Frederick “Fred” Ray Bryant, 87, passed away on May 3, 2017 in Kalispell, Montana. Fred was born on February 19, 1930 on a farm near Powers Lake, North Dakota, to Ray Allen Bryant and Carrie Steele Bryant, he was one of 7 children. The family moved to Conrad, Montana in 1936. Fred returned to North Dakota in his 7 th year of school. As a four 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, Philippines, and Japan and U.S.A., Florida, Virginia, and California. He served in WWII, Vietnam and the Koran War.
His exemplary work ethic, instilled by his father, promoted him to ranking the 7 th 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 December 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 1970’s. Fred was well known for his jugs, 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 unsuited 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 May 12, 1:00 PM 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 is survived by 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 North West 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 Hills Funeral Home for their care and support. Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.