Fred H Gill
March 5, 1930 — March 16, 2017
On March 16, 2017 the trout in many of Montana’s lakes and streams lost one of their biggest enemies. Fred Hodges Gill passed away peacefully with his family at his side. Fred was born on Mar 5, 1930 to Hugh H. Gill and Martina V. Gill in Lethbridge, Alberta Canada. The family lived in Santa Rita, Montana. Fred attended school for 12 years in Cut Bank, graduating in 1948. He lettered in football and track, taking first place in javelin, Class B State at Missoula in 1946. That record held for a number of years.
Following graduation that fall he went to Wyoming with his dad to do oilfield construction work. On September 23, 1950 he married Laverna Owen, his high school sweetheart, sharing over 66 years of marriage. They were only married 1 year when Fred was called to serve in the Marine Corps during the Korean conflict. His service took the young couple to San Diego, CA, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to his new station in Barstow, CA.
After discharge Fred and Laverna returned to Newcastle, WY where they made their home for 11 years. In 1965 the family moved back to Cut Bank where Fred began working for the Montana Power. He was hired as a field mechanic and promoted to foreman of the Cut Bank gas production in 1985. In 1991 he became the assistant superintendent of the Shelby gas production department where he remained until he retired after 27years of service.
Fred was faithful about his daily walks, enjoying visits with whomever he met along the way, always stopping to pet, scratch and throw a ball for his many dog friends.
After retirement the couple enjoyed many trips around the U.S., camping and fishing in the beautiful mountains of Montana and numerous trips to visit their children and grandchildren.
Fred kept busy restoring their 1958 Chevy Impala and rebuilding bamboo fishing rods. He built two models of standard wooden derricks. Constructed in exacting detail, the working models depicted oil rigs he and his father built in his very early years. One of the rigs is now on display at the Glacier County Historical Society Museum.
He was a member of the Marine Corps League, American Legion and the Elks Club.
Fred is survived by his loving wife Laverna, daughter Kathy (Frank) of Albany, MN, daughter Karen (Steve) of Choteau, MT and son Hugh (Sheila) of Deer Lodge, MT., 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his family.