Frank Hatfield

Frank W. Hatfield, 73, of Columbia Falls, passed away Sept. 27, 2011, from congestive heart failure after a tough fight with cancer.

Frank was born in Sedan, Kan., on Aug. 29, 1938. He loved Montana and lived in the Big Sky Country for most of his life.

Growing up in Great Falls, he attended and graduated from Great Falls High School where he was a member of the 1956 Bison championship football team. Frank moved his family to the Flathead Valley in 1971 and built a comfortable place on Skyles Lake.

Frank was one of those rare lucky people who loved the work they did to make a living. He was an iron worker and proud of it. The camaraderie he had with his brother iron workers was strong and deep. The stories of their adventures while "booming out" are the stuff of legends. He should have written a book.

After retiring, Frank lived his golden years spending his time and money on helping others and on being with his grandkids whenever he could. He left sweet memories with 10 granddaughters and two grandsons. He had many nicknames from those who knew him: The Hat, Papa Frank, Grandpa, Pops, Daddy and others that can't be printed here.

Frank lived life on his terms and left life in the same way. They don't make them like him anymore. He was one of kind.

He is survived by his sister Ann Carlson, of Arizona; brother Jim Hatfield, of Arizona; sons Scott Hatfield, of Columbia Falls, and Shayne Hatfield, of Columbia Falls; daughters Suzanne Haverkorn, of Bozeman, and Shelly Chandler of Alabama; and 12 adoring grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He had friends wherever his travels took him. And if he didn't, he'd be sure to make new friends before he moved on. He is loved and will be missed.

There will be a celebration of his life in the afternoon on Sunday, Oct. 9, at his home at 308 Third Avenue East in Columbia Falls for friends and family to gather to tell stories and share memories.