Karl Ohs: An authentic hero and friend
Former Lt. Governor Karl Ohs
On Sunday, November 25th, Montana lost an authentic hero when former Lt. Governor and MT GOP Chairman Karl Ohs passed away at his home in Helena. Karl was dedicated to his family, his friends, and committed to serving the people of Montana. His accomplishments as a state legislator, Lieutenant Governor, and as past Chairman of the Montana Republican Party are substantial, and those actions will have a lasting, positive impact on our state. However, for most of us, his legacy isn’t written in the policies he’s promoted or the causes he’s championed. Karl’s legacy will live on in the lives he's touched and the families he’s blessed through his friendship, compassion, and faith.
Karl represented the very best in public service. He was honest, humble and hardworking. But most importantly, he conducted himself with a sense of decency and civility that is the standard any public servant should strive to meet. His kindness, steadfast dedication, and commitment to Montana will be deeply missed.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
Viewing hours will be from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 29, at Retz Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at the Gateway Community Center, 1710 National Ave., Helena, at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30, with a reception following. Graveside services with military honors accorded by the Montana National Guard Honor Guard will be at the Harrison Cemetery at 3 p.m with a reception following at the firehall in Harrison. Family and friends are invited to Karl and Sherri’s home, 133 Alfalfa Road in Helena, on Thursday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. for an informal reception honoring Karl’s life. Donations can be made to the Missions Fund at Evangelical Covenant Church, 800 N. Hoback, Helena, MT 59601; Intermountain Children’s Home, 500 S. Lamborn, Helena, MT 59601; or the Florence Crittenton Home, 901 N. Harris, Helena, MT 59601.
OBITUARY
Karl, the soft-spoken cowboy and diplomat, who was always the consummate mediator, never wavered from his values, whether in life or death.
Click here to read the complete obituary.
PAYING TRIBUTE
Back in June, Chuck Johnson of Lee Newspapers wrote this about Karl:
"Politics in Montana, like elsewhere, suffers from more than its share of poseurs, fakers, sharks and snakes. Karl Ohs isn't among them. This Montana cowboy is a thoroughly decent and kind man. Ohs also is an authentic American hero. At the FBI's request in 1996, Ohs made 19 trips riding his horse into the armed compound occupied by the anti-government Freemen in Garfield County. Ohs played a critical role in negotiating a peaceful settlement that helped prevent the bloodshed of Waco or Ruby Ridge. The FBI later honored Ohs with its top award to civilians."
This is just one of the many tributes to Karl and his life of service appearing around the state, a few of which are included below:
FORMER LT. GOVERNOR OHS DIES AT AGE 61
Former House Speaker John Mercer, R-Polson, called it "a very sad day for all of Montana to lose Karl Ohs because he was the ultimate gentleman for any occasion he was involved with… "I think he would be the person in politics that any person would aspire to be," Mercer said. "He would be the role model. There aren't many people in politics like Karl Ohs, but there should be."
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2007/11/26/news/state/23-ohs.txt?rating=true
TRIBUTES HIGHLIGHT OHS’ WORK ON BEHALF OF STATE
"Karl was a good friend and a dedicated public servant," said U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont. "During his years serving Montana, Karl and I worked closely on many projects important to our state." Secretary of State Brad Johnson, a Republican, called Ohs a "fundamentally decent man and a public servant of the highest caliber" who "served Montana and her people well."
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2007/11/27/news/state/22-tributes.txt
KARL OHS' NAME WRITTEN ALL OVER MONTANA HISTORY
"Karl Ohs was one of those people that just about everyone liked — a rare trait among political leaders. Said Martz: "Karl was a true friend, first of all, to almost everybody he met. I don't think Karl had an enemy." …A cowboy we'll all remember for the indelible, positive mark he made on Montana."
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071127/OPINION01/711270304
KARL OHS SERVED STATE WELL
"He may be most remembered for his part in bringing the armed standoff between the anti-government Freemen of Garfield County and federal agents to a nonviolent conclusion. Then a state representative, Ohs gained the trust of Freemen and met with them 19 times during their 81-day standoff in 1996... That no more lives were lost is a credit to many thoughtful people, not the least of whom is Karl Ohs."
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2007/11/28/opinion/gazette/50-gazetteopinion.txt
Comments