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Clifford Hagfeldt 1936 – 2024

Clifford Hagfeldt 1936 – 2024
Cliff Hagfeldt, community leader and longtime Scobey resident, passed away at age 88 on November 18, 2024. Throughout his life, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his community, leaving an indelible mark on the City of Scobey and Daniels County, through his various roles as a farmer, broadcaster, sports official, and civic leader. Cliff’s passion for basketball started early. As a high school senior in 1954, the Scobey Spartans advanced to the state tourney in Great Falls. His passion for the sport led him to a career as one of Montana’s most respected basketball officials, consistently chosen to referee post-season tournaments at every state level. In 1986 he was inducted into the Montana Officials Association Hall of Fame. His officiating career not only kept him connected to the sport he loved, but also helped him build relationships across the state. He later transitioned his passion to sports broadcasting, completing 45 years of broadcasting in 2016. For his “Dedication & Commitment to Sportscasting”, KCGM honored him with a ‘Golden Microphone’ award. Rocky Erickson the news/sports director of the Northern Broadcasting Network made the presentation on behalf of KCGM at a January 2018 ballgame in Scobey. Recently, the well known broadcaster stated that he considered Cliff as one of his mentors. Cliff was a member of the Plainsman baseball team in the late ‘50’s and early ‘60’s. They were Montana’s AAU semi-pro champions in 1958, runners-up in 1959, then state champions again in 1960 - qualifying for the national semi-pro tournament in Wichita, Kansas, finishing in 7th place. His participation in ‘club’ baseball eventually led to occasional stints behind home plate - and later, in the broadcast booth. As a proud supporter of local and statewide education, Cliff served multiple terms on the Scobey School Board, including several years as chairman. In recognition of his contributions to the community, he was honored by being selected to the Scobey School Hall of Fame in1998. In April of 1990, he was appointed by Governor Stan Stephens to the Montana High SchoolAssociation’s Board of Control, which provided leadership and support to Montana schools, promoted a positive educational experience, and ensured equitable interscholastic activities’ contribution to student growth. Cliffs dedication to local youth was evident in his instrumental role in developing Plainsmen Field, tireless efforts related to the funding and construction of the new gymnasium/cafeteria project, and involvement in building of the new music room facility. His participation in fundraising efforts through KCGM Radio’s successful Radiothons, raised approximately one million dollars for various community causes, including the local hospital and swimming pool. As a stockholder and board member of KCGM Radio, Cliff played a vital role in establishing and growing the station, working alongside other local entrepreneurs to create a cornerstone of community information and entertainment. His commitment to local agriculture was demonstrated through his management of the generational Hagfeldt Ranch and Farms, continuing the legacy established by his parents, Art and Cecelia Hagfeldt. Cliff’s impact on the community extended beyond his official roles. As noted by longtime friends Dwain “Baldy” Sell and Dan Wolfe, he was a mentor and inspiration to many. His frank approach and determination to get things done made him an effective leader who could tackle challenging projects and bring them to fruition, an organizational talent he was able to pass along to the next generation of community leaders, many of which were involved in numerous community improvements related to the baseball and football fields, and of course, Scobey Schools. In 1977, Cliff & Marge formed a partnership with Randy Smith and Charles Cassidy to purchase the Silver Slipper supper club from Jim Downs. Cliff and Marge owned & operated ‘The Slipper’ until 1991, selling the business to daughter Lori, and husband Dave who had just relocated their family from Helena. Cliff was instrumental in starting, organizing, and competing in the annual Scobey Invitational independent basketball tournament (SIT). Additionally, he recruited, organized and coached a team to compete in the annual Western Invitational Tournament in Lewistown, for many years. In 1984, Cliff was part of an ownership group that purchased a building from the Opheim air force radar base, moving the building to Scobey. The group renovated the building to establish a new racquetball court and club house at the Scobey Golf Course, renaming thenew business, “The Hack ‘n Whack.” Many will remember Cliff for his ability to “visit” with anybody and everybody – and of course the many stories he told, which were all (somewhat) historically accurate. Cliff’s philosophy and story-telling guideline was, “no story that can’t be enhanced in some way, is not worth telling !” His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the local institutions he helped build and strengthen throughout his lifetime. He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Cecelia, his wife, Marjorie, and partner, Dixie Halverson. He is survived by his brother and sister, Glenn (Sue) and Mary Lynn (Wanty), children: Doug (Anni), Don (Melody) and Lori (Dave), eight grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. The family suggests any memorial contributions be made to the Beacon Foundation, in Cliff’s memory. Services will be held in Scobey in late June, at a date to be announced.
