Charles Hiatt, 89, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2016, at the Northern Montana Care Center of natural causes. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at Holland & Bonine Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at Holland & Bonine Funeral Chapel with Ila McClenahan officiating. Charles' family has requested that memorial donations be made in his name to the North Central Senior Citizens Center, 2 Second St W, Havre, MT 59501, or to the charity of the donor's choice. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Please visit Charles' online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at www.hollandbonine.com.

Charles was born on November 22, 1926, in Bethany, MO, to Lewis and Dorothy (Youngman) Hiatt. He was raised in Bethany, graduating from South Harrison County High School. He immediately entered the US Army, and served until his honorable discharge. In 1946, he married Alice Arlene Smith, and the couple made their home in Havre, where they raised their three children. Charles worked as an engineer, first for the Great Northern Railroad, then for Burlington Northern, until his retirement.

He was a friendly man and an avid outdoorsman for most of his life, enjoying hunting, fishing, and gardening. Gardening was his passion. He helped plant his first garden at 5 years old, and his last at 88. Charles loved to share the end product with his friends and family. As a father and grandfather, Charles was supportive and patient, teaching his children and most of his grandchildren how to drive. He adored his family, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was the highlight of his day.

Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife Arlene; his son, Charles Trent Hiatt; his granddaughter, Elena Cowdery; his parents, Lewis and Dorothy Hiatt; and his sister, Margaret Gittens.

He is survived by his daughters Therese Cowdery and Sarita (Bill) Kuhn, all of Havre; his grandchildren, Larry Normandy, Carrie (Ralph) Bohl, Leah (Jeremy) Hansen, and Danita Hadford; his six great-grandchildren; his siblings Robert Hiatt of Bethany, MO, Betty Paul of Glendale, CA, and Judy Hiatt of New Orleans, LA; his good friend Willy Potvin; and numerous nieces and nephews.