Fred Williams

Fred Williams, 73, of Fort Hall, Idaho, died Feb. 1, 2004, at Portneuf Medical Center of a sudden illness. He was born Oct. 2, 1930, in Lee Vining, Calif., to Willie and Vina Gregory Williams. He was a member of the Mono Lake Paiute Band of Lee Vining.

He attended and graduated from Stewart Indian School in Carson City. He was a member of the school boxing team and excelled as a Golden Glover, fighting many bouts at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. He fought in the lightweight and welter-weight divisions, and his record was 32 wins, 27 by knock-outs and two losses by decision.

He married Madzina Queep of Fort Hall Dec. 22, 1950, at the Stewart Indian School.

Mr. Williams served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and two terms in England. While on active duty, he was a guard for President Dwight Eisenhower. He was also a boxer on the Air Force team, an expert marksman and a parachute rigger. He was discharged as a senior airman.

He worked as a demolition expert during the construction of Tioga Pass in California. After retiring, he became an expert craftsman in tanning hides, making buckskin gloves, vests and moccasins.

He was preceded in death by brothers Charlie, Robert and Ted; and sister Ruby Williams.

Among his survivors are his wife of Fort Hall; daughters Leana Ridley of Fort Hall and Marina Fast Horse of Pine Ridge, S.D.; nine grandchildren; sister Helen Williams; brothers Paul Williams and Leroy Williams of Bridgeport; and many nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.

Burial was in Ross Fork, Idaho.