George Richard Fishbaugh

George Richard Fishbaugh passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on February 17, 2022.

Born October 31st, 1943, in Billings Mont., he was the son of Frank Theodore Fischbach and Rachel Pearl Coley Fischbach. He was an only child.

George graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1961. He then went on to become a teacher after attending Eastern Montana College.  

On May 28, 1966, he married Colleen Gaye Hensley in Billings, Mont. They were married for 55 years and had two children, a son Shawn, and a daughter, Colette. George and Colleen had many wonderful adventures together. Their favorite trip was to Kauai after George retired.

George was a teacher and a coach for 42 years. He taught and coached three years at Colstrip, Mont., twenty-two years in Bridger Mont., and seventeen years in Thermopolis, Wyo. Students will remember Mr. Fishbaugh for his storytelling and homemade jerky he liked to bribe them with. He cared about each one of his students and athletes. He always said that if he had his life to do over again, he would still want to be a teacher and a coach.

George was Coach of the Year three times in track and field while at Bridger, winning three State Championships. He received the National High School Coaching Award in 1988 from Scholastic Coach Magazine.

George was also a Hunter Safety instructor for twenty-five years, a volunteer fireman for eleven years, a part of the Big Brothers and Sisters program in Thermopolis, delivered Meals On Wheels at the Thermopolis Senior Center, and was a member of the church of Christ. He taught adult Bible class for many years.

George finished his book about his life, and he gave it to his family on Christmas day. He worked on his memoir for 10 years!  His family and friends will remember him for the many things he loved. He loved Jesus, his family, singing, telling stories, being a jokester, fly fishing, walleye fishing, hunting, working in his yard, gardening, and 4 wheeling with his lab, Teeka. George lived a colorful life filled with many adventures with his family and friends.

George is survived by his wife, Colleen Fishbaugh; son, Shawn Fishbaugh; daughter, Colette (Robert) Webber; grandchildren, Sierra Cervantez, Sequoia Fishbaugh, Sage Fishbaugh, Nicholas Webber, Austin Webber, and Shayla Webber; and great grandchildren, Araceli and Theo Cervantez. 

George was preceded in death by his parents; and his stepsister, Helen.

We would like to thank our family and friends who sent us comforting messages, stopped by to visit, brought meals, sent cards, and gave George a call to let him know how much he meant to you.  We would also like to thank the Hot Springs hospice nurses for their care of George over the last 6 weeks.  Also, a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Miller who offered our family compassion, support, and made numerous house calls to check on George and our family.

It was George's desire to have a small family service and have his ashes scattered in four of his favorite fishing and camping spots. He wished for his family to have one last adventure with him. We love you, Papa Fish!  We will eagerly await the day we see you again! Be sure and find all the best fishing spots so we can adventure with you in Heaven.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Veile Mortuary.