Big Sky Cremations

Guaranteed lowest provider in the Helena area

In Memory Of

Albert E. Rose

February 18, 1929 – October 20, 2013

Albert Edward “Al” Rose, 84, passed away Sunday, October 20, 2013, at his home in East Helena that he shared with his companion and caregiver, Betty, after a short, courageous battle with pancreatic-liver cancer. He was born at St. John’s Hospital in Helena, Montana on February 18, 1929, to the late Albert H and Ann Hudoklin Rose.
He grew up in East Helena, attended St. Ann’s and East Helena Public schools and graduated from Helena High School with the class of 1948. To close family and relatives he was “Bud” or “Buddy” and to his many friends he was called “Spider” and was recognized driving his black 1941 Mercury.
One of his first jobs in Helena was parking cars at Porter’s Garage on Edwards Street. In 1953, he began operating the Conoco Gas Station, formerly DeRosier’s, at the foot of 11th Avenue. His auto repair, sales, wrecker, and wrecking yard businesses have been operating since 1958 with various locations in Helena and the Helena Valley. He was an excellent mechanic, avid driver and car collector, participated as a league bowling team member, and a member of various car clubs where he enjoyed sharing and displaying his cars.
His first marriage to Alice Horn brought two sons, David William and Albert Frank “Buzz;” they were later divorced. In his later marriage to Edwina Manson Mougeot, they shared two sons, Andrew Michael and Karl Alan, which ended in divorce. He was also married and divorced to Jane Dritshulas and Marianne Carlson Millons.
He is survived by his sons, Buzz (Eileen) Rose, Andy Rose, and Karl Rose of Helena; sisters, Iris Maness, East Helena and Barbara Rose, Helena; nephew Dan (Pat) Maness; grandchildren Sandy (Junko) Rose, USN stationed in Hawaii, Dustin (Ryan) Rose, USAF stationed in Los Angeles, CA, Christina (Michael) Holmes, Helena; great-grandchildren, Hiromu Rose, A.J. and Abi Rose and an expected Holmes baby in December; numerous step grandchildren, step great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, his son, David William Rose, brother-in-law, Joseph Maness and many uncles, aunts and cousins.
Funeral services will be Saturday, November 2, 2013, at 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 512 Logan Street in Helena; reception to follow immediately. Private interment of remains at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Al’s name are suggested to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 1075 N. Rodney #102, Helena, MT 59601 or to an organization of your choice.

Service Schedule

Service Schedule

Share

Share this! Tweet this! Email this!

Send flowers

Please visit the floral shop page for assistance in choosing a local florist.

Photo Gallery

No photos have been submitted yet.
Click here to share yours.

Reader Interactions

Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  2. Patty Marcil says

    I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Al Rose. Al has been a big part of our family for a long time. All of the men in our family spent several hours BS-ing with Al, and anytime they needed an obscure part to some old thing with an engine, they’d go check with Al to see what he had in inventory. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

  5. Denise Cook says

    I will miss Al and his stories of his younger days. I am blessed to have known such an interesting character. My heart goes out to Al’s family. He was a good friend and a hard worker and I will not forget him.

    Denise Cook

  11. Marv Kline says

    I worked with Al on numerous occasions. Thru fire dept. and when I worked for Elite Towing. We was one hell of a man and will be missed greatly.

  15. juli peden says

    Al was always there to help when a person had a problem with their vehicle and many many times was not paid for his kindness.

    Juli Peden

  17. The Elton Family says

    To the Rose Family:
    My family and I would like to express our deepest sympathy over the loss of Mr. Rose. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. When we read Genesis 1:28 and 31, we find that sickness and death were not a part of God’s original purpose. With this in mind, one thing that comforted me after the loss of my parents is our Creator’s plan to restore his original purpose and make it possible for all mankind (including loved ones we have lost in death) to live forever under perfect conditions. (Revelation 21:3-5; John 5:28,29) It is our hope that these words bring you a measure of comfort during this difficult time. Once again, please accept our condolences as you deal with the loss of Mr. Rose and contemplate the hope of seeing him again.

  21. Kitty Bailey says

    I/we have many fond memories of Al. We all wish to extend our condolences.

    With love,
    Kitty, Mike, India, Kathy, Matt, & Al

  22. tim clavin says

    Al was a super guy. He provided a great hangout and support for so many of us kids (at the time) who loved cars. Al’s garage will never be forgotten.

  23. Helen (Rosie) Taffs says

    So sorry for your loss. Al was one-of-a-kind. I remember his “Great Pumpkin” coveralls from the old garage.

