A Man for all Seasons: Sixty Year IBEW Member, Former Local Union President, Sixty-Four Year Marriage, Successful Electrical Contractor Peter Hiam, 82
By the Montanta Standard Staff - 04/13/2005
Peter Hiam Jr. died early Monday morning in a local nursing home.
He was born in Ferryville, Wis., on May 20, 1922, to Peter C. and Christina Hiam. Peter was the youngest of three brothers and four sisters, all of whom preceded him in death.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Audrey; sons and daughter-in-law, Gary and Maureen Hiam, Tacoma, Wash., and Robert Hiam, Honolulu; and grandchildren, Jennifer, Jessica, Sonja and Tiffany. Peter had a very close relationship with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Robert and Doreen McDowell, niece Sunny Kay and nephew Rob.
Peter came to Butte in 1937 to live with his uncle and aunt, Otto and Louise Langstad, after his parents died in Wisconsin. Peter met his wife Audrey at age 17, which began a love affair of all time. Pete and Audrey were married in August 1941 and were by each other's side for 64 years. Even though Peter was ill and sick in the nursing home last week, they were still professing their undying love for each other.
After graduating from Butte High School, Peter began his career as a professional electrician, working for his uncle Otto, who owned Western Plumbing and Electric. This was only interrupted by a stint in the Navy during World War II. After Otto retired, Pete went to work for LeSage's Electric, where he served as general manager. In 1953, he started Hiam Electronics Radio and Television Service, where he spent nights and weekends making television repair calls. By 1971 that business evolved into Hiam Electronics, a major electrical contracting firm in Butte. He was a 60-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, serving as president of IBEW Local 623, where he was involved many times with their negotiations. Peter also taught the apprentice program and was instrumental in training many of the electricians working in Butte today.
Peter was the all-time craftsman for his entire life. Many times he came to the aid of family and friends whenever they would call. He was responsible for building three different homes for the McDowells. After his tour of duty in the Navy, he and Audrey built a lovely home on West Gold Street that was the gathering place for family and friends and served as the headquarters for his business. The parties, reunions and many fun times at the home will always be remembered.
He was a very active member of Gold Hill Lutheran Church. Peter served in various governance positions, including treasurer and search committee as well as being very instrumental in the church building programs. After his retirement at age 65 in 1987, he continued his interests at the Star Lanes Bowling and Entertainment Center. He remained president and chief executive officer of Star Lanes until his death. Peter was also a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Peter was a great husband, father, brother-in-law, uncle and grandfather. He was always an honest, caring person and was willing to help others. He was admired for his intelligence, wit and sense of humor. He was an avid sports fan and loyal Green Bay Packers fan. He had all the Packer's emblems that a die-hard fan would have, such as the cheese hat and flag that hung outside the house on game day.
"Peter, you gave so much, you will be terribly missed by your family and all those friends who so deeply respected and loved you." Cremation has taken place in Butte. Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday in Gold Hill Lutheran Church with the Rev. Michael Borge officiating.
Memorials: Gold Hill Lutheran Church or charity of the donor's choice.
NOTE: I believe that IBEW Local 623 was later merged with IBEW Local 233 which now includes the inside work in Butte. MW
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