Fredrick 'Fred' Wayne Rockwell, Jr.

POLSON - Fredrick "Fred" Wayne Rockwell, Jr., 71, of St. Ignatius died of cancer on July 25, 2004, at St. Luke Hospital.

He was born on July 22, 1933, in Seattle to Agnes Caroline (Hay) Rockwell and Fredrick "Wayne" Rockwell, Sr. He was the eldest of three sons. His brothers are William "Bill" John Rockwell and Robert Lewis Rockwell.

Fred spent his formative years primarily in the Northwest where he enjoyed hunting, backcountry horse packing, and fishing with his father. Fred was also active in Boy Scouts.

After graduating from Walla Walla High School, he worked as a ranch hand in Washington and Oregon. He then entered an apprenticeship program to become a millwright. Having found his true vocation, he spent his entire career as a millwright.

Shortly after completing his apprenticeship, he married Phyllis Ann Johnson. They had three children - Michelle Ann, Penny Lynn, and Jay Thomas.

Fred and his family traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico due to the demands of his trade. He worked at sites such as Chevron USA, Lawrence Livermore Lab, Kellogg's, American Can, Campbell Soup, Boise Cascade, and Continental Can. Several years prior to retiring, Fred and Phyllis were divorced.

As an avid square dancer, Fred met and married Oleta Christine "Colwell" Bradford. They shared a mutual love for traveling in their fifth wheel, listening to country music, going on cruises, and attending square dance conventions.

Near the end of his career, Fred had the opportunity to pass on his love of the trade to his son, Jay, and his stepson, Dan, who both apprenticed under him for several years. His grandson, Ryan, is following in his footsteps pursuing training in welding.

After retiring, Fred and Chris moved from Modesto, Calif., to the Rockwell family ranch in St. Ignatius.

During his retirement, Fred was very involved with volunteer activities in the community. He helped in the construction of the multi-purpose hall, kitchen dishwasher, and classrooms of the Pablo Baptist Church. He completed handicap retrofitting at Leon Community Club in Charlo; installed the dishwasher at Faith Lutheran Church in Ronan; and numerous other community-oriented projects.

Fred is survived by his wife Chris; his three children, son Jay Rockwell; daughters, Michelle (Kelly) Ray, and Penny Reeve. He is also survived by his step-children, Danny and Robert Bradford, Catherine Clark, and Pamela Fennell. Fred has six grandchildren, three nieces, one nephew, two great-nieces and three great-nephew.

Fred will be remembered as a kind and generous man who always thought of others before himself. He will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched. He always lived his life knowing the Lord. Fred believed that things happened for a reason - that reason, directed by God's will.

A public memorial service, officiated by Pastor Rand Drollman, will be held at the Faith Lutheran Church, 406 5th Ave. SW, Ronan, at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 1. A public reception will immediately follow at the church.

Scattering of the ashes will take place at a private family ceremony. Cremation services were provided by Grogan Funeral and Crematory of Polson.

The family suggests memorial gifts to one of Fred's favorite non-profit organizations: Faith Lutheran Church, c/o Pastor Rand Drollman, 406 5th Ave. SW, Ronan, MT 59864; Pablo Baptist Church, c/o Pastor Kenny Prewett, 378 Coldwater Lane, Arlee, MT 59821; Leon Community Club, PO Box 83, Charlo, MT 59824; or St Luke Community Hospital Home Health & Hospice Care, 107 6th Ave. SW, Ronan, MT 59864. Arrangements and Cremation are by Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory of Polson.