John Roddie McAulay, a lifelong resident of the Miles City/Terry area died peacefully at his home on Friday, October 15, 2021 at the age of 78.
John, the son of Roderick J. and Isabel Nicolson McAulay, was born in Miles City, MT on April 16, 1943. John spent the first 6 years of his life on Plenty Creek in Prairie County and his remaining 72 years living with his family between Mac’s Creek and Miles Creek in Prairie and Custer Counties. John and his family were involved in the cattle and sheep ranching business. John graduated from Custer County High School in 1961. There was never any question about the direction his life and career would take. He followed in his father’s and grandfathers’ footsteps and pursued a life in agriculture. In June 1961, John joined his parents in running the family ranch. When his father died in 1972, John and his mother continued managing the ranching activities. John knew every square foot of the McAulay Ranch and worked hard over the years to keep it intact.
On June 4, 1984, John married Cherri Bourn at the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Following their marriage, Cherri continued her teaching career and assisted John with the family business. John was proud of his Scottish heritage. As a young child, hearing Gaelic exchanges among the eastern Montana Scottish immigrants was enough to alert his curiosity. Soon he was partaking in the Gaelic conversations. Perhaps he is the last of the many eastern Montana Scottish ranchers and sheep men that knew the Gaelic language. He was fortunate to visit his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends in Ross-Shire Scotland on three occasions.
John was a very contented man. He was happy to live in a landscape and among people he knew and loved. He was always ready with a story and had a wonderful sense of humor. He enriched all those around him.
He is survived by his sister, Mary Elizabeth McAulay of Miles City/Terry, MT; his wife’s mother, Doris Bourn of Auburn, NE and his wife’s three brothers and three sisters and their families; and in Scotland and other parts of the world, by numerous cousins and friends. John was preceded in death by his wife Cherri in 2015; his father Roddie in 1972; and his mother Isabel in 2001.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 21, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The Parlor, 1806 Main Street in Miles City. Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 22, 2021 2:00 p.m. at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City. A gathering will follow at the Sleep Inn Suites Convention Room- Miles City, MT immediately following the graveside. All are welcome to attend. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made in John’s name to the charity of one’s choice.
Don and Dee Sams says
We are so sorry to hear about John’s passing. Just talked to earlier this week. We will miss him and his friendship. If we can help in any way please let us know. God Bless
James Arneson says
I remember taking John calling one time when I trapped for him many years ago. I wasn’t sure how a man could count sheep so fast when the hill side was covered with sheep. John said “I have an extra one”, it was a coyote in the middle of his sheep. John was always smiling and joking that day we killed two coyotes. John had a name for them coyotes, but I sure can’t post it here I hadn’t seen John in years, it just reminds us of how fast time flies by us as we age. Rest in peace,
Hazel Parker says
Mary Elizabeth I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Heaven received another Scotsman, what a wonderful reunion those sheep men will have. My prayers are with you.
Helen Johnsen deines says
So sorry. I have fond memories of the mcaluys from my youth.
Christine Keltner says
Mary Elizabeth—so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I always enjoyed our visits!!!
Let us know if you need anything
Guy Lund says
What a shock. Mary, I am so sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to you. As I sit here and remember John, he was my employer first and then a friend. Its been 50 years since I met John on a warm December Day in 1971. After that many years I just assumed John would always be around to visit with. I will miss my friend and never forget what he taught me through the years. John and I didn’t talk often but when we did we talked for hours. Johns passing will leave an empty spot in my life. When I heard about Johns passing I sat and remembered while my wife listened. Life will never be the same. There is just so much to say and there is not enough time or space to tell the stories.
Carol Shook Cleppet says
This is such sad news. John & I dated for a while back in the day. He was so nice – and funny! I’m so sorry to hear of his passing
Andrea Phillips says
Mary Elizabeth, so sadden to hear of John’s passing. He was one of the hardest working men I know and loved what he did. May he Rest In Peace.
Tom fleming says
Mary sorry to hear about John Rip my friend thought and pray go out to you
Linda L Simonsen says
Mary Elizabeth, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kim Wilson says
It was such a pleasure getting to know John over the years, and in particular to spend time in Terry with him and Mary the last couple years. He was always in such good spirits, and was great story teller. And always had something else to say — “oh, and one more thing….”! I’ve never had a better client to work with.
Kim Smarsh says
Mary Elizabeth, my sincere sympathy to you on the passing of your brother. I always enjoyed running into you at the grocery store.
Roberta Cauthron says
Sorry to learn of the passing of another classmate from 1961. My condolences to the family.
Billy Hoverson says
Some of my fondest childhood memories were at the McAulay ranch. John Cherri and Grandma Isabel treated me like one of their own. John was my first employer. I was only eleven when my father herded sheep for John and I spent the summer driving the old 65 chevy pickup down in the mornings doing odd jobs for John while helping dad tend the flock toward evening. After spending most of my time on the ranch that summer while the family was over from the old country my mother noticed I had a brogue when I returned home for school that fall. I really thought my name was Laddie. John called me whenever he needed something done for many years after that. I always felt at home there. My condolences Mary Elizabeth. You are truly part of a legacy that I will always cherish having the opportunity to experience.
Delores Cameron says
Our sympathy,
Camerons-Delores, Delite, Clark, Twila & Connie
Ross Miller says
Mary,
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. While I never met John, or you, in person, I enjoyed our many phone calls, and always knew I was talking to an extremely honest and hard working man – and a fairly humorous man! I miss the opportunity to have met John in person.
Take care, and thank you for the chance to work with you and John, and get to know you two just a little bit.
Ross Miller
David & Diedree Hess says
+–Sorry to hear of John’s passing. I can remember of years ago when we gathered cattle south of us when we were still on the ranch. those made for some long days of riding.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Katie Hageman says
Mary Elizabeth: So sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. He was remembered as Johnnie to us. Such fond memories of our parent’s friendship thru the years! I do recall our Dads traveling to a livestock sale in Glendive. My Dad was shopping for a milk cow and came home with the most wonderful Shetland pony, Snoopy. Your Dad purchased a bigger pony for you and Johnnie! I will treasure these memories forever. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Glenn and Katie Hageman (Mc Donald)
Karson and Marie Kluver says
Marie Farnum Kluver says
Mary Elizabeth–our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Our families have shared many wonderful times together. Riding, branding, shipping, birthdays, and visits were so much fun. Johnny always met you with a smile and took time to visit with you. God Bless You.
Larry and Judy Jens says
Mary Elizabeth, Our sincere sympathy to you in the loss of your brother. Johnnie and I did a lot of playing, exploring (and a little bit of mischief) in our younger days. We didn’t see a lot of him after growing up, but when we would run into him in Miles City, we enjoyed a good visit every time. We will keep you in our prayers and certainly our thoughts as you deal with so many changes.
Darlene Brown (wood) says
Mary i wish I could be there to give you a hug. God is with you. Love u. Will write u letter.