Fred Fish, 80

Fred Fish, 80, passed away on Sunday, July 31, , at his residence in Columbia Falls. He was born on June 11, 1926, at Bantry, N.D., the son of Edward and Lizzie (Wager) Fish.

After the passing of his mother at age 1 1/2 he was taken to live with his grandparents and Aunt Mag on their farm near Ray, N.D. Fred attended schools at Hofflund Country School near Ray, completing the eighth grade. During World War II, he was inducted into the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines, Japan and South Korea from 1944 to 1946. On Sept. 5, 1946, he received an honorable discharge and returned home to run the farm.

On June 5, 1951, he was united in marriage to Hazel Oakland in Stanley, N.D.

She was a teacher at the school he attended as a boy. Four children — Ron, Pam, Bill and Fred — were born to them in North Dakota. After the passing of his grandmother in 1957, he became owner of the farm.

In September 1959 they sold the farm and they moved to Columbia Falls, where he became partner with his brother Bill in the Sportsman Club Bar.

In 1960 they added another member to their family, a son Don. After owning and operating the bar for 22 years together, they sold it in 1981.

After selling the bar, he worked off and on with his son Don, who owned and operated a portable sawmill.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his boys, and he truly loved gardening.

He raised a beautiful garden every year at their home in Columbia Falls for 41 years.

He was a lifetime member of the Columbia Falls VFW.

He was preceded in death by a son, Don Fish; and two brothers, William 'Bill' Fish and Earl 'Shorty' Fish; a sister, Jean; and his grandparents.

Fred is survived by his wife, Hazel Fish, of the family home in Columbia Falls; son Ron Fish and wife, Arlene, of Glenrock, Wyo.; daughter Pam Nutter, of Tacoma, Wash.; sons Bill Fish and Fred Fish and wife, Lori, all of Columbia Falls; and a brother, Jack Fish of Columbia Falls; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

There are no services planned at this time for Fred at his request.

'We will have so many wonderful memories and especially the great laughs from his unique sense of humor. We will love and miss him always.'

Johnson Mortuary & Crematory is caring for Fred's family.