Bert D. Boughton, horseman, rancher, auctioneer, legislator, lover of thoroughbred race horses and accomplished musician (he could play anything with strings) passed away Saturday, October 27, 2018.
Bert was the son of pioneers who homesteaded in the rough Missouri country near Haxby, NorthEast of Jordan in Garfield County. He was born on the family ranch August 10th, 1933 to his mother Bernice Boughton (Gaslin) and father Bert A. Boughton. He grew up as a cowboy learning the values of hard work and resourcefulness of ranching life that only someone from that area of the world would understand. By the age of 10, he was doing everything the older men were doing and was sought out as a wrangler because he could rope the wild horses no one else could catch. The oldest of 4 he was “big brother” to Sarah (Tobel), Jessie (Merwin) and Jan (Bickle). He went on to school in Jordan graduating in 1950 and attending auctioneering school in Billings shortly after.
He put his newly acquired auction skills to use right away as he sold cattle auctions at the sale yards in Sidney, Glasgow and Miles City as well as Dickinson ND, and Lemmon SD through the 1950s and 60s. He also performed as master of ceremonies at countless rodeos, fairs and festivals across eastern Montana. A longstanding member of the Cow Capital Turf Club he announced the horse races in Miles City every May for over 40 years.
In addition to operating his own cattle ranch at Haxby he was elected to the state legislature representing Garfield County over two terms from 1964 to 1968. He left state government in 1968 to raise his family. He was married for over 35 years to his wife Pauline Boughton (Tom) and they welcomed two sons Bert (Dee) born February 18, 1965 followed by Bryon (Booey) September 4, 1967.
Bert and his family moved to Miles City full time in the mid 70’s and he eventually sold the ranch in 1977. In doing so he was able to fulfill his passion for thoroughbreds as he embarked on the journey of building a successful world class stable of horses. His love of these beautiful animals, and his desire to understand their bloodlines and history turned him into a “walking encyclopedia” of knowledge. He put his talent for reading pedigrees to great use when he would travel to the yearling sales in California where he sat beside the biggest names in horse racing. Success followed as he and the family travelled to race meets all over the western US and Canada through the 80’s.
By the time his kids were completing school in Miles City and going of to college Bert knew it was time to draw down the racing schedule, but he remained active with horses, cattle and farming throughout the remainder of his life. He also enjoyed travelling each fall to see his son Bryon play football for Rocky Mountain College.
Born at the height of the depression Bert was eminently conservative and very frugal with how and where he spent his resources. He was a master at “repurposing” and “up-cycling” decades before those terms were even thought of. He had an uncanny ability to fix just about any old broken-down piece of farm equipment with his imagination and some baling wire. He was also a deep thinker in a very practical sort of way. He had hundreds of little euphemisms he would casually drop in at just the right moments to help make his point. For instance when promoting the idea of working smarter not harder he would remind his kids (with regularity) “you should never, do on oatmeal that which you can do on gasoline” or for anyone who cared to know how to make a small fortune in farming and ranching “you start with a big one” he’d always say.
On the flip side, Bert also liked some of the finer things in life. Of course, no one would ever know this by the vehicles he drove or the old trucks and tractors he kept stitched together (note previous baling wire reference). This was only evident to the trained eye of someone who knew anything about guitars, mandolins or fiddles. He took great pride and pleasure collecting some of the most sought-after instruments available even having his Weber mandolin custom made and adorned with his eldest son’s quarter circle – dot brand.
His love of old school country music and bluegrass fueled his desire to play the guitar which he learned to do in the dormitory in Jordan with his best friend and brother in law Richard Tobel. This was a gift that he shared with thousands of people from barn dances, bar rooms, and churches to weddings, funerals and memorials. He literally played to the end of his life as his last “gig” was playing a benefit concert at the fairgrounds the night before his fall.
In addition to his two sons, Dee and Bryon and their wives Karla and Kerri, Bert took great delight in being able to spend time with, and love his grand kids, Bryon’s sons Braeden, and Bridger, and Dee’s sons, Conor, and Cole.
In his later years as he slowed down he took keen interest in all the sports and activities of his grandkids always checking in for updates on scores and batting averages. He also turned his attention to volunteering his time and musical talents to the senior drop in center, nursing homes and numerous benefits. He also enjoyed playing for his church and volunteering with meals on wheels.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation in his name be made to Range Riders in Miles City MT.
A visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. A Celebration of Bert’s Life will be held at First Baptist Church, 900 Palmer Street in Miles City at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 3, 2018, followed by internment at the Miles City Cemetery.
Joe ferris says
I got the privilege to hear him play music last Saturday evening. He will be missed
Chuck and Luann Pluhar says
So sorry to hear this. Your family has always been so special to me. Condolences to all of you and to John and Jan and their families. Also to Jessie and Ronnie God Bless all of you.
Luann and Chuck Pluhar.
Destiny Carlson says
Bert was a very kind man. He donated his time and bid sheets for my brothers benefit in 2014 as the auctioneer. He will be missed!
Nick Clauson says
Berts family, sorry he left us. I used to play music with Bert, he could get music out of anything that had strings!
Teri Muggli says
My husband , Jerry Muggli and he were very good friends. They had just played music at a benefit the night before. Bert will be missed by many , His talent and music will be missed by all. With deepest sympathy please accept our condolences to all of Berts family and friends
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Sending prayers to Burt’s family. I hope you find comfort in memories of times spend with Burt.
