Lester "Bud" Ernest Hallford passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, at the age of 85 in Deer Lodge, Montana.

Bud was born on August 18, 1940, in Deer Lodge to Ernest and Alice Hallford. He lived his full life in Montana, growing up surrounded by sisters, cousins, friends, and plenty of adventures. The stories from those years stayed with him for the rest of his life and were often told and retold again.

After serving in the Montana National Guard, Bud went to work at the lumber mill in Bonner, Montana. He spent his entire career there through its many ownership changes-from the Anaconda Company to Champion Lumber and finally Stimson Lumber, where he retired. Over the years, he worked in the sawmill and later operated the Wagner, sorting logs.

The stories that came out of the Bonner mill were legendary. The friendships, practical jokes, and laughter followed Bud long after retirement and provided enough stories to entertain family and friends for decades. Some of those stories may even have improved with age.

If you wanted to understand Bud, though, you only needed to know three things: family, hunting, and fishing.

Above all else, Bud loved his family. They were the center of his world and the source of his greatest pride.

He was a lifelong hunter and fisherman who loved the outdoors. He was happiest in the mountains, on the river or creek, sitting around a campfire, or gathered over an ice fishing hole with good company. He wasn't a man who needed a crowd. A cup of coffee, a good conversation, and a few close friends were more than enough.

His dad was his first best friend. His wife, Evelyn, was the love of his life. Together they built a family, and after Evelyn's passing in 1986, Bud continued building a life filled with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family gatherings, hunting trips, fishing stories, and countless moments worth remembering.

A loving and special recognition goes to Sherri, his companion and partner of more than twenty years. Together they shared adventures, family milestones, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, laughter, and everyday life. Her love, friendship, and devotion brought joy to Bud's later years, and she remained faithfully by his side through his final chapter.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Alice Hallford; his beloved wife, Evelyn Hallford; his sister, Pat; his grandson, Trent; and many cousins, relatives, and friends who helped shape a childhood and life full of Montana adventures and memories.

He is survived by his son, Roger (Lisa) Hallford; his daughter, Brenda (Todd) Throop; sisters Sharon (Fred) and Bobbi (John); grandchildren Hailie (Eric), Nikki (Dylan), Destini (Luke), Courtney (Buddy), and Ike (Rachael); nine great-grandchildren, with one more expected in October; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

When people talk about Bud, they rarely start by talking about his career, his hunting trophies, or the fish he caught. They usually say something much simpler:

"Bud was such a good man."

And for a life well lived, there may be no greater compliment than that.

His laugh will be missed. His stories will be missed. His steady presence will be missed.

The family would like to thank the caregivers, friends, and loved ones who supported Bud and his family throughout his final journey. A special and heartfelt thank you goes to Rachael Hallford, whose kindness, dedication, and tireless support meant so much to Bud, Sherri, and the entire family during his final months.

Celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 29, 2026 at Garden City Funeral Home with burial to follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Following burial a reception will be held back at Garden City Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at gardencityfh.com.