Clifford Hagfeldt 1936 – 2024
Cliff Hagfeldt, community leader and longtime Scobey resident, passed away at age 88 on November 18, 2024. Throughout his life, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his community, leaving an indelible mark on the City of Scobey and Daniels County, through his various roles as a farmer, broadcaster, sports official, and civic leader. Cliff’s passion for basketball started early. As a high school senior in 1954, the Scobey Spartans advanced to the state tourney in Great Falls. His passion for the sport led him to a career as one of Montana’s most respected basketball officials, consistently chosen to referee post-season tournaments at every state level. In 1986 he was inducted into the Montana Officials Association Hall of Fame. His officiating career not only kept him connected to the sport he loved, but also helped him build relationships across the state. He later transitioned his passion to sports broadcasting, completing 45 years of broadcasting in 2016. For his “Dedication & Commitment to Sportscasting”, KCGM honored him with a ‘Golden Microphone’ award. Rocky Erickson the news/sports director of the Northern Broadcasting Network made the presentation on behalf of KCGM at a January 2018 ballgame in Scobey. Recently, the well known broadcaster stated that he considered Cliff as one of his mentors. Cliff was a member of the Plainsman baseball team in the late ‘50’s and early ‘60’s. They were Montana’s AAU semi-pro champions in 1958, runners-up in 1959, then state champions again in 1960 - qualifying for the national semi-pro tournament in Wichita, Kansas, finishing in 7th place. His participation in ‘club’ baseball eventually led to occasional stints behind home plate - and later, in the broadcast booth. As a proud supporter of local and statewide education, Cliff served multiple terms on the Scobey School Board, including several years as chairman. In recognition of his contributions to the community, he was honored by being selected to the Scobey School Hall of Fame in1998. In April of 1990, he was appointed by Governor Stan Stephens to the Montana High SchoolAssociation’s Board of Control, which provided leadership and support to Montana schools, promoted a positive educational experience, and ensured equitable interscholastic activities’ contribution to student growth. Cliffs dedication to local youth was evident in his instrumental role in developing Plainsmen Field, tireless efforts related to the funding and construction of the new gymnasium/cafeteria project, and involvement in building of the new music room facility. His participation in fundraising efforts through KCGM Radio’s successful Radiothons, raised approximately one million dollars for various community causes, including the local hospital and swimming pool. As a stockholder and board member of KCGM Radio, Cliff played a vital role in establishing and growing the station, working alongside other local entrepreneurs to create a cornerstone of community information and entertainment. His commitment to local agriculture was demonstrated through his management of the generational Hagfeldt Ranch and Farms, continuing the legacy established by his parents, Art and Cecelia Hagfeldt. Cliff’s impact on the community extended beyond his official roles. As noted by longtime friends Dwain “Baldy” Sell and Dan Wolfe, he was a mentor and inspiration to many. His frank approach and determination to get things done made him an effective leader who could tackle challenging projects and bring them to fruition, an organizational talent he was able to pass along to the next generation of community leaders, many of which were involved in numerous community improvements related to the baseball and football fields, and of course, Scobey Schools. In 1977, Cliff & Marge formed a partnership with Randy Smith and Charles Cassidy to purchase the Silver Slipper supper club from Jim Downs. Cliff and Marge owned & operated ‘The Slipper’ until 1991, selling the business to daughter Lori, and husband Dave who had just relocated their family from Helena. Cliff was instrumental in starting, organizing, and competing in the annual Scobey Invitational independent basketball tournament (SIT). Additionally, he recruited, organized and coached a team to compete in the annual Western Invitational Tournament in Lewistown, for many years. In 1984, Cliff was part of an ownership group that purchased a building from the Opheim air force radar base, moving the building to Scobey. The group renovated the building to establish a new racquetball court and club house at the Scobey Golf Course, renaming thenew business, “The Hack ‘n Whack.” Many will remember Cliff for his ability to “visit” with anybody and everybody – and of course the many stories he told, which were all (somewhat) historically accurate. Cliff’s philosophy and story-telling guideline was, “no story that can’t be enhanced in some way, is not worth telling !” His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the local institutions he helped build and strengthen throughout his lifetime. He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Cecelia, his wife, Marjorie, and partner, Dixie Halverson. He is survived by his brother and sister, Glenn (Sue) and Mary Lynn (Wanty), children: Doug (Anni), Don (Melody) and Lori (Dave), eight grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. The family suggests any memorial contributions be made to the Beacon Foundation, in Cliff’s memory. Services will be held in Scobey in late June, at a date to be announced.
Cliff Hagfeldt, community leader and longtime Scobey resident, passed away at age 88 on November 18, 2024. Throughout his life, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his community, leaving an undeniable mark on the City of Scobey and Daniels County, through his various roles as a farmer, broadcaster, sports official, and civic leader. Cliff’s passion for basketball started early. As a high school senior in 1954, the Scobey Spartans advanced to the state tourney in Great Falls. His passion for the sport led him to a career as one of Montana’s most respected basketball officials, consistently chosen to referee post-season tournaments at every state level. In 1986 he was inducted into the Montana Officials Association Hall of Fame. His officiating career not only kept him connected to the sport he loved, but also helped him build relationships across the state. He later transitioned his passion to sports broadcasting, completing 45 years of broadcasting in 2016. For his “Dedication & Commitment to Sportscasting”, KCGM honored him with a ‘Golden Microphone’ award. Rocky Erickson the news sports direc...
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