Bob Johnston, Jr., 75

Bob Johnston Jr., age 75, died Saturday, September 17, 2022, in Valentine with family by his side. Bob was born in Scottsbluff, April 18, 1947, to Bob Johnston Sr. and Frances Jean Johnston. He was the oldest of three.

He graduated high school in 1966, the year he won the National Championship in Saddle Bronc Riding. Soon after, he served two years in the Army National Guard. After that, Bob spent many years rodeoing, driving truck and working in the sale barns, building saddles and ranching.

His true passion in life was rodeo, whether it was the adrenaline of the ride or the take down of a steer or teaching his girls how to ride. He won several championships throughout his lifetime including NOTRA in Saddle Bronc riding in 1988. If he wasn’t rodeoing, he was hauling his daughters around to junior rodeos or high school rodeos.

He spent many years as a saddle and tack maker which became another passion of his. He built trophy saddles for high school rodeos all around the state of Montana. Each saddle was one of a kind.

In the early 80’s he was a rancher in North Dakota where he also became a private pilot. He went on to live in Montana as a rancher and horse trainer. He spent the last few years living in Cody with his wife Terri Johnston running cattle on their 3,000 acre ranch, their little piece of heaven.

Bob is survived by his wife Terri Albert-Johnston; daughters, NaKol Orler, Tonya (Darren) McDougald and Dawn (Todd)Martin; grandson Decker McDougald; granddaughters, Chyenne Orler-Tripp, MaKala (James) Fitzsimmons, Payje (Rustin) Dymond, Taylor McDougald and Sawyer Martin; great grandchildren, Taygin Moore, Amber Fitzsimmons and Bryer Dymond; stepchildren, Jennifer (James) Prewitt and Janelle Albert; step grandchildren Max and Matt Prewitt; siblings, Cindy (Rocky) Rising, Sid (Barb) Johnston; and many nieces and nephews He was preceded by parents Bob and Jean Johnston, grandson Conor McDougald, son-in-law Michael Orler and stepson Justin Albert.

Bob will especially be remembered for his passion for rodeo, love of conversation and family time.

Memorial services were held Thursday September 22, 2022, at the Dawes County Fairgrounds arena in Chadron. Donations may be made in care of the family to the Chadron State College Rodeo team. Holmes Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.