Douglas George LeBrun
RONAN – Douglas George LeBrun, 74, a long-time educator and coach went to be with the Lord Wednesday, March 9, in Helena due to an aneurysm. He was born in Ronan, in 1936.
From the time he was young, Doug had a passion for sports. This interest paid off after he graduated from Ronan High School, when he attended the University of Montana on a baseball scholarship.
After graduating from the UM, Doug first taught and coached at Judith Gap, thus the beginnings of an illustrious coaching career. During his 10 years as a football, basketball and track coach at Lewistown’s St. Leo’s High, his teams captured eight conference titles.
When Doug moved to Helena, his love for pole vaulting blossomed. As an HHS track assistant during four decades, he mentored 14 state champions and two state record holders, while operating a nationally renowned summer pole vault camp at his ranch in the Helena Valley.
He became a nationally prominent figure in the vaulting community, and befriended many of the sport’s greatest athletes and coaches. “Doug will be greatly missed, he was a big part of Helena’s pole vault success,” Olympian Stacy Dragila wrote, upon hearing of his passing. “He was a great friend with a big smile.”
Doug was a member of the Montana Coach’s Association Hall of Fame and had recently been elected to the Helena Sports Hall of Fame.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Louis F. and Alice V. LeBrun, his Aunt Louise Grund, and brothers, Eugene and Ted LeBrun. He is survived by his brother, Walter LeBrun (Elliston) and sister, Martha Haverkamp (Joliet), numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and one great-great niece.
A vigil service was held Monday, March 14 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church followed by funeral Mass Tuesday, March 15. Burial was Tuesday, March 15 at the Ronan Cemetery.
Memorials in Doug’s name are suggested to any youth sports organization of the donor’s choice or to Our Lady of the Valley Youth Ministry. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com
