John Curtis Board, 89, of Helena, Montana, was born on May 18, 1936, to Victor and Pearl Board on a farm near Onarga, Illinois. A sinner, he died of natural causes on March 14, 2026.
John was reared in Illinois until he was six years old and in 1942 his family moved to Indiana. He attended first grade at Liberty Loan School in Illinois; Raub School in Raub, Indiana; and Kentland Grade School and Alexander J. Kent High School in Kentland, Indiana.
He earned his BA from Ball State Teachers College in Muncie, Indiana; his MA from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming; and his MLS from the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon. He also attended the University of Montana for one year doing post-graduate work in US History and he completed diaconal studies from the Montana Episcopal Diocese’s School of Theology.
On June 15, 1965, John married Mait Birgitt Erickson of Kansas City, Missouri, a daughter of Swedish immigrants. She was the anchor in his life. To that union, two beloved sons were born: John-David Hicks Board and Andrew Erickson Cox Board.
From 1958-1959, John taught his first year at Goshen High School in Goshen, Indiana. In 1959 he moved to Great Falls, Montana, where he taught from 1959 to 1980. He first taught at East Junior High School and later at C. M. Russell High School.
From 1973-1975, John served as president of the Great Falls Education Association (GFEA). From 1976-1984, he served as president of the Montana Education Association (MEA). During his 1973-1975 tenure as president of the GFEA, he was one of the state’s teacher leaders who were successful in obtaining collective bargaining rights for teachers. In 1980, he became the first full-time president of the MEA. From 1984-1996, John served as the director of professional practice and government relations for the Connecticut Education Association in Hartford, Connecticut. In 2008, he served as the Interim Executive Director of the Montana Association of Churches.
John’s master’s thesis, “The Lady from Montana: Jeannette Rankin”, was the first academic thesis devoted solely to the life and work of the first woman who served in the United States Congress. In 1991 he edited an anthology, A Special Relationship: Our Teachers and How We Learned.
On September 18, 2005, John was ordained a deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Montana.
During his lifetime, John was active in various professional, civic, state, national, and religious organizations. Among those were the GFEA, MEA, and NEA; the Montana Civil Rights Advisory Board; the Republican and Democratic political parties; the American Civil Liberties Union; the councils of various LCA Lutheran Churches in Montana and Connecticut; and the vestries of Episcopal Churches in Great Falls and Helena.
John is survived by his sons, John-David and Andrew; his daughter-in-law, Stephanie, the wife of John-David; and his grandsons Nicholas and Haylan. Nieces and nephews also survive him.
He was preceded in death by his wife Mait; his parents Victor and Pearl Board; his older brother Donald and his wife Mary; his younger brother David and his wife Julie.
Friends and family are invited to gather for a visitation on Friday, March 27, 2026, between 4 and 6 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave, Helena, MT.
Funeral services will be held on March 28, 2026, promptly at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N Park Ave, Helena, Montana. A livestream of the service will be available at https://www.spchelena.org/virtual-meeting. This will be a traditional funeral service and appropriate dress is requested. No shirt, no shoes, no service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a monetary donation or an act of assistance be given to a person, family, or people in need; or to the Archie Bray Foundation’s Library, 2915 Country Club Avenue, Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday March 27, 2026
Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday March 28, 2026
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Mary Runkel says
My sympathy to John’s family. John was a good neighbor plowing me out of my driveway to get to work many years ago. He had such a lovely twinkle in his eye. Later he assisted as a volunteer chaplain at SPH and was so very gracious and dedicated volunteering his time. May all your memories of his generosity give you comfort now. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Connie Erickson says
I was just getting over Mait’s loss and now John. He and Mait were my neighbors for 12 years. I always enjoyed visiting with John because he was so smart and a great conversationalist. Even as his body gave out his mind remained sharp. To his family, I will keep you in my prayers as you navigate a second loss in just a few months.
Terry Beaver says
John, I want to thank you for your endless contributions to education in Montana. AS I grow older, I am realizing the benefits of your negotiations 40 years ago. Thank you.
Larry Slonaker says
John’s U.S. History class at CMR High opened to me a glimpse into academia I hadn’t known existed. In high school he was my mentor and champion; afterwards, I’m proud to say he was my friend. A most kind, thoughtful and generous man.
ReNae Simon-Grantier says
I was just looking at my 1975 CMR Russellog the other day and saw in the Faculty-page 85, him sitting with his two sons Andrew and John David. He was my history teacher and he made you think about history besides read, memorize and regurgitate. Mr. Board tested different but he made you ‘think’ and to write a field of study, no misspelled words too, which living in today’s world of poor online grammar, he was an icon in his field. My thoughts and prayers are with the Board family.
Kate Porter says
One of my favorite teachers
Kaye Henderson Atkinson says
I had him for history at CMR in the 70’s, he was a good friend of my father’s who was also a teacher, Richard Henderson.
