Frederick O. King, 91

Frederick O. King, 91, a longtime Eureka resident, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell, from natural causes.

He was born Dec. 25, 1920, in Liverpool, England, to Percy and Alice Forman King. Fred grew up in Eureka and attended school at the Pinkham Creek School House. At a very early age he went to work in the woods using a cross-cut saw.

Fred was a very successful entrepreneur. He built many roads for Plum Creek Timber Company, American Timber and Ksanka. He worked with Paola to help build the railroad to Trego, Fortine and Eureka.

He had a keen eye for spotting the straightest trees to be used for telephone poles. He was willing to hire and train anyone who needed a job. At one time his company employed as many as 80 people. He was named Logger of the Year.

At one time he was the vice president of the Banking Committee for the First Bank of Eureka. He and a companion were invited to compete in the Olympics as cross-cut sawing competitors.

He enjoyed flying, fishing and hunting. Fred is at peace “and the elk can breathe a sigh of relief.”

He was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Beulah; and two sisters, Kathryn and Mabel.

Survivors include his son, Stan King, and wife, Kathi, of Great Falls; granddaughter, Kristina King; two great-grandchildren, Korrean and Meridian; and a sister, Ellen Littigi, of East Moline, Ill.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Eureka. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 30, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church.

Local arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Eureka.