Fred Mumbower, 72

Fred Mumbower passed away in the early morning of Oct. 26, 2010, at his home in Columbia Falls. His adventure in this life began on June 17, 1938, in Conrad, where he graciously allowed his twin sister Freda the privilege of coming into the world two minutes before himself. Fred was raised by his mother and father, Virgil and Lois Mumbower, who both preceded him in death. He enjoyed growing up with his siblings, Freda (Crane), and his brother, Claude. As early as 5 years old the gift of music, which can only be defined as all-encompassing, became the heart and life of Fred Mumbower. His joy in life was to share the very depths of his limitless knowledge with any, all and many who desired to know, feel or understand music. We never discovered a limit to his gift of picking up any instrument and the ability to play it fluently in just minutes. He could, and did on many occasions, play those instruments at the request of a tune or song with nothing more than a briefly hummed sequence from a tune. He wrote and published several songs over his lifetime. His life was defined by his ability to share the gift he was given in any form available. Fred graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in music. Shortly after he graduated, he married Luella Roehl. He was immediately drafted by the U.S. Army, relocating this new young family temporarily from Montana to Georgia where Fred played in the Army band. Even though his admission into the U.S. Army was through the draft system, Fred was extremely proud to serve in whatever capacity his country needed him. He was as true an American patriot as he was a qualified musician. He was profoundly proud of his son, Wayne Mumbower, who enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and stayed through retirement, receiving many honors for and during his service. Fred was also very proud of his two grandsons, Jordan, son of Wayne and Heidi Mumbower, who recently enlisted in the Army, as well as his grandson Lt. Cpl. Alex Lemieux, U.S. Marine Corps, 1st Div. 3rd Battalion, 7th Regiment Infantry, son of Wendy and Bob Lemieux, who returned from a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan the evening before his grandfather passed away. After discharge from the service in 1963, Fred and his family moved to Harlowton for a short while, where his official teaching career of sharing his love of music with young people began. In 1965 Fred s teaching career took him to even greater successes in Shelby where the Shelby High School choir and the multitude of smaller musical groups developed within the nucleus of the Shelby High School choir, would ultimately share the gift of music with thousands of individuals across the northwestern part of the United States, receiving awards for their efforts, that to date remain in the academic halls of musical excellence. For his part, Fred was honored for several years in succession with the directorship of the All Northwest Choir, an honor he humbly accepted and appreciated far beyond his ability to say. This honor was bestowed upon few in the industry. Fred s musical talents were extended in multiple capacities throughout the communities he lived in. Some of those included joining in with several dance bands and piano bars, as well as directing the local Shelby Lutheran Church choir for several years. There was no place he would go without sharing his beautiful gift, along with his genuine eye-sparkling smile and his heartiest deep laugh. Fred had a passion for life with music and the friendships he made along the way. They took him to live in several locations including Missoula; Boise, Idaho; Great Falls; Brady and finally, Columbia Falls, where he lived the last 30 years. For many years after his teaching career, Fred made a living driving truck, but when he was home he lived to gather his friends and they would play music for days until he had to get on the road and pay the bills. He stopped driving truck in 1998 but still continued playing and writing music. He would periodically visit family and friends but his love of music would always bring him home to jam with his friends. Unfortunately for this world, God wanted Fred and his musical talents, so He took him home. Fred leaves behind a legacy of friendships and stories. His friends could not be numbered. His stories and his deep laughter and twinkling eyes are cherished by all whose lives he touched. He leaves behind his four children and their spouses, Wendy Lemieux and husband, Bob, of Vancouver, Wash., Julie Johnson and husband, Kimble, of Nampa, Idaho, Jenny Steiner and husband, Brad, of Nampa, as well as his son, Wayne Mumbower, and wife, Heidi, of Washington Terrace, Utah. He left behind 11 grandchildren who have great stories " and almost that many pianos; two great-granddaughters; as well as his best friend for his final years, Sharon Packwood. Since you have taken the time to share Fred s story, please take a moment and remember someone whose life made yours better and if possible, let them know. He did this for everyone he met. A small private service for close friends and family was held in Columbia Falls on Oct. 31. A commemorative memorial is being planned In Shelby, to be held in the spring of 2011. Any individuals who have questions or wish to partake in that event are welcome to contact Laila Lindberg in Shelby.