Jerrold A. Weissman says
John was a friend. About a month and a few day older than myself. Goodby old friend. Jerry and Nadyne Weissman
Nancy Walter says
To say John was my friend is an understatement. We were as close friends as two professional colleagues could be. We taught together for only one year at CM Russell HS in GreatFalls but it was a year that found our friendship growing as close as if we were family members. He and Mait became my close pals, confidantes, and motivated citizens with shared community, academic, and political interests. Eventually John and I became leaders of the Montana Education Association—he as president, I as vice president during some tumultuous years in Montana politics. Our careers diverged when John and Mait moved their family to Connecticut and I moved to Maryland, but our friendships and career interests continued. In our retirement years, we traded several trips to visit each other—I to visit them in Montana, and they to visit me in Mississippi. We kept up our visits by phone in recent years and continued to share as if family members. John’s call saying Mait had died was a shock and great loss to me. And to learn now of John’s death—while not as shocking, given his poor health in recent years—is nonetheless a profound loss for this longtime loving and faithful friend. To John David, and Andrew, my deepest condolences. Your parents were both extremely proud of you and your achievements. God bless the Boards, one and all.
Jackie Dunbar says
John was the chaplain at St Peter’s when our father passed away. He spent many hours with our family and we are forever grateful.
Wayne and Char says
We met John and Mait in Tucson, AZ! They instantly became our friends! A lovely and entertaining couple! We were happy to know them and share life’s ups and downs! God Bless! Wayne and Char Olson
Bob and Dorothy Clore says
What a privilege and a joy to know John and Mait through mutual friends the Hartmans. We shared walks and books and meals and great conversations. So many great memories.
Dave and Marie Hartman says
Goodbye dear friend. We’ll treasure always our wonderful times together full of laughter and love. You and Mait were always kind and thoughtful to your wide circle of friends and aquaintances. You are missef already.
Robert L. Logan, Jr. says
While it’s always difficult for us to say goodbye to treasured friends like John, we relish our memories of those times of our lives we shared so much with both he and Mait. They were both “one of a kind “ souls , and we’ll treasure those experiences we had with each of them.
Bob & Mary Lynn Logan
Linda and John Gonser says
Always have good memories of John as a teacher and leader of our Union. May he rest in peace! So many of our great educators leaving our world. Sad times.
Brian Farmer says
i took medieval history from John C Board at CMR in Great Falls. Not a class you’d think a goofball like me would take. He made it interesting, fun and enjoyable. I will always remember him as not just a teacher but an educator and one who cared about the students and how they thought. Rest in Peace.
Terry Schutt says
I had Mr Board for three classes, first as a seventh grader for a Friday morning study hall, where he lectured us on the proper way to sit in our desks. Had him for English, where I learned what a gerund is. I had him for history. He made me think for my self. I probably would not have gone to college if not for him. I graduated and was in the Peace Corps for 3 years. I am sure he would be shocked. RIP
Robin Bain Viens says
Mr. Board was my favorite teacher. Ever. I wish I had done better in his class, but feel my love of history came from his influence. I’ve thought of him often through the years, and he was the one teacher I always wished I could go back to visit. I’m sure my story is multiplied by HUNDREDS of his students who felt the same. Job well done Mr. Board.
Nancy Walters says
What fond memories I have of Mr. Board! He was one of my favorite teachers and was part of the reason I became a teacher myself. Largely because of Mr. Board, I developed a love for the subject of English and of course, diagramming sentences. What an impact he had on me when he chose this insecure 9th grade girl to do the major portion of the readings for the annual school Christmas program. Fast forward to when I became a school administrator. I received a wonderful, encouraging congratulatory note from Mr. Board. How did he remember me? That speaks to the kind, unique, and special man that Mr. Board was. A life well lived!
Philip Howeth says
John’s photo herein speaks to the twinkle in his eyes, Mary. Truly blessed to know John when we were members of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Joann and I thought so much of John, and his career and character truly spoke to how much we respected him. Inasmuch as we knew John, we didn’t, but I like to think that John was intent to move on after Mait’s passing. RIP.
Marvin Strom says
John and I were both on the GFEA and MEA. His mind was to get the best results for the teachers, which he did. We were good friends and when he moved to Helena he would call me once and awhile. He was very active and did a good job for teachers. He certainly will be missed. Thanks John.
Lois Lind says
Johnand I met in 4th grade and went through school together and graduated. He was a wonderful long time friend and kept in contact over the years. Was fortunate to meet his wife Mait and so sorry of her passing.
John was very kind when my husband Richard passed away. I knew Johns parents and brothers.
I will miss our phone conversations rest in peace John and Mait.
Diane Carlson Evans says
John was a scholar and a gentleman. While I didn’t know him well, like so many writing here, he was just one of those people you never forget after meeting them. I’m glad to have crossed paths with him over the years. Peace to John and peace to his family and friends.
paul edwards says
If John was a “sinner”, then the whole race of humans is going to hell.
He was a fine man, a scholar, a true gentleman, a loyal and sincere friend, and an all around credit to his species.
