She began her professional career as a secretary at Anaconda Copper Company before marrying in 1965 and moving to Medford, Oregon, where she was more widely known as Marcy Adams. There, she worked at Harry & David’s. Marilyn was particularly noted for her strong work ethic and exceptional multitasking skills, advancing through many office management roles over the years – working for lawyers, engineers, and law enforcement – eventually retiring after more than 25 years of service with Washoe County government in Reno, Nevada.