John Currie Colvin, beloved father, brother, and friend, was born on October 7, 1954, to Cage and Dorie Lou Colvin. He was the youngest of four siblings, joining Susan, Mary Jo, and David in the family.
Currie attended elementary school in Custer County, later splitting his high school years between Shattuck Military Academy in Minnesota and Custer County High School.
In his younger years, Currie worked in a variety of jobs, gaining experiences that would shape his adventurous spirit. He worked the gondola at Big Sky Resort during its opening year, and became known for his spontaneous road trips with friends across the country. One of his most memorable journeys took him on a 1,100-mile drive along the Alaskan Highway, a largely gravel road at the time, all the way to Anchorage, Alaska. He spent half the year in Alaska, working a range of jobs from washing dishes in Homer to working at the 3M warehouse in Anchorage.
After the passing of his father, Cage, Currie took over the family ranch on Moon Creek, where he would spend the next 40 years of his life enjoying the wide-open spaces. During that time, he met and married Annette Lahn, and together they raised their three children, Krissy, David and Bailie. In addition to his work on the ranch, Currie was an entrepreneur, founding the 519 Club and later owning and operating the Montana Bar.
Following his retirement, Currie enjoyed spending time in Red Lodge, Montana, where he spent summers hiking the trails and exploring Rock Creek. His winters were spent on the warm beaches of South Padre Island, Texas, always looking forward to visits from his children and grandchildren. Currie had a deep passion for Montana history, particularly local history, and loved researching the stories of the community’s founding members. He was also fond of exploring old bars, a hobby that often led him to uncover fascinating pieces of history.
Though Currie was known for being reserved, he was always full of surprises, and his friends and family will always remember him for his kindness and integrity. He was the epitome of the “Irish Goodbye”- always saying hello but rarely a formal goodbye, sneaking out the back to avoid the farewells.
Currie is survived by his children: Krissy (Spencer) Anderson, David (Loraine) Colvin, and Bailie (Slade) Colvin; his sister, Mary Jo (Denny) Kane; his brother, David E. (Judy) Colvin; his nieces and nephews, Kelly Zent, Laramie Zent, and Aaron Hatch; and his beloved grandchildren, Cadence and Brooks Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cage and Dorie Lou Colvin, his sister Susan Colvin, and Annette Colvin.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of adventure, entrepreneurship, and love for his family will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Amanda Malley says
He truly was one of the very best Bailie! I’m so greatful that I was able to know Currie. So sorry for your loss.
Bill and Sharon Oftedal says
This breaks our hearts. We’ve known Currie since he was a little boy–he was cool then and that never changed. He was always full of ideas and plans, and he made so many of them happen. And he looked impeccable no matter what. So much comes to mind, but nothing more than that chuckle (and he could see the humor in every situation). His family meant everything to him–we’re thinking of all of you.
James Arneson says
What a good Man. I trapped for Currie years ago and always enjoyed stopping and visiting with him when I was out checking my sets. Soft spoken, gentle, and always happy to visit. I am sorry for the loss of your dad and friend. May God comfort you now and always with the best of memories. R.I.P Currie,
Pam Rogge says
Another class member taken too soon. Prayers and condolences to Currie’s family.
Tom Hanel says
Currie was a special person, always so kind, soft spoken, caring and sincere to the core. He has been a great friend for decades , he will be missed, a hurtful loss. I will cherish the memories and send prayers for his children who he loved very much🙏
Jerry and Sue Backlund says
So sorry to hear of Currie”s passing. Our prayers for all the family. We lost a good friend. What a great guy he will be missed by all.
Brenda Schwab says
Bailie I am so sorry to hear about your Dad, he was so kind the best boss you could ever ask for! He treated everyone like family!! He will be missed!! RIP my friend!!!
Linda Walker says
This is so sad.
Vicki King Carrafa says
He will be greatly missed. He was kind gentle man. I had fun with him in high school. He was always there every time I came home to visit. He was great Seward to Miles City. Celebrate his life. Memories are what heal your broken heart. RIP Curry you will always be in my heart.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Denise Harvey says
A classmate and very nice person. So sorry he had left us but so wonderful to read about all his adventures. He loved deeply and was loved deeply.
Bryan Holmen says
I was recipient to one of those road trips. Lots of laughs and treasured memories. Such a good friend, rest in piece my ole buddy.
Jennie Hilderman says
My heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Currie was such a nice, kind man.
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
What a wonderful man. He will be missed.
Peanuts Money says
What an amazing person Currie was-One of a kind with the best heart! We spent many times together growing up and in college-The best memories! He will be missed! Prayers for family!
Ervin and Janice Laib says
Sorry for your loss so sad to hear this Currie was a good friend and will be missed Prayers for his family RIP Currie
Lee Alexander says
Farewell my friend. You will be sorely missed.