Henry “Spud†John Van Diest passed on to a better shootin range 11 May 2013 at his son’s home in Montana City, Montana. Henry was born April 13, 1927 at home in Three Forks, MT to John and Bessie Leggett Van Diest.
Henry graduated from Boulder Elementary School then moved to Helena with the family. His father was the foreman for the construction of the Armory at the corner of Last Chance Gulch and Euclid, and then remained as custodian. Henry spent many hours there helping his father and using the indoor range.
He graduated Helena Senior High and the Vo-Tech Aviation Mechanics program in 1945. On July 17, 1945 he was drafted into the United States Army becoming the sixth son of John and Bessie to serve in WWII. All of which returned home safely. Henry served with Troop C 18th Mechanized Calvary in Puerto Rico. He was honorably discharged as a Tech 4 January 3, 1947.
Henry attended the New York School of Photography in New Haven, Connecticut, and then ran a photo lab until returning to Montana. Upon his return he began working at the Marlow Theatre and Jorud’s Photo. In 1971 Henry married Betty Jo Harper and moved to his home in the Elkhorn Mountains of Clancy, MT. Among many other jobs that he had Barnes Jewelry was where he was most known as a Master Goldsmith, silversmith, and jewelry design and repair. He shared his love of the finer things in life with everyone around him. From a good saddle, a fine shootin iron, or a finely brewed beer he enjoyed life to the fullest.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Martin (Alice), Charles (Alma), August “Augie†(Bea), Clarence, Leonard “Donaldâ€, his sisters: Inez (Henry Sohl), Ethel (Earl Goodland), Emma (Roy Francis), and son Ian MacDiarmid. He is survived by his sister Eola Ice, wife Betty, sons CW2 John Van Diest wife Scottie and their three children, Karl MacDiarmid wife Joy and their four children, and daughters Deidre Becker and her two children, and Alexis MacDiarmid and her three children. Five great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom are too numerous to name, but all are important.
Graveside services with military honors with be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Friday, May 17, 2013 at 3pm with a reception to follow.
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Kim Flatow says
Betty and family –
Henry was such a wonderful person. His joy for life was incredible. He had such a varied and wonderful life, enriched by all of you. Hold on to the memories, until you are all together again. God Bless all of you.
Henry and Kim Flatow
Laura Barron says
Chief Vandiest, So sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing, he sounds like he was a really great guy! Hoping you and your family the best in the coming days! From your fellow Soldiers of Det 1 1063rd!
Bobby Gruel says
Betty.
Henry was such a talented and caring person. He will be missed. I still wear the ring he designed – some 20 years ago. Prayers go out to you. Bobby Gruel
Tiny Soll says
Even though we moved to Oregon many years ago, my kids have many fond memories of the times they spent with Uncle Spud. I am sure that he and Dick are now sharing many hunting memories. Tiny Soll
Sherryl Newsome says
My Uncle “Spud” was the one that would wrap his long arms around me and make me feel comfortable, no matter what life had in store…I miss him and am so sorry that I could not be there. He will FOREVER be in my heart! xoxo
Carol Bonner says
Betty & family,
I know that I will always remember Henry. He did do such beautiful work! I do remember how marvelous he was when my daughter worked at Barnes, too. Please know that I will be thinking of you in the coming months.
Hugs,
Carol E. Bonner
Ann Nickel says
Betty and family,
It has been many years since we have been in contact. I still remember the stories you shared with me about Henry. Cherish your memories, they will always be with you.
Hugs — Ann Nickel
Susan Near says
Betty,
I wanted to pass along my condolences. Though we’ve lost track over the years, I still count you and Henry as two of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Know that I am thinking of you.
Susan Near, Montana HIstorical Society