Stevensville – Daniel E. Hastings died suddenly of natural causes at this home on August 15, 2013, three days short of his 67th birthday.
He was born on August 18, 1946, the eldest of nine, in Butte, America to Ed and Ann (O’Gara) Hastings. He attended St. Mary’s grade school and graduated from Butte Central High School in 1964. The following year he and his close friend EJ Gordon enlisted in the Navy. He served aboard the USS Repose until his honorable discharge.
Dan married Terry Wllace of Butte, MT and had three children, Mike, Shauna and Steve. They were later divorced. In 1978 he married Barbara (Swick) Hastings in Miles City, MT. They immediately moved to Missoula, MT and a few years later to the Stevensville area where they have resided since.
Before retiring, Dan had worked a total of 26 years in the Electrician/Fiber Optic trade (majority with Mountain Bell/US West/Qwest). During his retirement, he found out that “idle hands are the devil’s workshop” and returned to work before retiring again in 2007.
Dan was a staunch union supporter and was a Union Steward of the IBEW Local 233 for many years.
During retirement he was active in the American Legion Post 94 and recently served as Commander; a title of which he was extremely proud. Dan was also a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of the Mountains Council. He enjoyed many activities but was always happiest when he was with family. He realized a life-long dream with a trip to Ireland in 2007.
Dan was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, an infant brother Michael, and sister Patti (Trevena). He is survived by his wife of 34 years Barbara and his five children: Michael of Missoula, MT, Shauna (Bob) Yelverton of Wichita, KS, Steve of Horatio, AR, David of Laurel, MT, Danny of Missoula, and grandchildren Chance and Sierra; also his brothers and sisters Mary Kay Rowlett of Cottage Grove, OR, Jodi (Ed) Morgan of Coeur d’Alene, ID, Sharon (Randy) Guizzo of Butte, MT, Ed (Diane) Hastings of Helena, MT, Tom Hastings of Helena, MT, John (Tawana) Hastings of Iowa, and the many beloved nieces and nephews. Also surviving Dan are his Mother-in-law Ethel Swick of Miles City, MT, brothers-in-law Bruce (Carol) Swick of Helena, MT and Bob (Jeanne) Swick of Moorhead, MN and their families.
A vigil service was held at St. Mary’s Parish in Stevensville on Tuesday, August 20.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Parish on Wednesday, August 21 at 11 a.m. with Military Honors provided by Stevensville American Legion Post 94. Inurnment will take place at the Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum, 4700 Harrison Ave, in Butte on Thursday, August 22 at 10 a.m.
Memorials may be made to the Butte Central Education Foundation, P.O. Box 634, Butte MT, St. Mary’s Parish, Pantry Partners, or a charity of your choice.
“Tap ‘er light, pard.”
Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.