Phillip Andrew Ferda, age 61, of Highwood Montana passed away Friday, March 2, 2018 at the family farm.  Cremation has taken place and his Memorial Service will be held at the Highwood Community Hall on Friday, March 9th, at 11:30 a.m. with a luncheon reception to follow.

Phillip was born June 11, 1956 in Great Falls, Montana to Dorothy and Steve Ferda.  He was the fifth of seven children.  Phillip grew up on the family farm on the Highwood North Bench and attended the Highwood Public Schools.  He graduated from high school as valedictorian of his class in 1974.  He went on to attend Northern Montana College in Havre, Montana and graduated top of his class in 1977 with a degree in Diesel Mechanics.  He married Laureen McMillan in 1984 and together they raised their daughter, Vicki, on the farm.

Phillip loved the land and the farming life.  He kept meticulous records of precipitation, crop yields and numerous other things.  He loved animals and helping his neighbors and kept a very organized farm yard though he kept numerous lists on the kitchen counters and the table.  His wife and family often laughed about seeing "Phillip's brain" there.  He helped construct playground equipment at the Highwood schools, donated time and money to the Dedman Foundation and 4-H.

Survivors include his wife, Laureen, and daughter, Vicki; sisters: Kathleen (Cal) Nelson of Fort Benton, Pauline Merenz of Great Falls, Susan Sands of Littleton, Colorado; brothers: Tim of Great Falls, Joe of Highwood and Leo of Fort Benton; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a grandson Cadence Ryan Darghty.

Benton Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.  Memorials in Phillip's name may be made to the Dedman Foundation, P.O. Box 1282, Fort Benton, MT or a charity of the donor's choice. Please visit Phillip's online memorial page at www.bentonfh.com to leave a message of condolence for his family.