Bernard (Bing) Telesphore Menard passed away of natural causes on May 31, 2018 in Townsend, MT. He was 82.
Bing, the great grandson of a Gallatin County pioneer, was born on June 14, 1935 in Bozeman, Montana. He attended Holy Rosary and graduated high school from Gallatin County High School in 1953. After school he joined the US Navy and spent time on the USS Agerholm until he was honorably discharged in 1958.
In 1959, Bing married Dorothy (Jill) Burleigh and had six children. They would later divorce. During that time, he started his career in logging and heavy equipment. He continued until his retirement in 1997.
After spending time in the logging business near Livingston, Bing worked in heavy highway construction, then at Big Sky Redi-Mix in Helena and Gray Rock Trucking, among other jobs. These jobs took him across the state until he landed in Townsend in 1980, where he would spend the rest of his life.
In addition to his full time job he also ran a gravel hauling and excavation business and sold saddles and tack, which he continued to do until his passing.
In 2006, Bing married Cheryl Taylor. After her retirement from the state in 2016, the two enjoyed day trips, camping, taking care of their chickens, and gardening.
Bing enjoyed working and lived by the idea that working hard and providing for his family was important, but he also knew how to have a good time, which he passed down to his kids and grandkids.
Some of his passions included buying, selling and trading horses, tack, equipment, and a good story.
He was known for his great sense of humor and hardly went anywhere without knowing someone, and if he didn’t, he was quick to make friends.
Bing enjoyed his time with his grandchildren and often went to their many school activities. His humor entertained them, especially when he did one of his favorite things – cooking for his family. Always the food pusher, “Gramps” was out to feed to world, always offering to make breakfast or a quick sandwich.
Bing was preceded in death by his parents, Lois (Fogelman) and Raymond Menard, his brother Larry, and three sisters, Jane, Loraine and Carolyn, and a stepson, Marty Larson.
He is survived by his wife, Cherie, six children, Larry (Linda) Menard of Lincoln, Missy (John) Rauser of Toston, Lisa (Paul) Orth of Townsend, Renee Richter of Chester, John Menard of Townsend, Lee (Stacy) Menard of White Sulphur Springs, a stepson, Brian (Amber) Larson of Fairfield, nineteen grandkids, four great grandsons and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 6th at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 101 South Walnut Street, Townsend. Following the Mass, Military Honors and a celebration of life reception will take place at the American Legion, 211 Broadway St., Townsend. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Three Forks at a later date.
Ward and a Sherry Scoffield says
Sympathy and prayers to all of Bing’s family.
BJ Bouray says
Cheri & family so Sorry to hear of Bings passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. (((Hugs))) my friend❤
Dana Rauser says
Sorry for your loss , Bing was a good man.
Rick O’Connell says
The Lord must have needed a truck driver or maybe just a good laugh. Bing was truly one of a kind. He’ll be missed by all that had tge pleasure to share a “tall one” with him. Our thoughts are with the family.
Rick and Jan.
Sharie Babb says
Condolences to you all from the Sofil’s and the Babbs. Praying for peace for you and your family.
Gerry Olsen says
He was a top hand pard.. bar none
Dudley Williams says
Sincerest condolences to the Menard family. Bernard T. Was a long and good friend of ours for many years.Served with Bing on The Agerholm .He will be missed by all..
Durk Pipinich says
Sorry for your loss to the Menard family. Durk & Paula Pipinich
Rick and Jeanne Gilman says
It is so hard when they leave us here on Earth and we must live without them. I do believe Bing will continue to shine through in his children. May God comfort you as you grieve.
Tom Juhl says
Bing keep tha drum spinning, I will be up there and we’ll get it unloaded. R.I.P. MY FRIEND……
Darlene Cleveland says
My deepest sympathy to Cherie, Menard and Taylor family.
jack knight says
my thoughts and prayers are with you menard family and friends bing was a character while i worked with him he always had a funny story or something to eat with peanut butter i thought of him often even though i didnt know him that long or that well i could get a laugh out of something i remembered he said or that he said he had done when i eat corn bread i always think of him it was his recipe so long bing hope you get a good 10 wheeler
Deziah says
I am so sorry for your loss, Bing was a great man and I will miss being able to dicker in the tack shed with him….
Zaharko says
Prayers of comfort.
Janet Stellmon says
I’m sorry to hear about Bing’s passing. I have lots of childhood memories of him and the rest of the Menards. Still to this day when I see a cement truck, I think of Bing. May the good memories comfort you!
Diana Erickson says
I worked with Bing in 1967 on the Cascade Highway. I was a flagger to Zook Construction out of Great Falls. Bing and I were great friends and I have thought of him often.