Harold “Hal”‘s Obituary Harold “Hal” M. Webster Jr., 99 , passed away Friday, May 31, 2019 at his residence in Fort Benton. Cremation has taken place, and as per his wishes, no services will be held. Benton Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Please visit Hal’s online memorial page at www. bentonfh.com to leave a message of condolence for the family. Hal was born on February 20, 1920 in Denver, CO to Harold and Frances (Zimmerly) Webster.
He was one of four children. Hal attended elementary and high school in Denver, and went on to attend college at Colorado Community College. When the family moved to Arizona, he continued his education at the University of Arizona.
Hal met the love of his life, Catherine Louise Gibson “Kaytee”, while at a church party at college. The couple were dedicated to each other and married on January 23, 1943. Shortly after Hal’s graduation, he was called to active duty in the U. S. Navy.
During this time, Kaytee made her home in Fresno, CA where their first child, Caroline Trudie, was born. Hal was released from active duty in December of 1945 and the family settled in Pocatello, ID. Kaytee gave birth to three other children while they lived in this area; Harold M. Webster III, Bruce Frederick Webster, and Chris Holland Webster.
Shortly after their return to Denver, Hal went to work for Mountain Bell Telephone Company as a marketing manager. He remained with the company for 30 years. Hal’s life long devotion was to the sport of falconry.
A recognized authority in falconry, he was highly respected for his knowledge, expertise, and training methods. He established the North American Falconry Association and co-authored the book North American Falconry and Hunting Hawks. The book, which was published in 1964, is currently in its ninth edition.
Hal also assisted and advised the U.S. Air Force Academy in the establishment of their falcon mascot. Hal moved to Fort Benton in 1999 because he had the chance to “fly birds”. He was also lured here by his love of hunting and fishing, the beauty of Montana, and his love of the out-doors and nature.
Hal was known around Fort Benton by his unique license plate, “Hawker”. Hal was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Frances Webster; his wife, Catherine Louise Gibson Webster in 1996; one sister, Jean Frances; and one brother, William Webster. He is survived by his children, Caroline Trudie, Harold “Hal” Webster III, Bruce Webster, and Christopher Webster; his sister, Beverly McMurria; and many special friends.
. Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Hal’s two nurses, Naldean Nash and Brenda Price, for their loving care and friendship over the past few years and, especially, during Hal’s final months and days.
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