On October 4, 2020, Fred Francis Farnam Jr., was called home to the lord at the age of 79.
Fred was born on July 16, 1941 to H Margaret and Fred Farnam Sr in Helena. He was the oldest of two children: Sister Diane.
During high school Fred played a great piano every Friday night at the Eagles Hall. Darrel’s Shooting Stars was a 12-piece dance band playing the classic big band tunes packing the kids in to dance. During the summer you would find Fred skiing Hauser lake from Black Sandy to Lakeside. He sure could ski! Fred had a love for the outdoors. During his younger years Fred worked at Foleys Mill and Helena Ice. After graduation from Helena High School, Fred enlisted in the Airforce in November 1960. He entered training in Greenville AFB, Mississippi where he completed Fire Protection Specialist Course, FF Aircraft Crash Rescue and Firefighter Supv & Supt. Fred was stationed at Ramstein AFB in Southwestern Germany where he was a firefighter on the flight line responding to all emergencies or aircraft crashes. Very dangerous duty but he loved this assignment. Fred was released from Active Duty April 1964 Charleston AFB, South Carolina.
Fred made his way back to his hometown of Helena where in May 1965 he married his high school sweetheart Jill Lyndes. Together they adopted two children, Janae and John and had two children, Dan and Ann. Fred settled in and began his career with Mountain Bell receiving medical retirement in 1979. Fred was able to return to work part time, this is when he began work for Sieben Ranch Company during lambing season.
Fred and Jill made their family home on Lincoln Road in the Helena Valley. Fred could always be found in attendance supporting his children as they travelled the state competing in basketball, drama, speech and debate, football and fastpitch. Fred was blessed with nine grandchildren in which he would continue his travels to support them in all they did. Janae and Bruce Ruckman’s three girls, Jayelyn, Kylee and Claire; Dan and Lyndi’s three children, Randall, Alden, and Park; and Ann and Justin Pearson’s three children, Tori, Monte, and Tasha. John and Paul Heitzenrater provided joy to Fred through their NFL and NBA sporting events while visiting Denver!
Fred was a kind and gentle soul. He always had a story to tell and a friend to make. Fred remained in close touch with his grade school buddies. One in particular who moved in up the road, Jerry Stevens. Fred and Jerry kept up to their old antics, hunting and fishing late into their lives. He made many friends through his entire life. Fast Freddie left an impression on many and he will sure be missed.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents, H Margaret Sullivan, and Fred Farnam Sr; sister Diane; spouse Jill Lyndes Farnam. He is survived by his four children and their families: Jill’s brothers and their families, and numerous family friends.
Fred will receive Full Military Honors at 12:00 p.m., Friday, October 23, 2020 at Fort William Henry Harrison Veterans Cemetery where he and Jill will be reunited for interment. Following the graveside refreshments will be served in the Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Memorials in Fred’s name may be made to Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Road, Helena MT 59602 or please donate to the VA Medical Center of your choosing.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Fred.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Friday October 23, 2020
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Coffee and Cookies
Following the graveside
Friday October 23, 2020
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
12:00 p.m.
Friday October 23, 2020
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Coffee and Cookies
Following the graveside
Friday October 23, 2020
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Sally Russell says
So sorry for ur loss. Fred was a good man. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you now, and in the days ahead.
James Wills says
Fred was one of my good friends while I lived in Helena thru high school and after.
Clark Cleveland says
Special thoughts for Fred and family a Classmate and friend RIP
Clark Cleveland Class of 59
Mark Bartosik says
Sorry for your loss. I sure liked Fred and Jill…He was fun…he will be missed.
Tom Juhl says
You were a good man Freddy Farnam R.I.P. my Friend……….
Rick(Ole) Olson says
So sorry for your loss Jill, I worked with Fred for many years in the COE installation department at Mountain Bell/US West. He was
A good friend and fun to be around. May all the good memories you shared with Fred help you through your time of sorrow.
Peace,
Rick(Ole) Olson
Deacon Steve Barry says
God bless Fred and may the peace of Christ be with all his family. Fred was a member of our Thursday morning prayer group for many years and was a very faithful man. We hold him and his family in our prayers
Eileen Badovinac says
We in the Badovinac family always knew what a great family you are. So hard to lose your dad but oh so many great memories. Our memories took place mostly during 4-H times. May you all feel God’s loving support especially at this season in your life. Dan, Eileen, Angie, Amie and Andrea Badovinac
Kayel Jones says
So many fond memories growing up with the Farnam family….they were family to us…my heart breaks for the loss of Fred and Jill but joyful they will be reunited. I will hold tightly to the great memories and continue to pray for all those feeling the heartache of the loss. Hugs!
Casey Streets Berryman says
So sorry for you loss. Fred and Jill were like second parents to me. So blessed to have had them and the whole
Family as part of my life! My deepest condolences and I hope that all of their children know how proud your folks were of each and every one of you. Thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Doug Gustovich says
Fred was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met! Just love me some Fred Farnham! RIP and prayers being sent to everyone who knew Fred. He was just such a happy guy!❤️🙂😎🙏! He just loved all of his family so much!
He sure loved talking about his kids, grandkids, and sports!❤️
Lynnette Tubbs says
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you! May God grant you peace and strength. There are no words to describe how grateful I am to have had Fred and Jill in my life. Such great memories!
Denise Marie Hayden says
So sorry to hear about Freddy. I always had fun when he came into Montana RV. He always made me smile and had good chats,
Kerry Crowley says
So many fond memories of Fred & Jill, from countless Sunday dinners, many nights sitting around the campfire , snowmobiling, horseback riding, West Yellowstone, Marysville, Lincoln, Black Sandy, BBQ’s on that big deck on the front of your house with the beautiful view . Forever dear to our hearts. So much love for Freddie & Jill.
John Lyndes and Connie Horder says
Freddie, we are going to miss you and all the fun we had ….the great times together at the ranch, pack trips to the back country, water skiing at Black Sandy, Big Sky skiing, wonderful dinners at the ranch with you and Jill and all the gang! What generous loving souls.
Terri Burgess says
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed the time I spent with Jill and Fred, he always had a joke for me and a big smile.
mark nigon says
Rest in Peace and Happiness Fred. Sorry to hear you left us. Worked together for Mountain Bell for a few years. May your family keep the memories.
Wanda White says
So sad to know that now our Fred is gone from our sight, too. Jill and Fred were the real package. All the OR and PAR nurses knew –their place was the place to have fun. Fred was a kick in the pants. You 4 kids were his heart and soul! Know that hugs and love are coming to you all–COVID be damned! Wanda, Mel and Ian White
The Knoles, Albright, Davis and Barton Families says
Fred was a wonderful friend to many people including our families. We are thankful for all the times Fred stopped by for coffee and conversation.
Rebecca Fletcher says
So sorry for your loss. Fred was a good and kind soul. He loved Jill and his family. He always had a story (or two) to tell. Peace to him and the family.