He grew up in Helena [Montana] and served in the military in the 508th Airborne Division. During this time, he met the love of his life, Josie “Libba” Dupree. They were married in Opelika, Ala., on Jan. 3, 1953, and made many happy memories.

Fred enjoyed life and his time with others and animal companions. He was a loving father and husband who will be greatly missed.

He worked for the Coach House Motor Inn for 34 years. In his later years, he helped manage the Budget Motor Inn for part of the year, where he enjoyed visiting with all the guests. Fred loved hunting, camping and fishing, and had many memorable outings with his family, extended family and friends. He also liked boating, bowling and playing with his dogs and his children’s dogs. During the summer, he would spend hours throwing the Frisbee disc and then taking a nap with his cowboy — Viper.

Fred is survived by his loving wife, Libba Delaney; sons, Fred “Danny” Delaney of Dumont, Colo., and Robby and Barb Delaney of Helena; daughter, Vicki and Drew Hetherington of Reno, Nev.; grandsons, Gary Byers of Denver, Colo., and Dustin Delaney of Helena; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Fred always had something to say to everyone he met, and had a great love of animals. He will be deeply missed by all those he met and touched. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Myrtle Delaney; son, Vernon Delaney; sisters, Eileen Fern Menth, Naomi McKeever and Joyce Schnablegger; and daughter in-law, Robin Delaney.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 31, at 2 p.m. at St. Peter’s Cathedral, 511 N. Park Ave. A reception celebrating Fred’s life with us will follow. Donations in Fred’s memory may be sent to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604.

[Helena Independent Record, Helena, MT, January 28, 2013]