Fred M. Coles

1916-2005

ST. IGNATIUS — Long time Montana rancher and well known cattleman, Fred Coles, met his sweetheart on a blind date, got married on a bet and moved to Montana on a want ad.

Fredrick Matthew Coles passed from this earthly life on Oct. 30, 2005, at his home surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 88 years old.

He was born Dec. 5, 1916, in Evanston, Wyo., to Fredrick Matthew and Elizabeth Morrow Coles. One of six children, Fred learned his love of the cattle business from his father as he grew up on the Flag Ranch on the western Wyoming plains. He graduated from high school in Evanston, and attended Utah State University in Logan.

Fred met the love of his life, Eldora Barker of Randolph, Utah, and proposed to her under a postage stamp. They were married in 1937 in Farmington, Utah, and on Dec. 5, 1953, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Fred and Eldora bought a ranch on the Big Hole River near Melrose, in 1948. They remained there until retiring in 1974, when they bought a smaller place in the Mission Valley near Post Creek. Fred continued to raise cattle and work horses for many more years. Retiring or slowing down was not in Fred's itinerary. As the years wore down this old cowboy, he continued to ride his horse each year on his birthday in spite of the concerns of his family.

"Freddie," as he affectionately became known, was branded as having toughness and an impeccable work ethic. He was honest, fair and trustworthy. His integrity and word is something that all who had the opportunity to know him greatly admired. Fred was known for going out of his way to help a neighbor, friend or a stranger anytime of day or night.

Fred had a great love for his family and had a special place in his heart for all little ones. His standards and values were shared with many as he imparted his words of wisdom. Freddie was the person to go to when you needed answers to life's questions. He had the ability to see things others would miss. "The purposes in the human mind are like deep water, but the intelligent [man] will draw them out" (Proverbs 20:5). Too often we label people as arrogant, quick tempered or weak, but Fred, with his spiritual insight, could see beyond their flaws and draw out their uniqueness and hidden treasures.

Fred was a cowboy poet of sorts, sharing this talent with only a few. He had a great sense of humor, which he shared with all.

Fred was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served faithfully in various callings. He had a deep love and reverence for the Lord and he exemplified this by the Christ like life he led.

For many years Fred served as the president of the Vipond Stock Association where the members of the association honored his leadership and dedication. He was an energetic member of the Beaverhead County School Board and was instrumental in implementing the first school bus runs to Dillon and Butte from Melrose. On many occasions he served as substitute bus driver when the scheduled driver didn't make it.

Fred was preceded in death by his father Fredrick Matthew Coles and his mother Elizabeth Morrow Coles, as well as by two of his siblings, Mildred Gunn and Ernest Coles.

Fred is survived by his wife of 68 years, Eldora Barker Coles; his three daughters and their husbands, Sue and Harry Harvey of St. George, Utah, Ila Kaye and William Griffin of Charlo, and Elizabeth and Rick O'Brien of Grand Junction, Colo.; his sister Agnes Whittaker and his brother John Coles, both of Evanston, and his sister Beverly Coleman of Grand Junction.

Fred and Eldora have a posterity of 15 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Freddie, we hope your family, friends, horse and faithful companion Freckles have met you at the roundup as you "ride off into the sunset."

We love you and will miss you.

Services were held Nov. 3, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in St. Ignatius, Montana, under direction of Bishop Bill Griffin.

Interment was in Mountain View Cemetery, St. Ignatius.

Memorials may be sent to Montana Cancer Center Foundation, PO Box 7877, Missoula, MT 59807, or to the Lake County Home Health Hospice, 711 Main St. SW, Ronan, MT 59864.