Joseph Pirrie

Joseph (Joe) Dudley Pirrie, 95 years old, of Shawmut (Hedges), Montana passed away on July 20, 2019. Joe was born on June 28, 1924 to James and Mary Pirrie. He was the youngest of eight children (Bill Pirrie, Whit Pirrie, Don Pirrie, Retha Young, Dorthy O'Brien, Elizabeth Black, Edison Pirrie), and was the last surviving among his siblings. Joe graduated from Hedgesville High School in 1943. Joe held various jobs including construction, working on the railroad, and eventually began cattle ranching. Joe married the love of his life, Barbara Fortney Pirrie, on November 8, 1947. They were married for 70 years until Barbara passed away on September 6, 2018. In 1961 Joe started his own water drilling company – Joe Pirrie Drilling. He continued operating his drilling business into his 80's. Additionally, Joe was on the Board of Directors for Fergus Electric for 43 years. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, playing cards and dominoes, reading, keeping his daily diary, and time with his family. Joe and his wife enjoyed time at the Moose Lodge in Harlowton. Joe was highly respected for his honesty, integrity, fairness and generosity. He left a positive and lasting impression on all who knew him. Joe was preceded in death by his wife; and daughter, Susan Oswald. Surviving family members include his son, Jeff Pirrie; his son-in-law, David Oswald; grandchildren Chris (Jeannett) Oswald, Brian (Paula) Oswald, and Maria (Ernest) Gates; great-grandchildren Anthony and Jasmine Oswald, Samantha Repko, Derek and Xavier Oswald, and Autumn Gates. Joe also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, who were dear to his heart. Special thanks go out to Nancy and Ken Pietz, Tim and Lorna Paulson, Sam and Gail Ketchum, the staff at Highgate Senior Living and the numerous friends and relatives who stopped by to visit Joe while he was at Highgate. A memorial for both Joe and Barb Pirrie will be scheduled at a later date.