Fred A. Barnowsky, 85

Fred A. Barnowsky, 85, passed away in Kalispell on July 15, 2008. Fred was born in Scobey on Feb. 18, 1923. His mother died when he was 2 years old. Along with his older brother, William, his father relocated the family for a time in Wisconsin and then eventually ended up in the Swan Valley.

Fred completed school in the Swan, served in the Navy during World War II and then found his home with the Forest Service. He served as one of the early smokejumpers based out of Missoula and the Northwest.

In the early 1960s, Fred was assigned to the Central Intelligence Agency, where he participated in covert air drops of supplies in Laos and Tibet — a secret Fred kept, as promised, to his death.

Fred loved his independence and lived as one with the great outdoors.

He was preceded in death by his father, Emil; mother, Flora; and his brother, William.

Fred valued his friends, loved children, and greatly appreciated the personal care he received at Greenwood Village. His friendly smile and firm handshake will be missed.

At Fred's request there will be no services; however, his ashes will be spread in his beloved Flathead National Forest, at his favorite spot near Goat Creek in the Swan Valley.

Arrangements and cremation are under the care of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory.