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Our friend and husband, our brother, our dad, grandpa and great-grandpa Fred H. Tilzey passed away suddenly at his home early Thursday morning, Oct. 19, 2006, of a heart attack.

Fred, "Freddie" to anyone who met him, was born in Moore on Feb. 11, 1931. Fred was the firstborn blessing of Howard and Alice Tilzey. He was raised on the family farm in Fergus County with his sisters Marilyn, Mabel, Linda and brother Ron. While attending school, he was encouraged and supported by his family to become an outstanding athlete and role model; something he was always noted for throughout his life.

After graduating from Moore High School in 1949, Fred married his high school sweetheart, Dolores Dusek, on Sept. 20, 1950. While living in Lewistown, Fred and Dolores started their family when daughters Sandra and Terry were born. In 1955, Fred and Dolores brought their young family to Billings. After moving to Billings, Fred and Dolores had another daughter, Alice, and a son, David. Together, they raised their family with the values instilled by their parents. Shortly before their 40th anniversary in 1990, Dolores passed away.

Good things happen to good people and in 1991, Fred married Lou E. Cooper in Red Lodge. Together, Fred and Lou built a new home and a life together. Fred and Lou were a true couple. Whatever the function, they were there together, enjoying each minute with their friends and family.

Fred, always a tireless craftsmen, became a journeyman plasterer. In 1960, Fred, with Dolores by his side, founded Empire Lath and Plaster. Fred nurtured Empire into one of the largest construction companies in Montana. Empire now performs work throughout the western United States. During the rest of his life, Fred was looked to as a leader and the man to go to by the hundreds of tradesmen and professionals who worked at or with Empire Lath and Plaster. Fred’s craftsmanship was recognized when he was awarded Craftsman of the Year for his work on the Billings Gazette.

Fred was a true sportsman in every sense of the word. He shared much of his life, ability and wisdom hunting with friends and his grandsons, Aaron and Dustin. Golf was Fred’s passion. Attesting to this are the many tournaments won and the occasional and coveted holes-in-one. Fred is the only one to have ever achieved an eagle on every hole at Hilands Golf Club. Rain or shine, even snow, Fred was ready to golf. A double-eagle on a cold January day was proof that weather was of no consequence. Attending his grandchildren’s many sporting events was a savored pleasure. An expert at cards, Fred always took particular delight in playing a game with friends and family.

Fred is survived by his bride, Lou; his brother, Ron Tilzey and wife Jeanette; sisters Marilyn Lippman and husband Don, Mabel Flesch and Linda Geraets and husband George; his children, Sandra Tilzey, Terry Moseley and husband Don, Alice Pagitt and husband Rick and David Tilzey; Lou’s family, Mark Qualman and wife April, Jodi Thorne and husband Robin, and Treg Qualman; his grandchildren, Kori and husband Jeremy, Lindsey, Aaron and Dustin; his great-grandchildren, Cole, Ryan and Cayden; Lou’s grandchildren, Colton, Peter, Emma, Jobie and husband David, Treg John, Amber and Joseph; and great-grandchild Ely; Fred’s many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends too numerous to mention. His family will continue to grow in his absence.

Fred’s view on passing was that "Only the good die young." We will always regret that he didn’t let us take his word for it.

Services will be Monday, Oct. 23, at 11 a.m., in the Elks Lodge at 934 Lewis Ave., followed by a reception at Hilands Golf Club.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Optimist Junior Golf Program in care of Optimist Sportsclub, 1909 Country Manor Blvd., Billings, 59102; or the organization of your choice.