Preston "Chips" Smallwood

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, Unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. Preston Smallwood (Chips), 92, of Helena passed away on July 18, 2014 at St. Peters Hospital in Helena. Preston was born in Bellingham, Washington on July 26, 1921, to James and Theresa Smallwood. Preston grew up around Lake Whatcom, Washington helping his dad logging. Preston later moved to Sedro Woolley where he delivered papers and guiding horseback riders, graduating from Sedro Woolley High School (KUMTAX) in 1940. During World War II, Preston worked at Boeing. On June 27th, 1943, Preston married Betty Lou Hogenson in Seattle, Washington. While on vacation in Montana, Preston applied and was hired by the Anaconda Company in Anaconda and Butte where he worked for 32 years before retiring. Upon retiring, Preston and Betty Lou moved to Helena where they continued their love of fishing, hunting, gardening and playing golf. Continuing to use his gift of gab, Preston became a camp host at Holter Lake during the summers. Preston enjoyed his days watching the Braves and playing cards. Eventually, Preston moved into Eagle Manor to continue sharing stories and conversation with new friends. Preston was preceded in death by his wife Betty Lou, his parents James and Theresa, brother James, sisters Dorothea and Mary, and son-in-law Roy Rowsey. Preston is survived by his three daughters Nelda Clawson (Ken), Peg Rowsey, and Betty Jane Pickett (Joe), his sister-in-law Violette Lair, 53 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will begin on Thursday, July 24th from 10:00 a.m. to11:00 a.m. at the Longfellow-Finnegan-Riddle Chapel, followed by a grave side service at 11:30 a.m. at the Sunset Memorial Gardens, as per Preston's request. All are invited to celebrate Preston's life at a luncheon following the graveside service at AOH Hall. The family suggests donations to Shriner's Hospital's for Children P.O. Box 2472, Spokane, WA 99210-2472. What difference a good man can make. Our world won't be the same without him, but the next world has gained one heck of a soul.

Visitation

JUL 24. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (MDT)

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home 107 Oak St. Anaconda, MT 59711

Graveside Service

JUL 24. 11:30 AM (MDT)

Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery Butte, MT 59701