Known affectionately to some as “Mean Grandpa,” he put forth a crusty exterior, but anyone around him for even two minutes could see it was just a façade. As soon as he saw you, he would get that big grin on his face and the next thing you know you were getting a prickly beard hug. One of the toughest, most influential men we have ever known, fiercely protective of his family, and with a heart of gold as big as the Montana outdoors. His biggest delight was to “pass you the butter” and bury your thumb in it! We will miss his spunk, humor, and strength that has graced our family all these years.
Charles Lawrence (Larry) Broadwater was born in Columbus, Montana on April 5, 1931 to his namesake Charles L Broadwater and Wilma Jean Wimsett Broadwater. In 1949, this “Golden Gloves” boxer and basketball standout graduated from Reed Point High school. His lifelong love of ranching began when he started working for W Kratz on the Stillwater ranch. He later worked several years on the Canyon Ferry Project, earning the well-deserved position of Foreman and refining his ability to fix just about anything.
In 1952, Larry married Monte Jean Mockel, and last September, they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. They honeymooned for a few days in Yellowstone National Park, and then settled in Radersburg, Montana to begin their family while he worked on the ranch of his bride’s grandfather.
In the mid 60’s, Larry’s entrepreneurial spirit began to shine, when along with two others, Larry bought into the Warren Sales and Service partnership, where he worked diligently for over 20 years. Around the same time, he bought his first ranch on Helberg Drive in the Helena Valley. Larry later started up his own sales and service corporation, Broadwater Enterprises. As the keeper of the largest inventory of rare and hard-to-find parts, many of which were obtained at local auctions which he frequented weekly, everyone knew if you had a piece of equipment break down and needed an obsolete part, you only had to call Larry. He would always have it, and knew exactly where to find it among his treasures.
For many years, he built his sterling reputation as a solid businessman, where he demonstrated for all that a man’s handshake was his word, and your word is who you are. Larry was loyal and fair, but let’s be honest – he never came out on the short end of a deal. He eventually sold Broadwater Enterprises to buy a larger ranch and resume the ranching he loved full time. Larry was one of the hardest working people the world has ever known, as evidenced by the other business he started shortly after “retiring.”
Larry and Monte Jean recently sold their ranch in Townsend, Montana and retired once again, moving back to Helena. For over ten years, Larry courageously fought cancer, with the consistent, kind, and caring support from Dr. Weiner, his staff and the Oncology unit at St. Peters Hospital.
Larry was a hard worker all his life, which was both a virtue and a vice. He passed on his values by demonstrating his integrity and strong work ethic, taught us loyalty, service to others, and family is the most important thing in this world. He will never be forgotten, and it is with immense love and sadness that we say Happy Trails, we will be with you later.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Wilma Broadwater, his sister Sharon Broadwater Strub, brother-in-law Jim Strub, and son-in-law, Michael David Gambill. He is survived by his wife, Monte Jean Mockel Broadwater, sister Betty Broadwater Grace (Stan), brother George “Skoot” (Marilyn), and his children Kendall Clarke Broadwater (Suzi), Richard Dee Broadwater, and Julie Ann Broadwater Gambill. Larry is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 3 great, great, grandchildren.
If preferred, in lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society in Larry’s name.
Please see below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Larry.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday January 22, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday January 23, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Monday January 23, 2017
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Burial
Monday January 23, 2017
Townsend Fairgrounds
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday January 22, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday January 23, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Monday January 23, 2017
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Burial
Monday January 23, 2017
Townsend Fairgrounds
Townsend, Montana 59644
Share
Gail ZIMMER says
So sorry to hear about Larry– husband, dad and grandpa. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Stacie &Bill Visser says
Love to my family. See you later Uncle Lunch! Thanks for all the loving and funny memories! Love you bunches!
Stacie & Bill Visser says
Love to my family. See you later Uncle Lunch! Thank you for the loving and funny memories! Love you bunches!
Rick Broadwater says
To the most incredible man I’ve ever known. Thank you, thank you Dad for all you’ve done and given me. Integrity, Honesty, Love and that work ethic and toughness that really can’t be described. You fought so hard and so wanted to live. I am in awe of you and will never forget you. We got it now dad and will take care of Mom. I know if it’s possible, you are looking over us now and until we see each other again. Love you ,love you love you.
Rick
Stan and Bessie says
So long old friend. We’ll see you again on the other side…
Debbie Clark says
It was always an experience to be around Larry each day we had with him. He will always be a special person from the man who teased the kids with his peanut butter and jelly sandwich sandwiches, drove a pretty fast old red ford pickup, loved attending a good auction and bidding for others, and helping out a young family trying to make it in the ranching business. For all the time you spent with the kids and the person you nicknamed Maytag we loved it all. Thanks for all the memories and just being special you!!
Daniel White says
Mr Broadwater, I am saddened to hear your loss. Your whole family was and still are First Class. You will be missed by everyone you ever met, God Bless You.
Suzi Broadwater says
My dear FIL (father-in-law) “Love ya little, love ya big – – love ya like a little pig” will remain in my heart forever with a fondness that can’t be described. I will never forget you or all the ways you have enriched my life. May your days be peaceful at long last.
With love, DIL (daughter-in-law)
Shirley (Divine) Sutheimer says
I have some very fond memories of your dad. What a special man he was! He will be missed. My heart breaks for all of you and you’re all in my prayers!
Brian Beason says
Dear Rick and family,
I’m sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers to you and your families in this hard time. May all your memories by bright.
Alison Powell(Williams) says
I will miss being called a bad penny that always returns. What a wonderful family of awesome generations. Thank you for letting me be a part. Love and prayers to all.
Sandi Coyle-Benson says
Julie, Rick, Ken and family – Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim and Connie Ferriter says
Kendall, Suzi, Rick, Julie and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your father. Sounds like he was quite the character. He loved you all very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless