Jack Sherick

Jack Sherick, of Great Falls, MT (hometown Butte, MT) peacefully passed away on November 10 with his beloved children and dog Champ at his side. He was 85, and had been in hospice following a lengthy illness.

Jack was born in Butte to Mark and Victoria (Bugni) Sherick on May 9, 1941. He grew up in McQueen and was extremely proud of his Butte heritage. While attending Butte High, he met the love of his life, Diane. They were married in 1963, melding their Jewish and Catholic faiths into a loving bond that lasted the rest of their lives. Jack was a proud Montana State University Bobcat; he graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1963. He began his career at the Department of Energy National Lab in Idaho Falls, Idaho and then moved back to Butte to work with the Mountain States Energy MHD project in 1979. In 2001, after contributing as a volunteer leader for decades, Jack moved to Great Falls for “his perfect job” as a full-time professional at Montana Council of Scouting America.

Jack was a true family man, raising 3 children with Diane. Not only was he a wonderful father, he also cherished his role as uncle, brother, cousin, nephew and especially grandfather. “Pop” was the center of his family and nurtured special relationships with each of his grandchildren. With family spread across the country, he instilled a priority for taking advantage of every opportunity to be together and celebrate. Family gatherings often involved playing games, and always included laughter and light-hearted joking instigated by Pop. He reveled in having fun and enjoying life.

Jack befriended everyone he met and treated all people the same. He lived a life of selfless service. Jack was a committed Distinguished Eagle Scout who dedicated his life to developing and supporting young adults and building the scouting organization more broadly. He was also a contributing member of multiple community and service organizations, including Rotary, Jaycees, Optimists, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, the Catholic Church, and Great Falls U to U, to name a few. During the last 20-plus years, along with wife Diane, Jack became very involved with the Duplicate Bridge Club in Great Falls. This fun social network was an incredibly supportive community for him. Through all these experiences, Jack cultivated relationships as a mentor and inspirational leader, and positively impacted hundreds of people. He was always the first to volunteer to support or to lead the causes he believed in.

Jack was an outdoorsman; throughout his life, he enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing. His passion for these activities was amplified as he learned, journaled, and shared information. Jack was an extraordinary storyteller. He delighted in teaching others about nature and history. He loved to travel, visiting national parks and historic sites such as Presidential Libraries.

Jack is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diane; his parents; and his daughter, Vicki Sherick Hawkesworth. He is survived by son Michael (Susan), daughter Heidi (Erin Cech); son-in-law Scot Hawkesworth (Karen); grandchildren Matthew Sherick (Kelly), Sydney Sherick, Jake Hawkesworth (Makenna), Rachel Hawkesworth (Shelby Brown), and brother and sister-in-law Don and Joy Sherick.

We would like to express our gratitude for the thoughtful care Jack received at Benefis Hospital and Peace Hospice in Great Falls.

Memorial Services will be held in Butte on Monday, November 23, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church (visitation starting at 10:00), with a reception following at the Butte Country Club. Internment will be at the Mountain View Cemetery.