Arnold "Arnie" Jerome Bejot

Arnold “Arnie” Jerome Bejot, age 84, passed away on April 22, 2023, at his home in Billings, Montana, after a short battle with cancer.

Arnie was born on Aug. 6, 1938, in Ainsworth, Nebraska, to Stella and Jerome Bejot. He graduated from Long Pine High School and had a successful career working for the Bureau of Reclamation and retired in 1985. Following retirement, Arnie spent his time operating several gun shows for 22 years. He was a wheeler dealer and known as “Honest Arn” throughout the gun community. He was well respected for his expertise and knowledge of guns, especially Colts and Winchesters.

Arnie was happily married to Jeanette Bejot, who was the love of his life for 66 years. Throughout their years together, they enjoyed dancing, traveling, spending winters in Arizona, and having a glass of red wine together everyday at 4 p.m.

Arnie is survived by his wife, Jeanette; and his two children, Jay (Vondra) Bejot and Pam (Ed) Kaufman; as well as his seven grandchildren, Amanda Bachler, Matt (Melissa) Bejot, Mark (Corina) Bejot, Maggie (Ether) Tollestrup, Kassidy (Bryan) Barth, Teal (Alex Prosenick) Kaufman and Paden (Olivia) Kaufman; and his 12 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Stella and Jerome; his in-laws, Kathryn and John Reynolds; and his brother, Roger Bejot.

Arnie had a passion for golf, playing cards, reading and watching sporting events. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and cherished the relationships he built over the years. Golf became Arnie’s passion and he was a member of Pryor Creek Golf Course for 30 years. Throughout his life, he participated in archery, bowling, camping, hunting, and was an active member in the Breakfast Exchange Club  for 44 years. Arnie organized several charter bus trips for the Exchange Club and earned the name “Wagon Master.” He also organized a golf tournament for the Exchange Club and eventually the tournament was named “The Bejot Open” in honor of Arnie.

Above all, Arnie loved his family. His grandkids and great grandkids meant the world to him. He touched many lives with his generosity, kindness, and passion for life, always having a smile on his face.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life gathering at 2 p.m. Friday, April 28, at Harvest Church, 1235 W. Wicks Lane in Billings.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The American Cancer Society or Harvest Church.

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