Neal Bridgewater

Neal Eugene Bridgewater was born March 26,1951, to Lester and Juanita Bridgewater in Anaconda, and passed away at home on June 9 in Dillon.

Although his childhood wasn’t easy, he didn’t dwell on the bad but loved to tell stories of the “naughty“ things he and his brother would do. Like the time his little brother Randy kept him pinned down behind a watering trough by shooting at him with a .22 caliber pistol because Neal tried to boss him around. Apparently, when the bullets ran out, Randy was sorry.

Neal loved all sports but especially boxing, earning numerous boxing trophies in high school. He carried that love late into his adult years. He said he never started a fight but most of the time finished them. He bragged that over the years he straightened his nose out twice.

Neal loved being a “true Montanan” and took pride when someone referred to him as a “good old boy.” He knew that good old boys were becoming a thing of the past and he mourned the loss. Being a man of his word and a loyal friend were two of the most important things to him.

He had many sources of pride including being a Vietnam vet, a skilled hunter and a meticulous carpenter. But his main source of pride was his two children, Abbe and Kasey. He had no problem bragging about their high school achievements and now their adult successes.

Neal loved the outdoors, and although he lived in towns throughout Big Sky Country, his first loves were Dillon and Lima and their surrounding mountains. More importantly, he cherished the friends he made after 30 years of hunting in Southwest Montana. When he retired, he did not hesitate to make his permanent home in Dillon.

Neal is survived by his wife and best friend Becky and beloved best buddy Webster. He leaves his children Abbe (Kody) and Kasey (Tessa) and grandchildren Inslee, Alden, Hudson and Carter. He is also survived by his hunting partner and “almost son” Trevor Cherry (Natalie) and their children, Neal and Olivia. He leaves sisters Joyce and Patsy, niece Robin and nephew Scott and many friends and hunting partners who will also miss him.

“As I walk through this season of sadness, my heart is thankful that I knew the incredible person you were.”

His service will take place at 11 a.m. June 24, 2023, at Brundage Funeral Home in Dillon with a celebration of Neal immediately afterwards at the Office Bar. There will be a family gathering at his home. In September Becky and Webster will spread his ashes at his special hunting ground in Lima.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a children's organization of your choosing.