Charles Alfred Hare

Charles was born on August 5, 1921, in Salt Creek, Wyoming to Charles and Aerial (Stevens) Hare. Charlie moved to Eddington, Maine in 1933, with his parents and he graduated in 1940. Following his graduation, Charlie served four years in the Navy during WWII, as a flight crewman. He served his tour of duty in the Atlantic Theater aboard an Aircraft Carrier. He was also stationed in Greenland and Panama. In 1950's when he was working in Las Vegas, Nevada, Charlie met a man from Butte, Montana, who told him about the abundant elk herds and great fishing. Charlie decided then and there to move to Butte. When he arrived in Butte he could not find a job. There were no openings. He was told to look in Anaconda. He took the Intermountain Transportation Bus to Anaconda, got a room at the Montana Hotel and was hired as a laborer for the Anaconda Smelter. After 33 years he retired as an operator when the Smelter closed. Charlie was an avid and passionate fisherman. His primary fishing spot was Georgetown Lake but he also fished the Big Hole and Rock Creek. He was an early advocate of catch and release primarily because he did not like the taste of trout. Similarly, although he hunted elk all his life he never liked the meat. After filling his tag he would give the meat to friends, who enjoyed it. Charlie was a self-described loner. He never married, never had a fishing and hunting partner, and lived life his way. In his late years he enjoyed his morning walks for coffee at Subway and stopping on his way back home to get his mail at the Post Office. Charlie led a frugal life and left his entire and substantial estate to the Anaconda Community Foundation for the benefit of the community of Anaconda. Charlie died on Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at the Community Nursing Home, Anaconda. Military Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, 2013, in the Veteran Section of New Hill Cemetery, Anaconda. Military Rites will be accorded by the Anaconda American Legion Post #21 and the Montana Honor Guard.