Frank William Bedey, Jr

HAMILTON -- Frank W. Bedey, Jr., 76, of Hamilton, passed away on Thursday, March 12, at Marcus Daly Hospice. Frank ended his long battle with cancer surrounded by his family and his pastor.

Frank was born to Frank and Amelia Bedey on August 22, 1932, in Roundup, Montana. After graduating from Klein High School (outside of Roundup), he went on to the University of Montana where he earned a teaching degree in 1955. Following a two-year stint serving on active duty in the U.S. Air Force in San Antonio, Texas, Frank returned to Montana where he taught in the Hamilton public schools for fifteen years, followed by fifteen years as the principal at Westview Junior High School. He retired in 1987. Throughout his life, Frank served his community and his country to include serving a term as president of the local Kiwanis, spending several years in the U.S. Air Force Reserve where he rose to the rank of captain, and being elected as Ravalli County Public Administrator. Frank, along with his long-time friend Dale Smith, was also instrumental in establishing a hunter's safety program in Ravalli County.

On September 19, 1953, Frank married the love of his life, Bette J. Huber. Aside from the two years they spent in Texas, they made their home in Hamilton where they raised four children.

Frank was a devoted husband, a fine father and grandfather, a fast friend, and an avid sportsman. He delighted in watching his grandchildren grow up. Several of his friends gathered at his garage for weekly meetings of the "Book Club"-but only on those weeks that have Wednesdays! And during the summer you would most likely find Frank wading the West Fork or floating the Bitterroot in search of trout. Somehow he always managed to catch fish even when they weren't biting for anyone else!

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Bette, of Hamilton; his mother, Amelia, of Hamilton; his father-in-law, Frank Huber, of Hamilton; his three sons David (Deborah) of Hamilton, Gary (Vali) of Hamilton, and Jeff of New Orleans; his daughter Jennifer (Don) Ray of Darby; his "other son," Jeff Richardson, of Denver; his brother, Bob (Arlene), of Hamilton; and his brother-in-law, Jim (Kathy), of Louisville. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren Karis Bedey; Cheryl (Allen) Christiensen and Nicole Bedey; Robert, Kayla, and Matthew Bedey; and Tara, Libby, and Seth Ray.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Marcus Daly Hospice Endowment Fund, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, MT 59840, or to the Intermountain Children's Home, 500 South Lamborn Street, Helena, MT 59601.