Clinton James Van Atta
Clinton James Van Atta, 64, of Billings, Mont., died on Saturday, May 15, after an extended illness.
Clint was born in Billings on January 7, 1945, and grew up in Vida, Mont. He graduated in 1963 from Circle High School, where he lettered in football, basketball and track. He joined the Navy in 1965 and was honorably discharged in 1969.
During his college years at Eastern Montana College (now MSU Billings), Clint began his 37 year career with the credit union movement, where he was highly regarded and widely respected as a leader. After graduating in 1972 with a B.S. degree in business, he helped organize several credit unions in Montana, earning a stellar reputation, both statewide and nationally, for his intelligence and innovation .
In 2003, the Montana Credit Union Network honored Clint “for his illustrious career,” with their first Credit Union Professional of the Year award for his “involvement at the national level, as well as giving back to the local credit union movement.” He was paid tribute for the growth, under his stewardship, of his credit union, and for being “a technology leader in our state, having the first ‘tellerless’ branch in Montana.” He also was the second honoree to receive the prestigious Mitch Reed Montana Credit Union Volunteer of the Year award for his selfless dedication to the credit union community.
In December 2005, Clint retired as President and CEO of the Billings Federal Credit Union after 27 years of service there.
Clint served and held offices on numerous committees and boards, including: the Credit Union National Association's Cooperative Alliances Committee; trustee for the National Credit Union Legislative Action Committee; vice chairman and chairman of the Treasure State Corporate Credit Union Board of Directors; president of the Elder Abuse Prevention Board of Directors; and a longtime, valued member of the Downtown Rotary Club.
Clint was a wonderful family man, gentle and kind, whose first and last thoughts were always of his family and their well being. He especially enjoyed being "Grandpa" and loved and was so proud of his grandchildren. He gave so much of himself to his family and will be greatly and deeply missed.
"The whole best grandpa in the whole best world."
He is preceded in death by his father, James Van Atta. Clint is survived by his wife, Verlaine, and his mother, Leola Van Atta, as well as three children: Greg, Jeff and Jamie; and four grandchildren: Kyle, Kimberli, Karli and baby Halston. He also is survived by brothers Larry and Duane and sister Judy.
Viewing is at Michelotti-Sawyers. The funeral service will be on Friday, May 22, at 1:00 p.m., at Faith Chapel, with burial to follow at Mountview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
Clint was one of the "big cousins" when we were growing up in Vida. We always had fun when we visited the Van Atta's. I remember that Clint and Larry and their German Shepherd liked to play baseball out in the middle of their yard. And ride their pony through the wind break with visitors clinging on behind. Those were the good old days.
Kathleen Schillinger McGowan
I worked with Clint 13 years. He and I shared several things in common, such as our dislike for cats (trying to one-up each other on plots to rid the world of them), political views, taste in music (Clint said that country music was an oxymoron), and non-wavering devotion and frustration with our children. I admired Clint's way with words, his grace, his mentorship, his protection, and his humor (sneaky and lethal). Most of all I admired his absolute acceptance and tolerance - with EVERYONE. I think of Clint every day I come to work and every time I eat Chinese food (another oxymoron according to him). I've missed Clint since his retirement; I believe that I will always miss him. But memories of him make me smile - that's Clint's gift. Debbie Strever
Dear Verlaine,
I am in hopes that you remember me. I worked for Clint as the Plan America Rep.
I wanted to send my condolences to you and your family. Clint was respected, loved, and appreciated by all who had the pleasure to work for him.
I lost my husband in '93 and understand your loss and your grief. The grief will ease in time, but the lonliness is the hardest part.
God Bless You and the famliy.
Sincerely,
Joanne Flynn and family
Larry, we are sorry for the loss of your brother. We keep him and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Mike & Diane Boyett
To Clint's family, especially to Larry, Joe and I have always held Clint in the highest regard for the fine way he treated us at the Billings Federal Credit Union. We came here in June 1971 and we were pleased to have such a caring person advise us on money matters. Although Joe passed away 3 years ago I'm sure he would want me to acknowledge our appreciation for Clint. My condolences, Joe and Naomi LaRue
Larry, we are so sorry for the loss of your brother. It seems like he was a very caring man and that many people respected him and enjoyed his company. May time ease the sorrow you feel and leave only loving memories. Deepest sympathy, Mark and Isabelle Jacobsen
Verlaine, we are working on my family genealogy and we came across this notice. My maiden name was Van Atta. My dad was Elmo, brother to Clare. I met Clinton when he was real young. We had visited my Uncle Clare in Billings. I was so sorry to read about his passing. We live in Wisconsin.
Jan Hulita