Pete Pidal

Visitation: Wednesday, November 5, 2003 from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Jordan

Vigil Service: Wednesday, November 5, 2003 at 6:00 pm at the Stevenson & Sons Funeral home

Funeral Service: Thursday, November 6, 2003 at 10:00 am at the VFW Hall in Jordan

Interment: will follow in the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan, MT

Peter "Pete" Pidal, age 79, of Jordan, Montana passed away at the Garfield County Nursing Home in Jordan, MT on Wednesday, October 29, 2003.

Pete was the son of Fernard and Sarah (Sanchez) Pidal born on September 18, 1924 in Jerome, Idaho. He was raised in a catholic orphanage with his brother Edgar and three sisters: Esther, Amy and Ann. After being raised in the orphanage, Pete unfortunately lost touch with his siblings for more than 40 years until they were reunited. Pete moved to Miles City, during the 8th grade and lived there until the untimely death of his brother prompted him to join the Marines. At the tender age of 16, Pete suited up for our country and later proved that bravery is not pre-determined by youth. Just like something from out of a novel, Pete earned a purple heart for his valor and was later honorably discharged. And you wont find Petes purple heart mounted in a glass display case for the whole world to see. Petes modesty and meekness would have never let that happen.

After his tenure with the Marines, Pete then returned to Miles City where he began working for ranches in Eastern Montana. It was during these years when a younger Pete traveled to and fro to participate in rodeos. In the late 1930s, Pete traded in his spurs and lasso for a hard had and a steamroller as he began working road construction. For 20 years, Pete paved his way across Montana from Glasgow to Kalispell and then back again. His job introduced him to lifelong friends and allowed him to see every amenity that Montana had to offer. Eventually, however, Pete decided to make Jordan home. He and Ruthe Billing Hageman were married in Miles City on December 18, 1970. The couple then moved back to Jordan where they could retire and enjoy one anothers company. It is during this portion of his life that most of us grew to know Pete the best.

Often substituting stern looks for smiles, Pete had his own way of showing you that he cared. Hidden under a sometimes abrasive exterior was a big-hearted man who made sure that everyone who walked through his door left with a full belly and a smile. Pete had a wonderful sense of humor and would only make fun of you if he liked you; Pete was also know to enjoy a good argument; whether he was talking politics over a cup of steaming hot coffee or watching a basketball game on the couch, you could always count on Pete to put in his two cents. Pete could often be found doing yard work at his home with his sidekick a miniature dachshund named Brownie not far away. Pete cared for Brownie like he was his own child, fashioning and expensive doghouse for him (which the dog never had to sleep in) and taking him for rides in the truck.

A life long sports fan, Pete put the same enthusiasm into cheering on kids who suited up in Mustang orange and black as he did for his favorite pro-teams. Pete also closely followed the high school sports careers of all his grandchildren.

Pete is survived by his three step sons; Robert and his wife Donna Hageman of Jordan, MT, George and his wife Susan of Eugene, OR and Glenn and his wife Katie Hageman of Glasgow, MT, numerous step-grandchildren, three step great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and his two sisters; Esther Lanoue of Missoula, MT and Amy Pidal of San Francisco, CA.

Pete was preceded in death by his wife Ruthe Pidal and two brothers: Thomas Pidal and Edgar Pidal.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Jordan. A vigil services will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 at 6:00 pm at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Jordan. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2003 at 10:00 am at the VFW Hall in Jordan. Interment will follow in the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan, MT. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Jordan has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.