Frederick Riley Wilson of Harrison, MT went on to his reward Sunday, January 13, 2019 at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital.

He was born September 3, 1937 to F. Lawrence and Reta (Irwin) Wilson in Sheridan, WY. He attended Woodland Park Grade School and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1956. That fall, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Jo Merha. The two moved to Bozeman and then made their permanent home in Harrison, MT where they ranched and raised their family.

Riley was a member of the Montana Outfitters and Dude Ranchers Association, the Montana Wool Growers Association, the Masonic Lodge #56, the Algeria Shrine, and spent 43 years with the Montana Department of Livestock as a state brand inspector. For a short time he served as a deputy sheriff in Madison County.

While he started out in the cow business, Riley always had a love of sheep ranching and ran a large sheep "outfit" for many years. Later on, he implemented a business wherein he used sheep to control noxious weeds and grasses within subdivisions and open areas. His "Woolly Weed Eaters" trucks were a common sight in several counties throughout the summer months.

Recently he was best known for his barnwood projects. He spent many hours creating new pieces of furniture, planters, benches, or anything he could assemble out of barnwood. His outhouses were some of his most prized pieces. They were made for nostalgia, attention grabbers, and for a sense of humor which he always maintained.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, of 62 years, five children Pam (Barry) Benke, Paula Wilson (Scotty), Penni (Pat) Burnham, Wayne (Brenda) Wilson, Todd Wilson, eleven grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren.

A memorial will be held on January 25, 2019 at 1:00 at the Pony School Gym, Pony, MT following a private family service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to or Montana Wool Growers Association.

Bozeman Daily Chronicle - Jan. 18, 2019.