Fredrick Cecil Beach

 .Fredrick C. Beach, 84, passed on February 19, 2026. Graveside service with military honors will be Saturday, March 7 at 2:00 pm at Valley View Cemetery. A potluck will follow at the Marias River Electric Building.

Fred was born in Conrad, MT to Carl and Mertie (Coffman) Beach. Fred had two brothers and early on the boys with their dad worked on ranches in the Conrad area during the summers. After Fred graduated from high school, he moved to Libby to work at the sawmill. He served in the US Army from 1964 to 1970, two years in Vietnam and four years in the Army Reserves.

After his honorable discharge, Fred moved to Shelby and worked for the City of Shelby a few years driving the garbage truck. He went on to work in the oilfield for many years for Ed Frazer and Gerald Kennedy as a rig hand. As a result of two rig incidents and a motorcycle accident, Fred couldn’t take care of himself and moved in with his brother, Don, and his family. Fred was able to move to Ferdig by himself and live for a few years. He retired in 1998 and moved back in with Don and his family in 2000. To keep busy, Fred and Don did lawn maintenance.

Fred enjoyed gopher hunting, using his metal detector, walking with his brother and dog, reading and hanging out with his family.

Fred was a member of the VFW Post 2484 and assisted the American Legion when he could. He was very proud to volunteer on the honor guard.

Fred, unfortunately smoked for years, stopped in 2000, yet developed COPD and eventually led to congestive heart failure.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mertie Beach; brothers, Albert, Donley, and Lester; sister-in-law, Darlene; and niece, Francine.

Fred had no children but was the uncle to Lester (Anna) Beach, Heidi (Bob Bleecker) Beach; James Beach; many great nieces and nephews. He was the best uncle ever!