Troy Scouts rename building to honor Jack Hett

By GWEN ALBERS Western News Reporter

Montana's oldest active Boy Scout died this past Easter Sunday doing what he enjoyed most.

Jack Hett, 83, fished alone on Bull Lake before pulling his boat ashore, suffering a heart attack and dying almost instantly.

A dozen scouts from Troy on Tuesday honored Hett for dedicating 71 years to the organization. Boy Scout Troop 1924 named its wood-frame meeting building at Riverside and Third streets the Jack Hett Scout Hut. They also hung a sign in his memory.

Hett remained involved with scouting until his death on April 16.

"He did it for the kids, and he believed in it and the influence scouting had on him," said his daughter, Dorothy Hett of Troy.

"He had a heart for young people," added Steve Irgang, Scoutmaster for Troop 1924.

Hett at age 82 rappelled with the scouts. He still attended meetings, worked with boys on first aid, hiked and camped.

Hett attended national jamborees in Colorado and New Mexico and participated in most activities with the scouts from Troy. He also climbed Mt. Rainier.

This summer Hett planned to attend Boy Scout camp to serve as a chaplain and medic. He also planned to join Troop 1924 on an overnight trip to Canada the first weekend in May.

"We pitched a tent for him and hung up his picture," Irgang said.

The overnighter was planned for the same weekend of Hett's memorial service at Troy United Methodist Church. The boys made it back on time to attend.

A retired minister, Hett got into scouting while growing up in Grandview, Wash. He remained involved as an adult while also serving churches in Oregon, Indiana, Wyoming and Montana. Hett on Feb. 10, 1990, received the Silver Beaver award from the Central Wyoming Council for his life-long commitment to scouting.

Hett moved to Troy in 1990 and immediately got involved with scouts. Over the years he served as master, assistant master, troop committeeman and troop committee chairman.

"He went everywhere with us," said scout Jeffrey Rebo, 13, of Troy.

"He lived life to the fullest, right up to his last breath," Dorothy Hett added.

Hett's influence went throughout Montana Council and beyond, said scout executive director, Gordon Rubard.

Hett served several years on the summer camp staff at K-M Scout Ranch, and he was an active Arrowman. For a time, a picture of Hett on the K-M Scout Ranch climbing wall graced the Montana Council's home page.

"Jack was a man of conviction, strong opinions, and one who lived his life to the fullest," Rubard said.