Fred Christie Crosby Jr.

Fred "Chris" Christie Crosby Jr., 70, passed away Monday, March 3, 2014, surrounded by his family at Northern Montana Hospital due to COPD. His funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2014, at 5th Avenue Christian Church with Minister Chad Leathermon officiating. Memorials in Chris' name may be made to Little Rockies Christian Camp in the care of Fifth Avenue Christian Church or Ninos de Mexico. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral home. Memories and condolences for the family can be left at http://www.hollandbonine.com.

Chris was born on Feb. 26, 1944, in El Paso, Texas, to Fred and Katherine (Goodwin) Crosby. He spent his early childhood on a ranch in Chihuahua, Mexico, then moved to Forsyth, Mont., where his family continued to ranch north of town. He attended Forsyth Public Schools and continued his education at Northern Montana College in Havre where he earned a vocational education degree and an electronics degree. Chris married Barbara Strong in 1963 and they had three children, Staci, Qui and Shaun. They later divorced. He married Carol Faust March 29, 1982, in Sheridan, Wyo., and they had two daughters, Alisha and Leandra. He worked for Heberly & Associates as a senior design engineer for 36 years, retiring in 2008. Chris was a wonderful father and grandfather and enjoyed doing things with his family; snowmobiling in West Yellowstone, spending time at their cabin in Beaver Creek Park, and making trips with his daughters to the "little white store" (McLean's). He was a jack of all trades, a talented artist, liked to bake bread, make tamales, and was known for his pork ribs.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; and his father-in-law.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Staci Thrasher of Butte, Mont., Qui (Robin) Crosby of Kalispell, Mont., Shaun Crosby of Meridian, Idaho, Alisha (Jon) Wells of Havre, Mont., and Leandra (Josh) Fraley of Polson, Mont .; his brothers, George (Patti) Crosby of Forsyth, Mont., and Bill Crosby of Billings, Mont .; his sister, Kay (Vern) Dooley of Powell, Wyo .; and eleven grandchildren.

Thank you to the nurses, doctors and therapists who went "over the top" with compassion, kindness and comfort for Chris and family. And to the many faithful friends who visited and those that sent their words of comfort. Chris we love and miss you but we know without a doubt you are with your heavenly father, family, and friends.