Edward "Ed" McIntosh

1950 - 2024

Edward "Ed" Arnold McIntosh, 73, of Columbus passed away January 26, 2024 at his home. He was born on February 14, 1950, in Billings, MT to George Arnold McIntosh and Barbara "Bibe" Kowis McIntosh. He was the youngest of three boys. He graduated from Billings Central High in 1968. Ed graduated from the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton as a Precision Machinist and Welder. He served in the Army Reserves with the 163rd Ordinance based out of Billings.

Ed married Virginia "Gini" Doornbos on July 1, 1973. They were blessed with a daughter and a son. After twenty-eight years they were divorced.

He worked at the Public Auction Yards (PAYS) when young. He was a hard worker and excellent machinist. Ed began working for Billings Machine, transferred to Berkley Equipment, and later Frank's Welding and Machine. The family moved to Columbus, after Ed accepted a position with Stillwater County Road and Bridge Department: working first as a machinist and mechanic and moved up to Assistant Road Supervisor. While there, he opened Big Sky Machine and Repair and completed many repairs for area farmers and ranchers. Ed earned the nickname McGyver due to his diligence in crafting custom parts and never encountering a challenge he couldn't overcome. After years of fixing equipment, he went to work as an equipment operator for JTL, Knife River, and Loenbro. He joked it was time for him to challenge the repair team. Upon retirement, he purchased an excavator and backhoe and enjoyed developing springs in the area.

On February 14, 2004, he married Aldora "Tootie" Castro. They spent many wonderful years together before her passing.

In his free time, Ed enjoyed training and working with horses, hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening. He was honored to drive the Belgian team for Oscar's Dreamland. He assisted at many brandings and enjoyed using his Dutch oven at cow camp. He served as a crew member for the hot air balloon races, competed in the wild horse races, drove stock car, and was a member of the Rough Riders 4x4 Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-mom, Wilma; his brothers: Frank and Jim; his second-wife: Tootie, and nephew: John McIntosh.

Ed is survived by his children: Christi (JD) Ryen, Steve McIntosh (Rachel Elsberry); grandsons: Kort and Riggin Ryen; Gini McIntosh; many nieces and nephews; step-children: Doris (Gerard) Bonilla, Sherry (Don) Britton, Robin (David) Nava, Ray (Freda) Castro, Rodney Castro; and numerous step-grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A memorial service for Ed will be held on March 9, 2024, at 10:00 am at Smith Funeral Chapel, 925 S. 27th Street, Billings, MT 59101.