Curt Hagerty, 58

It is with deep heartbreak that the family of Curt Hagerty shares his passing on October 24, 2025, with his two daughters by his side. He lived a life full of laughter, curiosity, and stories that made everyone feel like they were part of them. If you ever had the joy of hearing one of his tales about growing up in a tiny town with his best friends, you know no one could tell a story quite like he could.

Curt had an incredible eye for creation. He was especially gifted at capturing people in portraits that revealed exactly who they were and the phase of life they were in, but he also loved photographing the places that meant the most to him, especially the trestle near where he grew up and the places he liked to camp and fish. He was always the one with a camera, or a video camera, at every event, documenting life as it happened. Those photos and videos are now priceless treasures.

He was endlessly curious and never afraid to learn something new. If something needed fixing, he wouldn't dare call someone to fix it-he'd figure it out himself, reading, experimenting, and getting it done, no matter how many trips to Ace Hardware it took.

Above all, Curt was a family man. He was the father most devoted to his daughters, Lila and Aubrey. He never missed a dance recital, an award ceremony, a game, or a band concert. His presence - steady, quiet, and proud- was constant. He was an incredible teacher to them as well, no matter what the subject, changing a tire, making his famous soup, learning to drive, or creating something from scratch. He made sure his girls always knew they were his world.

Curt married Shyla in 2000, and even after their divorce in 2011, they remained friends over the years. Through many trials of Curt's sobriety, Shyla and her husband Joe were in his corner, supporting him through his struggles and cheering him on through the good times. Together, they raised their daughters, Lila and Aubrey, doing their best to parent with love and teamwork. Curt also loved Shyla's boys, Tyler and Klay, like they were his own.

His favorite roles in life followed the path of his heart: first as a brother, then as a loyal friend, a fun-loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews, a devoted father, and finally his most cherished title - Grandpa. His grandson Miles lit up the moment he saw him, and that joy was mirrored in Curt's eyes.

He faced life's joys and struggles with courage. He carried the weight of alcoholism with honesty and pain, and though that battle marked him, it never defined the love, laughter, and warmth he gave to others.

He was taken too soon, and his absence leaves a space that can never be filled. Those who knew him will forever carry his humor, his wisdom, and his fierce love in their hearts.

He is survived by his daughters, Lila (Michael Chase) and Aubrey; his beloved grandson, Miles; his siblings, Dan (Lola) Hagerty, Clint (Anna) Hagerty, and Rhonda Craft; and many nieces, nephews, and their children, as well as many friends and family who will miss him deeply.

A celebration of his life was held on November 15, 2025, at the Oasis Water Park in Billings, Montana. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages everyone to honor Curt by sharing a story, taking a photograph, or learning something new-just like he always did.