Alfred J Haugh

Every day after Dad read the stock market report and obits, he would jokingly say, “Well, I don’t see my name so guess I’m ok.” Today is different for his friends and family who will read this; our lives will not be the same without him.

On April 13, 1926, Al began life in Missoula and sadly left us November 22, 2016. He had many names during these 90 years in Missoula; Dad, Pop, Paul, Freddy (and maybe some we will omit).

Dad had big dreams and the work ethic to pull them off even while raising three daughters, Rosie, Sandy, and Becky with Betty Jean Rambo Haugh. Together Al and Betty worked hard and played hard. In the warm months, you could find them at Seeley or Holland Lake soaking up the sun, cutting firewood, riding the four-wheeler or playing cards with family and beloved friends. There was never a dull moment for them even with working 6 days a week. They would make the time to golf, play racket ball, go to the Elks, participate in CFM, play pinochle, snow ski, craft, travel, and be good neighbors and friends. Betty passed away in 2007; during her long illness Dad was an amazing caregiver and husband.

Dad used his drive and street smarts to become a self-made man as a small business owner (after working as a carpenter). He worked doggedly as the owner of Paul’s Second Hand (next to the Double Front) for decades. He had an incredible amount of energy; a typical morning would start with Mass at St Francis or St. Pat’s chapel after shoveling the snow or some other errand. The early morning coffee group at “The Double” met before the shop opened. Then at 10am, various friends and locals would roll the dice to determine who would buy coffee for the morning. These guys ran an informal, yet philanthropic, group called the DP Club who would then donate the proceeds from their daily dice game to local charities. In the last 10 years, the coffee drinkers moved to the Break where they made many more friends of all ages and walks of life.

Dad was always looking for a project if he didn’t already have one. As we look around our homes, we are honored by his wood working labors of love. He also loved cards and cribbage, and for over 30 years enjoyed playing pitch with the same group of guys. He also liked poker; it now seems to appropriate to say that he “Knew When to Hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em”.

Dad remembered being poor as a kid, as did many of his generation; he never took his good fortune for granted nor did he flaunt it (well maybe a little). His generous spirit was unwavering, and here is just one small example: while driving down Applehouse Lane, he stopped to “support the local economy” by slipping the little girls running a lemonade stand $20 telling them to “keep the change”.


He was endlessly inquisitive (nosy) and very observant. His intelligence was only outranked by his sense of humor. His zinging one-liners would get him a loud, involuntary chuckle (and sometimes a groan). He was known for playing practical jokes on friends and family; just ask Bob Heyer.

Dad was a multifaceted man who was both a dapper gentleman and a confident, pragmatic take-charge guy’s guy. While he “cleaned up” pretty good; we cherish the thought of him in his “supenders” working at the cabin and getting dirty which made him so happy. He welcomed friends from all walks of life, and he could quickly make a stranger feel like a best friend. He told many people that for heart health you need 7 hugs a day; it did not take long to increase that number to 12 especially if there was a pretty girl involved.

He broke the mold and was one of a kind. While he was not even 5’ 3” at the end of his life; he was still larger than life. Somehow, as if by divine design, he was a man filled to the brim with love and faith under his many hats. You should not be surprised to learn that he left this world with his hat on!

In his eighties love came calling again in the name of Betty Winchell. He and Betty teamed up as cribbage partners and just all around best buds looking for adventures around town and beyond. It was fun to see them interact with others in public because they almost always ran into a familiar face. In the last year, Betty was Dad’s lifeline, as she became chauffer and more. We cannot thank Betty enough for sharing her love with Dad and being a part of our family

Dad is survived by Betty Winchell, his daughters Rosie Brabeck (Jim) of Missoula, Becky Buska (Jeff) of Helena as well as grandchildren Katy Mabeck (Jeff) of Corvallis, OR, Suzanne Nordfelt (Mike) of Herndon, VA, Jenna Buska of Missoula, Krysta Buska of Billings and Bryson Buska of Billings. He was also very proud of his 6 great grandchildren, Kyle, Jacob, Rhea, Harper, Simone and Ames. He was 1 of 6 children and is survived by his sister, Esther Davis of Pinehurst, ID. There are many nieces and nephews who will miss him.

He has now come full circle having been baptized at Saint Anthony’s parish receiving all the sacraments there. His funeral mass will be at St. Anthony’s Church on Saturday, November 26th at 11:00am, followed by a luncheon. We would also like to invite his friends to a light dinner and story sharing at Garden City Funeral Home on Friday evening at 6pm. Please bring stories to share.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Anthony’s Parish, Watson’s Children’s Center, or a Missoula charity of your choice. Then perform a random act of kindness, play a game of cribbage, drink a Manhattan, if you are so inclined, and hug your friends and family. He loved you, Missoula!