  24. Don Becker says

    I met Al in the mid 80’s while searching for parts for my ’48 Lincoln. Someone referred me to Al, & at first he was reluctant to sell me parts but “softened” when I told him my Dad bought the car new! He was of immense help in providing parts & info. I would stop to visit him (when he was in his shop & not on a wrecker call) when I was in Helena. We had many great conversations about V-12 Lincolns & cars in general. I have a lasting reminder of Al on my ’48 Lincoln; a new set of ’48 Lewis & Clark Co. plates which he gave me, & which I display on the car. A great guy whom I will miss. My sincere sympathy to all of his family. I am lucky to have known him. Don Becker – Fairfield

  25. Shannon Bright-Meyer says

    To the Rose family, I was so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. I know he’s up in heaven sharing some stories with my Dad and Mom and watching over us. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless

  26. David C. Balkovetz says

    Well Al I guess you made it to home plate. They say memories are in the minds of the living so I’ll always remember you as a wonderful past neighbor. You were a cool guy and a great car chaser. I enjoyed your fathers R/W Bronco and I hope you enjoyed my B/W Bronc. Al had that special since of humor that few have, Al was a gift and I send my sincere regards to his family. David Balkovetz 1608 Highland St

  27. Jack Ward says

    Al Rose was one of the kindest and most gracious persons we have ever met. He taught me a lot about the “towing” business and was always there when I needed help or advice. We will miss him!!! Jack and Phyllis Ward – AA Towing & Recovery – Lincoln, MT

  28. Doug Olson says

    To Buzz, Eileen, Karl and other family members, my prayers and thoughts at Al’s recent passing. Having known Al for well over 35 years, he was a warm and witty man who clearly was known for his wisdom, humor, good natured personality as well as being considered a “friend” by countless Helenans. He was a “giver” not a “taker”. Al helped many people from all walks of life from judges and politicians to someone he’d meet on the street or in the café or to those who worked for him throughout the years. While classic cars, tow trucks and mechanics were his life’s work,, he was a much broader person to those who had the privilege to know him. His broad smile with an almost like twinkle in his eyes shined on many people during his life. May your memories of Al and God’s love help with your loss. Doug Olson, Minneapolis.

  29. Phyllis Ward says

    He was a wonderful, hard working guy and always there to help when he was needed. He will be missed and we offer our condolences and prayers to his family. It was a pleasure to know him. God Bless You All….Jack and Phyllis Ward – Lincoln, Montana

  30. Lyle Cigler. The Cigler Family says

    Al Rose let me drive a 1957 Ford Thunderbird (pink) in the West Yellowstone Rod Run parade in 1979. Wow what a thrill for a 20 year old . A legend is gone but not the legacy. There will be Al Rose stories for many years. Say hi to all the Gear Heads in Heaven AVROOM VROOM The Cigler Family

  31. Russ McDonald says

    Al was simply a great guy, and his passing is a loss for all of us. He’ll be greatly missed. Our sympathies to all of his family .

    Russ and Mary Ellen McDonald

  32. Phil & Terry Lamping says

    To the Rose Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Al was always here when we needed him to pick up a car, a camp trailer, or whatever else needed to be hauled away. Even though Phil is a “Chevy” man, he and Al always had the utmost respect for each other. He was a very kind person that will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Phil & Terry Lamping

  33. Beverly Nelson says

    Buzz and family I just want you to know how sorry we are for your loss. .As Mickey said that morning Al was his last Hero to pass away. Mickey goes back for over 60 yrs knowing Al. He has so many wonderful stories. We would just like you to know that we are here for you at any time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  35. Rose Earnest says

    Unfortunately, Mom and I learned of Al’s passing, Monday, 02/17/2014, as we were calling/texting to wish him “Happy Birthday”. Helena and Montana’s neighboring cities have lost one heck of a man, although I am certain the loss has crossed many more state lines and borders.

    I have been accompanying my Mother to Helena, to celebrate the numerous “Helena High School, Class of ’48” reunions. Although Al seldom attended the get togethers, we would always check in on him and get together even if just briefly for coffee. Al, had come to our “rescue” on several occassions through the years, one time I vividly recall, we had returned our rental car, we were scheduled on a flight to depart Helena, and our flight was cancelled unexpectedly. He came to our rescue, picked us up from the airport, was able to secure a much nicer “room” for the unexpected overnight stay, than where we had been staying at Jorgensons, for less $ too!!!!! He also lent us a vehicle to drive, so we weren’t stuck in the room, for the day. He was definitely, the most gracious, kind, thoughtful man, I have ever known.

    He served as a liaison between my father and I. After my father’s death, I referred to Al as my, “Surrogate Father”, whom I was closer to. He was always planning to get to “Spokane” to see our cabin and property, and after we moved into town, we offered him a much more comfortable place to stay with us during a visit, however, that never transpired.

    It deeply saddens me to learn of Al’s untimely passing, which I am certain family, friends and all who’s lives he had touched feel the same way. I wanted to share this tribute, because it is a modest way of me expressing the love and joy of the friendship we shared.

Add your thoughts and memories.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *