Franklin McGown

Franklin ""Frank"" William McGown was born on September 27, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York. His parents were Percy and Helen (Collins) McGown. Frank was raised and educated in Brooklyn. Times were tough during the 1930s but Frank and his two brothers survived the hard times. Their home was near Prospect Park where Frank learned to bass fish and fishing became a life-long passion for him.At the age of 76, Frank died on Friday, August 20, 2010 at Valley HealthCare after a long illness related to a stroke following surgery. The family is very grateful for the loving and excellent care provided at Valley by the wonderful care-givers.As a young man, Frank began working for Dun and Bradstreet as an accountant. That was interrupted when he served in the U.S. Army in Germany until 1958 and in the USAR until 1962. He returned to New York and continued to work for Dun and Bradstreet until he went into business for himself. Frank was the owner of a billiard establishment and went on to become a professional pool player. In the late 1960s he won the world billiard championship. He played with the likes of Luther Lassiter, Boston Shorty and Willie Mosconi. Over the years, Frank won many billiard honors.In 1950 he married Maggie Malone and had a daughter, Frances. His second marriage was to Johanna Peterson in 1966 and his second daughter was Nancy.Frank began coming to Big Sky Country in the 1970s to go big game hunting. That became an annual trip and finally in 1975 he could no longer resist moving to Montana. He worked as the pool pro for Corner Pocket, frequently traveling to give exhibition performances. Later he went into the insurance business where he worked for a number of years until his retirement. He thoroughly enjoyed retirement having time to devote to hunting and fishing. When he became bored with retirement, he began driving a school bus for First Student, continuing this employment for 10 years. Driving for the handicapped children was the route he enjoyed the most.In 2001, Frank met and married Sharon Kennedy. It was a love at first sight courtship and they had a marriage of unconditional commitment. Sharon and Frank had a passion for dancing, especially ballroom style. They enjoyed taking lessons and danced together often. Frank also inherited Sharons seven children and eleven grandchildren who added a great dimension, chaos and fun to “Franks world”.Surviving are his wife Sharon; daughters: Frances Kesselman and Prema and Jeremy of New Jersey; Nancy (Halvard) Tangeras and Thea Marie of Oslo, Norway; step-children: Daniel (Patty) Kennedy of Chandler, Arizona; Leesa Nopper and Erica and Tressa of Bozeman; Linda (Joe) Masin and Jared and Garett (his fishing buddies); Sheila (Mark) English and Connor and Alexis; Mary (Pat) Kittson and Andy and Skip; Bill (Mary) Kennedy and Annie, John and Erin; James (Bonnie) Kennedy and Danielle, Skyler and Summer all of Billings. He is also survived by his brother Jack (Blanca) McGown of Florida; nephews: Robert of Billings, Jack Jr. of New York, Mike of Branson, Missouri; nieces: Joanna, Mary Ann and Dawn of New York. Preceding Frank in death were his parents and brother, Donald McGown.Over the years, Frank loved fishing, boats, hunting, camping, back-packing, music (especially Frank Sinatra), good food and dancing with Sharon. He was a member of St. Thomas Parish, Elks Club and the NRA. He will be greatly missed by all his extended family.Vigil service for Frank will be 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 24, 2010 and Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, both at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Frank will be cremated following the service and his ashes laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Gardens on Thursday.Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com.