George Trask

1931 - 2018

George Trask

Utica - Our #1 Cowboy has left this earth to his eternal home on Friday, January 19, 2018. George William Trask was born December 15, 1931 in Lewistown, MT, to William and Eva (Seaver) Trask.

He spent his younger years in the Little Belt Mountains, on the Trask Ranch. He moved with his family to Lewistown and started 3rd grade there. He continued his schooling in Lewistown and was a proud graduate of the class of 1950, as the salutatorian of the class. After graduation he attended one year in Bozeman for agricultural science.

George served his country, enlisting in the Army September 11, 1952. He served in the Korean War. August 12, 1954 he was transferred to the Army Reserves, and was honorably discharged October 14, 1960.

In 1952, he was united in marriage to Joyce Pollard. Four children were born to that union: Debbie (Larry) Thompson, Clint (Jan) Trask, Eva (Gary) Kuykendall, and Teri (Geoff) Keller. They later divorced.

During his working years he was employed by Floyd Hicks at the Lewistown Stock Yards, Don Williams in Hobson, and worked five years on the Yellowtail Dam. He was employed by Fergus County for a number of years, and held the honor of being a part of the first labor strike in the state. He and his good friend Vern Pallett, were the strength of the strike. In 1975, he began his career with the Montana Department of Transportation, and retired from there in 1992.

In 1979 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Nash, and added four more children to the brood: Linda (Lloyd) Sundby, Rebecca (Roger) Woltermann, Gary (Laurie) Nash, and David (Julie) Nash.

After retirement, he moved back to the Little Belt Mountains and called that home until his passing. George and Dorothy did move in to the Eagles Manor in the winter months for the past few years, but his heart was always in his mountains.

In March of 2017, George was awarded the CMR Heritage Award for Preservation with a Bronze statue from the Charles Russell Museum in Great Falls for his continuation of the Trask family's efforts to preserve CM Russell history. He was so proud of this honor and gift.

He was a charter member of the Fergus County Sheriff's Posse, and belonged to that group for 3+ decades, along with his friends Vern Pallett, Dick and Dale Cox, Otto Jensen, and brother-in-law Roger Pollard. He had a great time participating in the many events held at field days, and always enjoyed the socializing with the many friends he made through the organization. He served as president of the local posse, State President, and President of the Cowboy Polo Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Fred; his sister, Lois Jean (Pickie); his grandsons, Mark, Mathew, and Luke Thompson, and Jeremi Nash; and great-grandson, Burke Mellem.

George is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his eight children; 18 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

George's wishes have been honored; cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at the Utica Community Hall on Friday, February 2, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Donations can be made in his honor to CMMC Hospice, Utica Museum, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. George's family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com