Galen Adair Wilson

Galen Adair Wilson passed away on April 11, 2022. Galen was born in Velva, ND on August 6, 1927 to Arthur Wilson and Loretta (Wasson) Wilson. Galen grew up in Velva attending grade and high schools. In high school Galen excelled in music, playing the alto saxophone. His interest inspired him to form a band with some of his classmates, the band played at local venues, mostly local dances. Upon graduation, Galen enlisted in the army. His military service took him to Austria in 1946. It was in Austria that he met a young lady, Berta, who would become his heartthrob and wife. It was a love that would last for 73 years, until Berta’s recent passing.

After his honorable discharge, Galen attended and graduated from Jamestown College. He continued his studies at the Indiana University and received a master’s degree in social welfare.

In 1957 the Wilsons moved to Great Falls and Galen started his career in social welfare: first working for Montana State Hospital Mental Health Clinic, then the following organizations, Lutheran Social Services, Golden Triangle Mental Health, and Benefis West Skilled Nursing Center. With each move he participated in a different discipline of social service: child welfare, adoption, marriage counseling, and finally mental health.

Galen was passionate about social work and worked diligently through national and state social workers organizations to promote the discipline. He was a member of the Montana Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, an organization that recognized his 50-year career in social work with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Galen always presented a professional stature in his work by being a good listener and making the client comfortable with kind remarks; his associates would state he always wore a suit.

Galen and Berta enjoyed their time off together traveling to their cabin in the mountains, traveling internationally or sitting in their home office reading books from Galen’s extensive library.

Galen is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Margret and Beryl and his beloved wife Berta.

Cremation has taken place and an interment will take place at the VA Ft. Harrison cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Emilie Center of Great Falls, MT.

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