Keith Troy Breckenridge

Keith Troy Breckenridge (AKA – “The Gentle Giant”) was born on 03/23/1974 and grew up in Hardin Montana. Keith tragically left this world on May 16th and will be sorely missed by all of his family and his many friends.

Keith was delivered to Pat and Sandi by a stork (Keith Stevens) and was a bouncing, happy, smiley baby boy who, at 6 weeks, weighed in at 18.9#’s and was 27” - Hence his nick name – “The Gentle Giant”.

Keith and his little sister, Kara Tam, continually harassed each other while growing up and there is still a debate as to who the ultimate victor of those bouts was. While young kids, the family took a trip to Yellowstone Park. Keith and Kara were bickering and bugging one another to the point where Pat pulled the car over and told them both to get out. He drove no more than 50’ and both kids were ready to get back in the car and chose to get along a little better.

Over the years, the family camped often in the Big Horn Mountains and Papa Troy would take the kids fishing often (although neither of them wanted to – but they wanted to spend time with Papa). Since they were there – Kara was determined to have fun and would chase her big brother with the dead fish – just to liven up the events.

Keith spent most of his life in Hardin where he graduated from Hardin Highschool and worked in the family business at French’s Lumber. Keith was very proud to follow in his Papa Troy and Dad Pat’s footsteps as he learned the business, the customers, and the industry partners. He could figure board footage, square footage, and pricing in his head. He was a gifted asset to the family business! Keith made hundreds of friends in the industry and became somewhat of a legend amongst the wholesalers in the State. Keith loved calling **his** salesmen and roughing them up a bit. He’d say things like; “What is 7/16 ‘SOB’ going for today?” or “How much are you getting for your ‘4x2-8 foot’?” He was always making funny comments like that and then he would always tell them that the price was too high. Ultimately he would place the order and end with “Gotta Go, Bud” (in his deep voice) – and the next thing they’d hear was the dial tone. Just like that – Keith was on to the next order of business.

Keith had a few passions in life – among the top were Firefighting and Bowling. He once bowled a perfect 300 at the Hardin Bowling Alley. When bowling, Keith always took 3 or 4 balls with him “in case the ball was having a bad day” – according to his friend Kevin Cannon. Through Bowling Keith made many lasting friendships and was mentored by Gary Link, a man who helped Keith hone his skills.

His ultimate passion was that of being a volunteer firefighter. This was a special privilege to him as his Dad and Great Grand Dad (amongst numerous other family members) retired from the Hardin Volunteer FD. One of Keiths lifelong goals was to retire from the VFD, just as his dad did. Keith achieved that goal in 2019, with 20 years under his helmet and many stories to tell. This was an accomplishment that meant the world to him.

Keith’s other passion was his nieces and nephews! You could literally see his eyes light up when they would run up to him. Keith would have done anything for these kids, who he lovingly referred to as, “Stink Wads” or “Knot Heads”. Keith was particularly proud that his oldest nephew, Landyn had his middle name – these were the sorts of things that were valuable to him. His grand nephews and niece were a totally different story – he coddled them and was fiercely protective over them. When nephew ‘Monte was sick, in Aurora, “Uncle Keef” made the trip to make sure he was alright and he had a special delivery for him… A Spiderman Bike – this was ‘Monte’s favorite character at the time and Keith could not wait to get it to Colorado for him. With a smile ear to ear – Keith hauled that bike up the elevator of the complex and presented it to his little buddy. THIS was where Keith saw value – family. In the 11+ months that ‘Monte was in Aurora, going through treatments, he rode the tires off of this bike and there were many pictures and videos shared, of ‘Monte doing Spidey Stunts with his prized bike. This put a glowing smile on Keiths face. He always spoke of the kids and loved them all – GREATLY.

The favorite Title Keith ever carried was that of “Uncle Keef”… This title was even more prized to him than “Retired Firefighter” and more important to him than his perfect 300 game.

Keith was preceded in death by his Papa Troy French and Grandma Evelyn French as well as great grand parents Troy D French and Goldie French, Uncle Gordon Kirschenmann and his great nephew Zaydyn.

Keith is survived by his folks – Pat and Sandi Breckenridge of Billings, Sister Kara (Rod) Kraft of Billings, Aunt Carlah Bond (Stephen) of Hardin, nieces Kenna Lee (Peter), Kenzie Letasky (Malachai), Kaya Letasky (Caiden), nephews Landyn Letasky and Kian Kraft – all of Billings and great niece Saylor, Great nephews ‘Monte, Myas, Kyson, Taecho and Tavion – all of Billings. He also cherished his special relationship with Kathy of Texas and Brandy of Alaska.

A life ended too soon but we know that he is in the arms of Papa and Grandma and he will be waiting for us to join in the festivities when we get there. He MIGHT even have a fish to chase his little sister with!

This Is not “Goodbye”, ‘Uncle Keef’, the Gentle Giant – this is only “Gotta go, Bud – see ya later!”…. You rest easy – we will take it from here and we’ll be catching up soon enough.

Love,

All Of Us!

Memorials may be made to the Hardin Volunteer Fire Department.