Fredrick "Bud" Mavencamp

MALTA-Fredrick "Bud" Mavencamp, 82, a strong, quiet, much-loved husband and father, passed away Friday, December 23, 2016 at the Phillips County Hospital of natural causes after a long struggle with cancer. Bud was born to Fred J. and Helen M. (Carlson) Mavencamp at Forks, Montana on his great-grandparent's homestead. Bud grew up in the Saco and Whitewater area. He attended the Frenchman school until his family moved to Whitewater to run the local garage. In Whitewater, Bud met and married his future life partner, Wilma McMullen. They were married November 23, 1956 and had three children.

Bud and Wilma pursued his passion: to own a farm. To achieve that goal, he worked 40 hours a week job for 41 years at the Malta Irrigation District where he enjoyed the camaraderie with fellow employees. He spent his early years working construction for Les Abbey where one of his projects was helping build the Equity Co-op building in Malta. He also worked for the Great Northern Railroad and Gordon Peters Construction. His greatest tools were his imagination, Duct tape and a little wire. In his lifetime, he remodeled one house and built another to provide for his growing family.

Even with his busy schedule, it was not acceptable to miss any family event. He was his children's greatest fan - subtle but ever present. Besides, it gave him an excuse to visit the local farm implement dealer if the event was out of town. He was a board member for the PhillCo Economic Growth Council, long term member of the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Toastmasters Club. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus and was a lector at St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Bud is survived by his loving wife Wilma of Malta; sons: Karl (Angelia) of Malta, Kary (Ann) of Emmett, Idaho; daughter: Karen Morgan of Billings; brother: Morris (Barbara) Mavencamp of Havre; grandchildren: Jay, Heather, Nathen, Ryan, Pam, Dee, Day; great-grandchildren: Chloe, Ava, Emma, Nya, Zoe, Eli, one aunt, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, two brothers and a sister.