George MacDonald

Family Service: Friday, February 6, 2004 at 7:00pm at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel

Funeral Service: Saturday, February 7, 2004 at 10:00am at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel

George Bud MacDonald, 90, Passed away unexpectedly at the Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point on February 4, 2004.

George was born on April 10, 1913 to Jim and Hannah MacDonald near Poplar, MT. Buddy or Bud, as he affectionately became known as, was raised on a working ranch north of Poplar at a place known as Windy Butte. He received his secondary education in schools set up in the area. After riding eight miles then going by horse and sleigh in the winter. His primary education was received by working the land and the livestock he grew to love. He worked the family farm with his seven brothers and sisters until he was drafted into the army in 1942. He was then assigned to the 815th Aviation Engineers and in August was sent to serve in England, Italy, Sicily and North Africa. He was honorably discharged in September 1945, upon his return he reunited with his longtime sweetheart, Freida Brookman. They were married on January 6, 1946 and farmed and ranched in the hills near his family farm. There they raised two daughters Grace and Ruby until the harsh winters and the seclusion of the area became too much of a burden. They then moved their ranch to its present location twenty miles north of Wolf Point. There three more children, Jim, Alan, and Kay, joined the family.

Bud loved life and was always there to offer a helping hand. In the early years of the Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede, he would help his brother-in-law, Marvin Brookman, trail the rough stock over thirty miles to town for the rodeo. His favorite time of the year was in the spring watching his girl friends, and their calves play and butt heads on the green Montana pastures. Bud was a member of the Presbyterian Church and a state livestock inspector of 45 years. He was chosen Grand Marshall of the Stampede in 1994. Relatives and friends from all over the country came to help him celebrate. Bud was an artist he loved to draw western scenes with one of his grand kids on his lap.

George is survived by his wife Freida, Jim and Grace Olson of Missoula, MT, Roger and Ruby Nygaard of Wolf Point, MT, Jim and Cindy MacDonald of Wolf Point, MT, Alan and Janet MacDonald of Sidney, MT, and Kay Buckles of Wolf Point, MT. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 7, 2004 at 10:00am at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point, MT. Family services will be Friday, February 6, 2004 at 7:00pm at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel. Condolences may be sent to the family atcsmc@nemontel.net or www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.