Harvey Rattey

Harvey Rattey, age 77, of Glendive, Mont., passed away with his family by his side on Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive.

He was born on Oct. 29, 1938, in Chinook, Mont., a son of Lester H. and Rose M. (Latray) Rattey. He was raised and educated in Harlem, where he graduated with the class of 1960. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army on June 3, 1960, he served for one year before he was honorably discharged to return home to help on the family ranch after his father was injured. He later enlisted in the National Guard, where he served for four years. He returned back to Harlem where he worked as a ranch foreman.

During this time he was married and later divorced, and to this union one daughter was born. He started a career in art and during this time he met Pamela Harrand and they were united in marriage on Aug. 6, 1977, in Big Timber. To this union they adopted five children. Together they started their own bronze casting foundry in Bozeman, and raised six children. Later they purchased a ranch and moved to Glendive. "Where the Pavement Ends and the West Begins."

He was an internationally known sculptor and a Native American enrolled tribal member of the Little Shell Band of the Chippewa. He and his three sisters and a brother were raised on a cattle ranch bordering the Assiniboine Reservation near Harlem. During the past 40 years, his love of the cowboy and of wildlife has inspired him to sculpt both subjects with "wild & wooly" action and empathy.

He had a strong faith in the Lord and was a born-again Christian. He loved his church, his wife, his family and his many friends. He enjoyed calf roping, ranching, fixing fence or anything to do with the ranching lifestyle, turkey hunting and turkey calling and having coffee with his friends every morning.

A couple of Harvey's favorite quotes were: "Heck of a Deal," "lock your car, there's a lot of white guys around here!" and "Shoot low, they might be crawling."

He was a member of the Western Artist of America, Community Bible Church, Lions Club, Montana Veterans Commissions, Wild Turkey Federation, Indian Arts and Crafts Association and the American Legion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one infant son; a sister, Janet Bow; and nephew, Jeffery Bow.

Survivors include his wife, Pam Harr, of Glendive; six children, Deborah Robart and her husband, Christopher, of Glendive, Jeffery Rattey of Glendive, Tanya Mintz and her husband, Tom, of Terry, Kandi Weidner of San Antonio, Texas, Destanie Gonzalas of Seattle, Wash., and Dominique Rattey of Miles City; three siblings, Jean Tanniehill of Helena, Joe Rattey of Dobson, and Lois Son of Great Falls; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services with military honors were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ with Lay Pastor Darrin Clinton officiating. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials in Harvey's name are suggested to Glendive Medical Center Foundation and Glendive Community Bible Church.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: http://www.silhafuneralhomes.com.