John and Cathy McKeever says
To all of Bert’s Family, we are very sad to hear of his passing our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Danna Jablinske says
So sorry to hear of Bert’s passing. My best memory of him is from one of the Quick Draw auctions- both Shelley and I were standing near the front with our hands just flaying. Bert stopped and looked at us, then said, “Are you two bidding on this or just talking?” Hugs and prayers, Danna
Mark Browning says
Bert will be remembered for his music, generosity and smooth auctioneers voice as he conducted the WaterWorks Art Museum’s Quick Draw Auction for years in Riverside Park. He was a pleasure to know and work with.
Catherine Byron says
To all of Bert’s Family –
Bert Boughton was one of my heroes – for about 60 years. Sadly, the story was never written and sent to him. As a 1950s 4-H member, it was a great sacrifice on the part of our parents to allow my sister and I to hold back a steer apiece to fatten as a project. We didn’t have the extra barley to fatten them after a rough winter, so we took two grass fat steers to the fair. Bert was the auctioneer. I’ll never forget his words before he began the musical call for bids. “Now look here folks, if you want good beef without a lot of waste, here it is! This will be perfect on your dinner table.” It helped us stand a bit taller as we walked our streamlined critters around the sales ring. Bert’s sensitivity to a kid’s feelings as he chose the perfect words to erase any sense of public humiliation was remembered and treasured all these years later. He set a fine example to everyone within range of his megaphone that hot September day. Take comfort in knowing his example planted so many fine seeds in the years we shared with him. My heart and prayers are with all of you at the time of this last goodbye.
Linda Walker says
The world will miss your sweet smile and kind ways. Rest in Peace Bert.
Colette Butcher says
Bert was a cousin of my husband Lloyd, who recently passed away as well. I’m sure they have already met up in heaven and are shootin’ the breeze. He was such a great guy. Rest in peace Bert. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Eugene Bankey says
To all of Bert’s family , we send you our condolences, thoughts and prayers of strength needed during this time and in the future. Eugene and Connie Bankey hi
Barb Smalis says
My first memories of Bert go back so long ago he was running for a State office and Dad had a community get together for him. He was so nice and so handsome. A true gentleman for his entire life. When I think of the May races in Miles City, I always think of Bert. Our sympathy to all his family.
Sally Fitch Ness says
Bert was part of our family’s life as long as I can remember. He was at every fair for we 4H kids. I have had many conversations with him in the last year talking about Jordan and Garfield County. He will be missed greatly. Prayers to his family. Be at peace my friend.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
To all of Bert’s family and special friends, my sincere sympathy goes your way. Our community has lost a very incredible man with more talents than many of us all put together. May your many memories keep you comforted in the days ahead.
Shannon Holmen says
So sorry about Bert, he was always real nice to me and my family. Will miss his voice at the races!
Helen Johnsen Deines says
Altho I didnt know Bert’s family, he was always a memory of mine from my Montana growing up years. Whenever I came back to miles city to visit I either see Bert at church with my Mom or at some senior dance Mom was attending. I’m sorry to hear of his passing, but he went out strumming those guitars and is entertaining those in heaven now.
BONNIE CURRAN says
BERT WAS A FRIEND OF MY HUSBAND, BUD CURRAN. I LIKED HIM. HE PLAYED AT BUD’S 80TH PARTY. BERT WAS A NICE MAN. HE WILL BE MISSED.
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Sending Condolences and Prayers to all of Bert’s family . His talents will be missed by all who knew him . May you find comfort in all of your memories and in Gods Love,
B Dean Holmes says
I loved his auctioneering, race and rodeo announcing, he was one of the best and gave lots of him time to his community.
Doug Benge says
Sorry to learn of Bert’s passing. He was a good client and friend. Knew a lot about a lot of things in a down to earth way. Somehow was able to preserve the same little gift box for many years in which he brought his tax info, with a string tied around it. Good musician too. Always inquired about my folks after they no longer attended senior citizens or Range Riders. They will be glad to see him.
Doug Benge
Barbara Loumer says
We have lost a kind, caring and talented man. He will be greatly missed by many. I feel blessed to have known him. Prayers sent for Berts family. I’m sure he is enjoying Heaven and we will see him again one day.
BHS Board Members says
Thoughts and prayers on behalf of the Bucking Horse Sale board. Bert will be greatly missed.
DJ & Gloria Rath Milroy says
Most heartfelt condolences with all of Bert’s family. Saddened to hear of his passing. He and his many talents will surely be missed by all who knew him. May you each be blessed with your memories. Holding you all in prayer.
The Lairds says
Our thoughts and love to all of Bert’s family. He was a very special man.
Audrey Hollowell says
Bert was a wonderful man whose legacy will live on through his sons and grandsons and the rest of his family and friends who were blessed to have known him. He will be missed….he was a true gentleman cowboy.
Love Shawn and Audrey Hollowell and family
Barbara Jo Harbaugh-Morgan says
My heart is so sad for Dee and Bryon and their families. Uncle Bert was very much a part of my wonderful childhood memories. He played a significant role in the cowboy culture and celebrations of the Eastern Montana communities. Such a beautiful and compassionate soul whose legacy will always be remembered. Deepest sympathy and prayers
HARV&Patrice Kountz says
Had the privilege knowing Burt and will miss him. He was such a nice guy! Sorry I missed his funeral.
Diane Emeney says
I keep my horses down Water Plant road and often ran into Burt walking when I was walking down and always stopped to say Good morning and a small chat. He was a great person and made my morning more pleasant. As he got older he took to driving instead of walking, but always had a wave for me as he drove by. My sincere condolences to his family.
John Lesser says
I knew Mr. Boughton (I always called him Mr. Boughton or sir) through my friend Booey. I had the privilege to spend time with him and his family at the house with old Bonus Rules and the farm down on the river. He was always keeping me and Boo of trouble. He had a wonderful heart, a solid hand, and a quick whit. My life has been blessed with the moments I got to sit around his table to eat and the times he put me to work. Thank you sir.