Daniel Sweeney

Daniel Hugh Sweeney, 89, died September 2, 2010 at Westpark Village in Billings. He was born July 17, 1921 in Billings. He was the son of Joseph and Mary (Gorman) Sweeney. He graduated from Fratt Elementary School and Billings High where he began his life-long love of football and baseball. His father who homesteaded north of Billings was a brakeman on the Northern Pacific and his mother was a teacher and active in Altar Society and other Catholic organizations. Hugh was the youngest of four children and very close to his brothers Clarence and John and his sister Alice. He was a lifeguard at South Pool and worked at the sugar beet factory. Hugh met his future wife Mary (Carroll) when he interviewed her for the school newspaper. He attended the University of Montana and was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and lifelong Grizzly fan. He worked at Lucys furniture store to help pay for his education. Mary and Hugh were married June 4, 1945, the last year of Hughs service in the Army Air Corps where he learned to fly B-29s.After the Montana attorney general spoke to his sixth grade class, Hugh knew he wanted to be a lawyer. He graduated from the University of Montana law school in 1946. He and Mary and their first son John moved to Laurel that year. Eventually he and Mary had seven children, John, Pat, Mark, Tim, Mary Elizabeth (Libby) Sarah and Mike. They were active in St. Anthonys parish in Laurel and began going to East Rosebud Lake for extended summer stays in 1950.The family moved to Billings in 1964 where Hugh practiced law. He was proud to be a fifty year member of the Montana Bar Association. He served on many boards for his community and church, including a term as Laurel City Attorney. Hugh loved to watch football, fish and hike in the Beartooth Mountains, especially around his beloved cabin at East Rosebud Lake. He enjoyed a good game of cards particularly with his lifelong poker club. He loved to keep up and comment on the news. He enjoyed going for walks, particularly if it included one of the familys four pet dogs, Wags, Laddie, Tippy or Alex. He loved to sing and gave his family a memorable moment when he sang Sweetheart of Sigma Chi to his wife Mary at their 60th wedding anniversary. He passed his love of Montana and the outdoors to his children and grandchildren.He is survived by six children: John Sweeney, Pat Sweeney (and his wife Teresa Erickson) of Billings; Sarah Sweeney (and her husband Frederick Schaffer) of Ballantine, Montana; Tim Sweeney of Denver, Colorado; Libby Sweeney (and her partner Beryl Leach) of Liverpool, England; and Mike Sweeney (and his wife Noi Sunthorn) of Tunis, Tunisia. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Jason Sweeney of Bern, Switzerland, Jeanette Bowers of Plano, Texas; Greg Sweeney of Mill Valley, California and Marisa, Sarah and Katy Sweeney of Tunis, Tunisia; and one great grandchild, Chelsea Bowers of Plano, Texas.Memorials may be made to AIDS Spirit, 52 Custer Avenue, Billings, MT 59101. The Sweeney family thanks the staff and residents of Westpark Village for their care and friendship for Hugh.Dad, we honor your life and cherish your memory. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.Rosary will be said on Monday, September 6th at 7:00pm at the St. Vincent Hospital Chapel.Memorial service will be Tuesday, September 7, 10:00am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Committal of ashes will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel and memories and condolences may be made to the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com.