Friend and dedicated Montana conservationist Frank Gruden passes

Frank Gruden passed away Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008.  Montana Conservation Voters has lost a good friend, a valued volunteer, and an active and vocal supporter of our environment.  

Frank and his wife, Dorothy, were always available to lend a hand for our mailing projects.  We will miss his great take on the political and historical events he experienced in his lifetime.  The lively converations were free-flowing when Frank and his contemporaries gathered around a table at the office.  Thank you, Frank, for all the hours you shared with us.

Frank was born on July 3, 1923, to Anna and Frank Gruden in Roundup. He was a graduate of Roundup High School, class of 1941. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Hawaii. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1944, he enrolled at the University of Wyoming and received a degree in school administration. Frank was employed as principal and/or superintendent in various cities in Wyoming, the last of which was Greybull, where he was the principal for 20 years, retiring in 1985. In 1954, he married Dorothy Lawson and the two lived in Lovell, Cody, Basin, Greybull, Wyo., and Billings.

Frank had a true passion for education, politics, sports and environmental issues. He enjoyed traveling and discovering new places with his wife. He often dedicated his time to political campaigns and was an advocate of education and political reform. His dedication to education and family will be sorely missed.