Peter "Pete" Robert Score

On the evening of August 24th, 2015 Pete passed away at the Phillips County Hospital in Malta, MT surrounded by family. Pete was 91 years old. A memorial service will be held Friday, August 28th, 2015 at 2:00 PM in Malta, Montana at the Little White Church. Burial will be at Malta City Cemetery with a luncheon to follow.

Pete was born to Nils Edward Score and Jennie Catherine Carlson Score in Malta, MT on July 31, 1924. He grew up in Bowdoin and attended schools there through 8th grade. Pete hauled water each day and kept the school stove going by chopping and hauling wood. He completed his high school education in Malta finishing 3rd in his class. During high school Pete worked at Mann’s Motel, Coast to Coast, and had a paper route for 4 years.

After graduating Pete went to Portland from 1942-1943 and worked in the ship yards until he joined the army in 1943 in which his tour took him overseas to Central Europe during WWII. He received the Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Service Medal, and European African Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal. Pete served in the National Guard for 20+ years after his active duty.

After Pete’s service overseas he returned to Malta where he worked at various occupations until he became partners with Gordon Peters establishing Butler Builders which later became Hi-Line Steel erecting Butler Steel buildings throughout Montana.

In the early 70s Pete and two partners formed EH&S Construction in Malta and built many homes in the surrounding area. After EH&S Construction, Pete formed his own construction company, Peter Score Contractor, and worked construction in the Malta area until he semi-retired at age 62.

After semi-retirement Pete seemed to be busier than ever. He was involved with many of the projects at the Sleeping Buffalo including helping build the grill for the “Guinness Book of World Records” largest burger, and helping construct the ramps for Robbie Knievel to jump the Buffalo Barn.

Pete was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the VFW, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, and was a trustee of the Little White Church. He donated many hours of his time to the Phillips County Museum.

Pete had many interests in life when he was younger. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating. He had a cabin at Nelson Reservoir where he had many family functions every year and many great memories were made there. Pete enjoyed bowling later in life, and he loved the challenge of a puzzle “master of the Rubik’s Cube” and many other mechanical and electronic devices. He became a master craftsman of gingerbread houses when grandchildren appeared on the scene. Pete and Clarabel cut out gingerbread houses yearly for all the grandchildren to put together and decorate with candy and icing at Christmas time. This tradition continued for over 20 years. Pete especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Pete was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother and sister-in-law Donald Edward and Ethel Score from Costa Mesa, CA; his sister and brother-in-law Elva Marilyn and Ed Larson; and one grandson, Chris Hoiland.

Pete met and courted Clarabel Henry. They were married November 23rd, 1952 at the Little White Church in Malta, MT. Together they had 5 children; Peter Donald & (Mary Ann) Score of Minot, ND; Pam & (Donnie) Lynn; Pat & (Barb) Score; Paula & (Dennis) Ost; Paul “Rusty” & (Marie) Score all from Malta, MT. Surviving Pete are his wife Clarabel, all of his children, 15 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, brother-in-law Roy Baeth, brother-in-law & sister-in-law Jerry & Alice Hanson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be sent to the Little White Church.

Condolences may be sent to: bellmortuarymontana.com