Roy James Metcalf

Roy James Metcalf passed away after checking his cattle one last time on his four wheeler on the afternoon of January 1, 2015 at the age of 79. He was born on December 23, 1935 to Willie Ray and Letha (Doyen) Metcalf and lived his entire life within 5 miles of his birthplace on Sourdough Creek southeast of Bozeman. After graduating from Gallatin County High School in 1953, Roy worked as a highly skilled, well-reputed stonemason for over 35 years. He truly loved the community in which he lived and served on both the Fort Ellis Volunteer Fire Department and Board of Directors, and as a faithful member of Holy Rosary Parish and the Knights of Columbus. Roy married the love of his life, Carol Hoell, on June 23, 1956 at Holy Rosary Parish. They spent the following 58 years ranching in the beautiful Gallatin Valley while raising their two children, Remi and Renee. Roy was the epitome of a Montana rancher and was recognized as such by the Bozeman/Belgrade Chamber of Commerce in 2011 when he and Carol were presented with the 2011 Outstanding Senior Farmer/Rancher Award. Above all else, Roy loved his beloved wife Carol, worshiped his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and cherished his friends. He had an affinity for the land and all of God’s creation. He loved farming and raising cattle; although he occasionally joked that he hoped there were no cows in heaven. He encouraged his family to follow their passions, and he encouraged them in all their sports, activities, and endeavors. He enjoyed country western music, dancing, and meeting friends at the Western Café. Roy was a devout Catholic who left his family a legacy of love for God, family, land, and livestock. God granted him his last wish to die like a cowboy with dignity and with his boots on. Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Ray and Letha (Doyen) Metcalf; his brother, Robert Metcalf; his sister, Katherine Nash; brothers-in-law Larry Hoell and Jack Nash; sister-in-law Peggy Metcalf; and in-laws Bill and Maude Hoell. He is survived by his wife, Carol, of Bozeman; his children, Remi (Susan) Metcalf of Big Timber, MT and Renee (Leland) Thill of Bozeman, Montana; his grandchildren Brooke (Doug) Bare of Big Timber, Bret Metcalf of Big Timber, CJ Sundquist of Bozeman, and Michelle (Jeff) Magart of Bozeman; great grandchildren Izak, Alex, and Cooper; sister June Metcalf Crawford of Bozeman; and brothers John (Ruth) Metcalf of Bozeman and Perry (Eloise) Metcalf of Green Valley, Arizona; brother-in-law Buck (Jeanette) Hoell, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. A Rosary will be held at Dahl Funeral Chapel at 5:30 P.M. on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 followed by a Vigil at 6:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Bozeman on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. The funeral mass will be followed by a reception at the church with burial afterwards at Sunset Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, you may make memorial donations to the charity of your choice.