We said goodbye to our handsome, witty, well-dressed, and deeply-loved husband and dad – the man we called "the silver fox." Alfred Eugene Tefft, 88, died on Saturday, June 11, 2022, surrounded by his beloved wife and four children at Benefis Peace Hospice.
Al was born in Great Falls, Montana on May 12, 1934, to Anna and William Tefft. He was raised in Great Falls and graduated from Central Catholic High School and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He attended the College of Great Falls and worked for a short time at Bennett Pontiac Motors. He married Earlene Joy Neil in 1957 and had four children before her death in 1963.
In 1965, Al married Beverly Jean Hulst and they lived, worked, and raised their four children in Great Falls. He worked for Cogswell Agency as a commercial and surety insurance agent retiring as Vice President after 34 years with the company. He especially enjoyed outdoor recreation – snow skiing, waterskiing, flying his airplane, and riding his motorcycles. The family enjoyed many summers boating and skiing on the Missouri River and Flathead Lake. After they retired, Beverly and Al enjoyed chasing the sun in their motor home, eventually purchasing a home that they dearly loved in Yuma, Arizona. Al enjoyed nature, wildlife, and Moscow Mules and was given to chatting to and feeding the geckos on his patio in Arizona and the bunnies, squirrels, and birds at his Montana home. Al loved Great Falls and had many lifelong friends here as well as friends far and wide. For many years Al and his buddies met regularly for coffee and saw each other through life's joys and challenges.
Al is survived by his wife, Beverly; son, Gregory Tefft; daughters, Terrie (Jerry) Johnson, Tracy Tefft, and Kristie (Tim) Peak; grandchildren, Shelby and Sean Tefft, Brittany, Kayla, Brook (Baker) Nelson, Saxon, Whitney, Fallon, and Aaron Polich, Bridger and Dakota Peak; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces, and nephews; and many dear friends. Al was preceded in death by his father, William; brother, William (Clyde); mother, Anna; great-grandson, Greyson; and many beloved friends.
The family plans to gather for a private memorial later this summer. Al had a deep appreciation and love for all animals. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Great Falls Animal Shelter.
