Larry Hadley

Tongue-in-cheek, as he would have wanted.

On March 19, 2019, Jim Beam’s directors braced for financial backlash as they learned of the passing of Larry Frank Hadley.

Larry passed away last Tuesday, much as he lived, on his feet, joking, arguing, pushing boundaries, in the arms of his loving wife of 58 years, Sharon. He didn’t fear death, indeed, after facing it multiple times over the course of two decades, many thought he was immortal and, in many ways, he is. He will live on, forever, in the stories he told, the books he wrote, and in the hearts and minds of his family and friends, as well as those he spoke to, entertained, and moved, over the course of 35 years as a barber in Whitefish.

A joker to the end, he was asked just a few weeks back, the question, “buried, or cremated?” He responded, “Well,” taking a sip of whiskey, “buried, I reckon, if I’m cremated, it’ll take three days for the fire department to extinguish my liver. They’ve done enough for me already.”

Larry was born in July of 1940. Robbing the cradle in 1961, he married his wife just after her 17th birthday. They adventured over many years before finding a “home.” Larry spent most of his life in Whitefish, dicing for haircuts with clients and friends, surrounded by mountains, good times, and even better people. He was well loved and recognized almost everywhere he went. He is survived by his wife Sharon Hadley, their children: Chris, Stephanie, and Ty, each with their own families and grandkids that loved him very much.

So, tonight, raise a glass; a beloved Whitefish icon has gone home to be greeted by family, friends, and some of the best pups a guy could want. They’ll meet you there, ol’ boy. Chink-a-mukka hi-lo. Love you.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held later this summer. From our family to the amazing people of the VA, thank you for caring for him for all those years! In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Montana Veterans’ Home Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 250, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.