If the world was full of men of his quality, this sick and deluded Capitalist Tyranny would not be killing people all around the world to get their resources.
Ave atque vale, John.
Lisa Autio says
I donated many of my parents’ art books to the Archie Bray Foundation library and really enjoyed meeting John when he was the library’s volunteer there. He was a good friend of my mom and dad, Lela and Rudy Autio, and they thought the world of him. He was a great appreciator of the arts. I visited him and Mait often when I made the trip to Helena. Good friend, great human being, he was so warm and comfortable to be around. Will miss you, dear friend.
Sandy Polishuk says
What a comfort to read so many messages of love and admiration of John since I am in Oregon and only 4 years younger than he was and no longer travel. Thank you for the link to the service.
I met John at the University of Oregon in the early ’70s when we were fellow students in the Library Science program. I was able to visit John and Mait twice in Montana but not for many years. We kept up by phone, especially since he was forced to be such a homebody.
I think I was the first Jewish person John met. Shortly after Oct. 7th, John called me for book titles on Zionism and the history of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. We had some wonderful conversations after he read my suggestions. That sharp and active mind did not slow down with the decline of his body. I miss him so much already , knowing the calls will be no more. I am grateful for the beautiful photo of him.
Mary K Austin nee' Sigvardt says
John and Mait were dear, dear friends to my mother, Bertie. John gave the eulogy at her funeral; that’s how much they meant to each other. They shared a love of art, especially Montana artist Val Knight’s. One year at Art in the Park [?] John and my mom both fell in love with the same painting of Val’s. While John took another walk thru the exhibits to carefully consider purchasing it, Mom beat him to it.. She always called it “John’s painting” It was a source of shared love and joy. When Mom died, I gave the painting to John. I believe he donated it to Paris Gibson Square. I’ll remember the 3 of them laughing in our kitchen and theirs in a little house on the north side. Love to all.
Dan Walker says
Kindness upon kindness. I had John for my teacher in seventh grade English at East Junior High. He was the only teacher I ever had who stopped to give two freezing seventh graders a ride to school in his VW bug. Or sit me down on grading day and treat me as an adult. “Mr. Walker what grade do you think you deserve in this class?” He took the time to get to know my brother and both of my parents. After the death of my first wife ,John showed up unannounced to comfort me and my kids. He wrote letters to my five year old daughter and my seven year old son. As well as many other phone calls and letters. I have saved many of them. He was kindness personified. I will miss his annual Christmas letter and book list.
May God be good to you John Board. All those of us who knew you and loved you will miss you. The world is a better place for you having lived.
C.J. (Carol) Lassila says
I was one of Mr. Board’s students at East Junior High School in Great Falls. So that means he was one of my teachers in 1965 or 1966. I say that because other than seeing him around East JSH and then perhaps around town in Great Falls – the next time I talked with him was a surprising many, many years later – around 2006 in Helena. I was visiting my mother-in-law’s brother in a hospital room at St Peters when in walks Mr. Board, visiting our patient in Mr. Board’s roll at the time as a hospital chaplain. So – about FORTY years would have passed since last I saw my former teacher. And get this – I recognized him right away – but amazing was that he recognized me when I talked with him and remembered me and my name without prompting. Rest in Peace, sir.
Libby Goldes says
During my time as a trustee on the Helena ‘School Board, Mr. Board reached out to me to offer support and encouragement. From the memories others have shared here it is clear that I was not alone in this. While our interactions were few, they made an indelible impact on me and underscore the value of human connection and concern. My condolences to his family. I hope the many fond memories of John will give you comfort.
David and Marie Hartman says
Farewell dear friend. With you and Mait, we worked together, played together, and stayed together. A friendship to treasure..
Melanie Kirkaldie says
I was searching for another obit when I came across this one. In 72′ I moved from CA to MT. When I enrolled at CMR and the subject was Mid-Evil History I thought I was sunk. Nope, I ran across the very best teacher a person could ever have. Mr. Board made this class so interesting, and I was mesmerized into learning all I could about all history for the rest of my life. I called CMR once asking if they knew where Mr. Board was as I’d like to send a card to thank him. The girl I spoke with didn’t know, so I never could get my card to him. I know he has a special place in heaven; because of the young lives he impacted. Thank you Mr. Board for everything.
Lou Sciuchetti says
A life well lived. Both my brother and myself had Mr Board as a teacher. He liked me and survived my brother, lol.
Met his son and daughter-in-law on a ship in Hawaii. Wonderful conversation about a great man. Rest in peace.
Connie Vergine says
To the family of John and Mait,
I am just seeing this. It is with a sense of both loss and sadness to see that John has also passed. They were two of my favorites as patients of South Hills Dental, and I saw them both regularly for their dental hygiene visits. They were both delightful, entertaining, and ALWAYS brightened my day! Intelligent, witty, and even educational! Rest in peace Mait and John. My condolences to the family!
Connie Vergine