Harold Lester Savik, 82

Harold Lester Savik, 82, passed away at his home in Plains on Dec. 20, 2025. His body is restored — fit and trim once again — and he has gone off to fish with Vicki alongside our Lord.

Harold was born on March 19, 1943, in Ronan to Ora Packer and Clarence Edwin Savik. He attended Charlo High School, where he met Virginia "Vicki" Kay Zini. The couple married on Oct. 11, 1963, in a ceremony officiated by Bishop Everett Foust.

Harold and Vicki first lived in Helena where Harold leased and operated a Texaco Service Station before completing the Montana Highway Patrol Academy. He began his career with the Montana Highway Patrol in Havre in January 1968. In 1975, he transferred to Thompson Falls, where Vicki and he built a life and home on Blueslide Road. Starting with six acres — and later adding fifteen more — they cultivated a large garden, hay fields, and a certified tree farm that became home to deer, turkey, and the occasional bear.

Harold was instrumental in establishing the Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Viewing Site, dedicated in May 1990. After 25 years, he retired from the Montana Highway Patrol in 1993 but continued to be involved, mentoring younger patrolmen, attending retiree events, and was involved with the Montana Hope Project through the Association of Montana Troopers, fundraising and participating in the Ride for Hope on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. 

After retiring, Harold continued working independently through Savik Stump Grinding. He hired himself out for nearly any outdoor project, including landscaping preparation, stump grinding, and snow plowing — especially if it involved a tractor. Harold and Vicki remained on Blueslide Road until 2010, when they downsized and moved to Plains.

Harold and Vicki enjoyed traveling across the United States in their RV, often visiting friends, and their Minnesota grandchildren. Harold especially loved attending Little League games and his grandchildren’s activities. Summers in Montana meant tractor rides, hauling sand, and digging holes deeper than the grandkids were tall.

Over the years, he enjoyed buying and selling his various toys, most with motors, including fishing boats, Mustangs, golf carts, Jeeps, tractors, trailers, and Ford pickups. In recent years, Harold spent much of his time helping Jared carve out a home in the woods north of Fortine. He was happiest in the seat of a tractor, and he left before the work "up at Jared’s" was finished.

Harold never met a stranger. He loved people and could strike up a conversation anywhere he went. Vicki and he spent many winters in Yuma, Arizona, alongside longtime friends from Charlo High School. Harold enjoyed golfing, walking, and visiting with neighbors whenever the opportunity arose. Even into his 80’s, he remained active in the Plains community, fundraising for golf tournaments and serving as president of the Plains Golf Association.

Known for the fastidious care of his home and property, Jared often tells people that "even Dad's grease guns were clean." Harold was equally remembered for his ready smile, friendly wave, and gift for conversation. He was firm but fair, diplomatic, hardworking, and endlessly resourceful. He loved building practical structures to protect his equipment from the elements and welding horseshoes into coat hooks and napkin holders, and wooden domino/card holders for family and friends.

Harold stayed busy right up until the moment of his death — always puttering, fixing, improving, buying, polishing, and eventually turning around and selling something for a profit.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vicki; his parents, Clarence and Ora Savik; his sister, Annabeth Felsman; and his brother, Allen Savik.

Harold is survived by his daughter, Leslie (Richard) Gentner, and grandchildren, Andrew, Nathan, and Kathryn; his son, Jared (Nancy) Savik, and grandson, Caston, along with stepsons, Alex, Matt, and Caleb; his brothers, Ed (LaDonna) Savik, Lewis (Nina) Savik, and Marlen (Wendy) Savik; his sisters, Carol (Dave) Smith, Melissa Felsman, and Violet Weaselhead; and many beloved nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces.

A memorial celebration will be held at 4:30 p.m. June 11 at the Sanders County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Plains. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. that day. Casual attire is encouraged — shorts and caps welcome. Guests will be invited to share stories and memories during the memorial and the dinner that follows. BBQ meat and beans will be provided; those wishing to contribute are invited to bring sides or desserts. RV parking is available — contact the Fairgrounds for details. An alternative visitation is available from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9 at 19 River Runs Court in Plains.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Montana Hope Project, Church on the Move (Plains) MT’s Soup Kitchen, or the Plains Library Foundation.