Fred Mumbower

Fred Mumbower passed away in the early morning of Oct. 26 2010, at his home in Columbia Falls.

His adventure in this life began on June 17, 1938, in Conrad where he ‘graciously’ allowed his twin sister Freda, the privilege of coming into the world two minutes before himself. Fred was raised by his mother and father (Virgil and Lois Mumbower who both preceded him in death). He enjoyed growing up and with his siblings Freda (Crane), and his brother Claude.

As early as 5 years old, the gift of music, which can only be defined as ‘all encompassing,’ became the heart and life of Fred Mumbower. His joy in life was to share the very depths of his limitless knowledge with any, all and many who desired to know or to feel or to understand music. We never discovered a limit to his gift of picking up any instrument, and the ability to play it fluently in just minutes. He could, and did on many occasions, play those instruments at the request of a ‘tune’ or ‘song’ with nothing more than a briefly hummed sequence from a tune. He wrote and published several songs over his lifetime. His life was defined by his ability to share the gift he was given in any form available.

Fred graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in music. Shortly after he graduated he married Luella (Roehl). He was immediately drafted by the U.S. Army, relocating this new young family temporarily from Montana to Georgia where Fred played in the Army band.

After discharge from the service in 1963, Fred and his family moved to Harlowton for a short while where his official teaching career began, as he shared the gift of teaching music to young people. In 1965 Fred’s teaching career took him to even greater successes in Shelby where the Shelby High School Choir and the multitude of smaller musical groups developed within the nucleus of the Shelby High School choir, would ultimately share the gift of music with thousands of individuals across the northwestern part of the United States receiving awards for their efforts, that to date, remain in the Academic Halls of Musical Excellence. For his part, Fred was honored for several years with the directorship of the All-Northwest Choir. An honor he was humble to accept and highly appreciated. This honor was bestowed upon few in the industry. Fred’s musical talents were extended in joyful heart as well, joining in with several dance bands and piano bars as well as directing the local Lutheran Church choir for several years.

There was no place he would go without sharing his beautiful gift along with his genuine eye sparkling smile and his heartiest deep laugh. Fred had a passion for music and friends and they took him to live in several locations including Missoula, Boise, Idaho, Great Falls, Brady, and finally Columbia Falls, where he lived the last 30 years. For many years after his teaching career, Fred made a living driving truck, but when he was home he lived to gather his friends and they would play music for days until he had to get on the road and pay the bills. He stopped driving truck in 1998 but still continued playing and writing music. He would periodically visit family and friends but his love of playing music would always bring him home to jam with his friends. Unfortunately for this world, God wanted Fred and his musical talents so he took him home. Fred leaves behind a legacy of friendships and stories. His friends could not be numbered. His stories and his deep laughter and twinkling eyes, are cherished by all whose lives he touched.

He leaves behind his four children and their spouses, Wendy Lemieux and husband Bob; Julie Johnson and husband Kimble; Jenny Steiner and husband Brad; as well as son Wayne Mumbower and his wife Heidi. Fred left behind 11 grandchildren who have some great stories, and almost that many pianos; as well as his best friend for his final years, Sharon Packwood.

A small private service for close friends and family was held at the Veterans’ Home in Columbia Falls on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2010. A commemorative memorial is being planned in Shelby, to be held in the spring of 2011. Any individuals who have questions or wish to partake in that event are welcome to contact Laila Lindberg in Shelby.