Donald (Butch) Everett Dempster, age 79, died January 16th, 2025, at his home in Laurel. Survived by his son, Jay (Bailey) Dempster of Laurel, MT, Granddaughter Lettie, Stepchildren Molly Painschab (Kent Johnson) of Belgrade MT, Maggie (Travis) Lowell of Laurel, and Ethan Painschab of Laurel, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Born to Lawrence and Mae Robbins Dempster of Red Lodge, MT on September 8th, 1945.
Butch graduated from Park County High (Livingston) and began his love for ranching on the O’Hair Ranch (Livingston) at the age of 12 where he was taught by Andy O’Hair the basics of all things horses.
Butch joined the Air Force in 1965 where he spent time at Lackland, Chenute, and Tindle air bases. He was deployed to Vietnam as a part of frontline crash rescue service. In January 1969, he was Honorably Discharged from Warren Air Force base in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Butch went to work for the Padlock Ranch (Dayton) and the Little Horn Ranch (Wyola). After ranching for several years, he began his career in road construction and mining. He worked in numerous states including Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Colorado.
In 2003, Butch moved to Colstrip, Montana and began working for Westmoreland. He worked there until retirement in 2011.
Butch loved all things outdoors; fishing, hunting, pack trips a horseback, camping. He loved a good conversation and a healthy amount of B.S over a cold one (or a few).
“I was never wealthy, but rich in the people and friendships I made along the way.”
Service Schedule
Interment with Full Military Honors
11:00 am
Friday February 14, 2025
Yellowstone National Cemetery
Laurel, Montana 59044
Service Schedule
Interment with Full Military Honors
11:00 am
Friday February 14, 2025
Yellowstone National Cemetery
Laurel, Montana 59044
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IUOE Local 400, Board, Members and Staff says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this most difficult time.
Roger G. Sprague!! says
Sad to hear of the passing of a great friend, cowboy, and equipment operator. Butch worked with me as the grader operator for my shift for several years. We shared a lot of the same background. He often talked of his love of his family, and the love of his country. Rest in Peace my friend !!
Roger G. Sprague!! says
Sad to hear of the passing of a great friend, cowboy, and equipment operator. Butch worked with me as the grader operator for my shift for several years. We shared a lot of the same background. He often talked of his love of his family, and the love of his country. Rest in Peace my friend !!
Jamie Lloyd says
Butch was our neighbor for many years always loved visiting with him. Shane and I will miss him and Buzz
Roger G. Sprague!!!! says
Sad to see hear about the passin’ of a great cowboy, equipment operator and my best friend. Butch worked with me and we operated some stuff for my shift for several years. We shared 100% of the exact background. He was always talkin’ about his family and how he loves the country. Rest in peace my best friend!!
Suzanne Corrigan says
Happy Trails cowboy, til we meet again.
Norris Thompson says
Good man. I met Butch in 1988 working for Hilde Construction. I later met up with him for Westmoreland in 2004. Straight shooter and fun to be around. He had a lot of good stories. RIP Butch.