Frederick 'Fred' Ray Bryant, 87
Frederick “Fred” Ray Bryant, 87, passed away on May 3, 2017, in Kalispell.
Fred was born on Feb. 19, 1930, on a farm near Powers Lake, North Dakota, to Ray Allen Bryant and Carrie Steele Bryant; he was one of seven children. The family moved to Conrad in 1936. Fred returned to North Dakota in his seventh year of school. As a 4 year old his education of reading and counting began with his five older sisters playing school with him being the student. This set the foundation for him being a self-taught, highly educated man, who was a ferocious reader. He did not graduate with a high school diploma, but did enlist in the Navy, eventually becoming an electronics engineer and educator.
His Navy career took him around the world to the Caribbean, England, Scotland, Norway, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Philippines, Japan and the USA — Florida, Virginia and California. He served in World War II, Vietnam and the Korean War.
His exemplary work ethic, instilled by his father, promoted him to ranking the seventh highest of E9 Status in March. He retired from the Navy in March, 1972.
He and Betty moved to Kalispell shortly thereafter and he built their house. They were married 56 years before her death on Dec. 23, 2012. They were both very active in the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 234 Kalispell, and North Valley, Columbia Falls Aerie 4081, being honored as Mr. and Mrs. Eagle in 2004.
They were founding members of Shining Mountains Church in the early 1970s. Fred was well known for his hugs, paper napkin roses, and tipping waitresses with gold coin dollars – after having consumed his favorite meal of apple pie and black coffee. He was an exceptional marksman, skilled at hitting a target using weaponry deemed unsuitable and impossible by others. He could also build or repair anything in the most unconventional way possible, causing others to scratch their heads. Above all he was a giving, hard-working, community-minded man.
A memorial service will be held at 1p.m. May 12 at the Eagles in Kalispell, followed by military honors and spreading of his and Betty’s ashes at the family home — 150 Goodrich Road.
He leaves behind his kitty, Sassy.
Fred loved flowers and would be delighted if you planted or gave some in his honor.
Monetary donations can be made to either Eagles clubs in Kalispell or Columbia Falls, or the Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry and Stand Down, in Evergreen.
Special gratitude to the medical attendants at the VA, especially Dr. Swanson and Nurse Kelly, the Hock family, the Eagles Ladies’ Auxiliary for providing a luncheon and Buffalo Hill Funeral Home for their care and support.
Friends are encouraged to visit the website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.