Today's Missoulian obituary for Earl Sherron has some interesting discussion about the forerunners of Monte.....the Hamm's bears that Earl brought to a Griz game back in the day.
Earl was a fine Griz for many years and the obituary references his many contributions to UM.
Thanks for all you did for Missoula and the University, Earl.
Here's a little bit of the obituary today.
The early years of Earl’s Distributing were some of the finest. The company was instrumental in raising money for University of Montana through hallmark programs – Aber Day Kegger, Feed the Bears (Griz) and Chateau St. Michele UM commemorative bottling. One of Earl Distributing’s beloved brands was Hamm’s beer. Known for its dancing bears, the “Hamm’s Bears” made their first appearance at Dornblazer field for a UM football game. The bears were the predecessor of UM’s current mascot, Monte.
Earl was a passionate supporter of University of Montana student-athletes. He particularly enjoyed the successes of Montana students who made Griz Nation proud. Earl donated funds to build the first student-athlete weight room. He served student–athletes through his philanthropic activities as a member the UM Foundation Board, UM Capital Campaign, National Advisory Board for Grizzly Athletics, Grizzly Riders, Quarterback Club and served as GSA president.