Eddie L. Bass 1944 ~ 2016

"When the Good Lord calls a cowboy home,

He opens wide the gate and

Welcomes in an honest man

Whose walk and talk is straight.

For Those who chose the life of a cowboy way

Will live a life well spent,

Serving God and their fellow man

Until they're heaven sent."

Born: March 1, 1944 in Lufkin, Texas

Passed away: May 9, 2016 at his home in Skillyville (Seeley Lake, Mont.)

Ed was 72 years old.

Preceded in death by: his mother Nora and step-father Carl Beaty; father Merrel Bass and brother Merrel (Buster) Bass.

Ed is survived by: his three daughters Tina Christiansen, Ginger Barham and Karla Skillicorn; seven grandchildren Brandon, Rebecca, and Tara (Tina and Mark Christiansen); Levi and Tyler Barham (Ginger and Randy Barham); Bridger and Madison (Karla and Don Skillicorn); and seven great grandchildren.

Ed served in the Army from 1962 to 1965 and was stationed in Germany. He was very proud of his service time. Returning stateside, Ed married Karen Bourgeois in 1968 and together they had three daughters.

Ed and Karen lived in Great Falls. Ed worked 13 years for the Philips 66 Oil Refinery.

He then moved to Glenrock, Wyo. where he was a lease pumper and later went on to off-shore drilling rigs. Ed was a Superintendent for Waste Water Treatment Plants in Bozeman and Missoula. Ed and Karen parted ways.

Ed then moved to Texas for ten years and ran the MC cattle ranch.

Ed's trail led him back home in 2005 to Skillyville, where he would be closer to his daughters and loved ones. In the summer of 2006, he began helping out at the Rich Ranch and was warmly welcomed into their family. Ed positively transformed everything he touched from the beatification of the Rich Ranch grounds (attested to literally from folks around the world), to the time, effort and craftsmanship he poured into his cabin on the homestead and lives he encountered on a daily basis.

Ed loved his girlfriend Bonnie Jean Thurman for the last nine years. They enjoyed spending time together each weekend and going to town for breakfast and coffee. Bonnie made Ed a cake or pie every weekend that rarely lasted until the next visit.

Ed loved Montana, was at peace and very content with the life he had built around his family and friends. He was a true storyteller and loved to play his guitar around the campfire. Ed never met a stranger, just a friend he hadn't met yet. He would always greet you with a warm smile and a story to tell. Ed loved teaching and helping his grandchildren. He always made time for those who crossed his path.

Ed was a man of faith that trusted in the Lord. He was a true cowboy and will be greatly missed now that he has ridden off into the sunset. We love you and will miss you!!

Go Rest High On the Mountain