July 17, 2026
REST IN PEACE
Early in the morning of July 17th, 2026, Hugh passed away of natural causes at home with loving family by his side. Hugh was 92 years old.
Hugh Black was born in Kalispell, Montana, on May 25th, 1934. He was the eldest of the six children of Margaret and Hugh O. Black. He loved mountaineering, and is mentioned in A Climber’s Guide to Glacier National Park (Mountain Press Publishing Co., 1984) for his impressive climb up the Northwest Couloir Route of Mount St. Nicholas, “This is a difficult and hazardous route. Take plenty of rope and pitons, and wear hard hats. First ascent: Reverend Hugh M. Black and Reverend John Ward, August 18, 1966.” He entered the U.S. Army in 1967 and served as a chaplain in Vietnam and South Korea until 1970. After being discharged, he moved to New York where he met Mary Grace, who later became his wife. He completed a Ph.D. in Psychology and began a practice at the Family Psychological Center with his wife and several other practitioners, serving the community in Helena for 35 years. His favorite pastimes were hiking, traveling, canoeing, and spending time with family and friends.
Hugh is survived by his wife, Mary Grace; his daughter, Sarah, son-in-law, Lewis, and granddaughter, Lillian; his sisters, Sally (Terry) Welder and Patsy (Bob) Huberty; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, out-laws, family who are friends, and friends who are family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Hugh; his brothers, Lucky and Roscoe; his sister, Terry; his brother-in-law, Salvator, and sister-in-law, Mary.
Words fall flat when describing the Hugh-shaped hole in our lives. He loved whole-heartedly, was whole-heartedly loved, and he will be whole-heartedly missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Montana Food Network, Poverello Veterans Programs, or any other charity meaningful to you.
A mass to celebrate his life will be held at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church on August 21st at 11:00 AM.
Hugh and his wife Mary Grace were longtime member of CORPUS.