William Ellery Almy Jr., born in Philadelphia to William and Gertrude Thayer Almy on September 7, 1926, was a trailblazing adventurer with a vibrant intellect and skilled hands. As the eldest of seven children, he embraced life with boundless curiosity, demonstrating his problem-solving prowess at every opportunity including constructing a treehouse atop the tallest tree on the family property. Engaging in such endeavors not only cultivated his ability to communicate the rationale behind his choices but also fueled his unquenchable thirst for exploration.
Skipping conventional high school completion, Bill finished a summer Latin class before embarking on college where he refused to let formal schooling hinder his quest for an education. His billiards and card-playing talents flourished more rapidly than his mechanical engineering studies and he transitioned from academia, having acquired what he deemed sufficient skills, to embark on a series of diverse adventures.
As an Army Air Corp Cadet toward the end of WWII, Bill aspired to learn to fly. When the war concluded, and the urgent need for new pilots diminished, he seized the chance to receive his pay and chose civilian life. At a poker table with departing cadets, he accumulated enough cash to enroll in a private flight school, using their cash to fund his flying lessons.
Oregon beckoned him, and he scaled trees to hold mirrors for his coworkers, aiding in recording measurements for topography maps. Always eager to climb higher, both for better pay and personal challenge, Bill never shied away from striving for new heights.
In a pivotal move, Bill arrived in Albion, Montana, to work at the Jim Oliver ranch. This marked the beginning of a new chapter, presenting new opportunities for adventure, skill acquisition, and weather acclimatization as he hoped to journey north to Alaska. Two enduring passions captured his heart and bound him for a lifetime — the resilient school marm, Joyce Darlene Ochsner, he met in August and married in November, and the ranch work that would test his grit and provide him with a lifetime filled with challenges and triumphs.
Over the next 68 years, they weathered the storms of life, building a partnership that involved music, dancing, card games, caring for cattle, ranch ownership, livestock auction management, and the upbringing of four children. Their committed partnership allowed them to evolve as individuals and meld their strengths into a formidable team.
In 1960, the ranch at Ismay was purchased and became the canvas for Bill’s progressive vision. With the help of family and dedicated employees, Bill cared for the land, ensuring that Keystone Ranches, Inc. reciprocated by supporting its caretakers. His forward-thinking nature led to the development of an innovative watering pipeline system. Embracing cattle AI programs and venturing into the exotic cattle and club calf business showcased his commitment to advancing the livestock industry. Despite lacking a legacy background in agriculture, Bill ardently pursued knowledge through collaborations with experts, extension services, and research stations.
Recognizing a need for improved livestock marketing, Bill along with many other ranchers in the region, helped bring into being Baker Livestock Auction. Quite unintentionally he became the manager at BLA and later purchased the market to continue its operation. In his 60’s Bill launched Ismay Livestock Yards to ensure his ability to buy and sell livestock no matter where he lived.
His remarkable journey through life was characterized by an insatiable curiosity and a relentless pursuit of knowledge beyond ranching. He read voraciously and took business, economics and ornithology courses. He participated in the MSU Steer of the Year scholarship program to encourage others into agriculture and ever the mentor, Bill, delighted in guiding young ranchers into the industry he cherished.
Beyond his ranching pursuits, Bill found joy in big band and old cowboy trail music and his talented wife’s singing at the piano. Music filled the Almy home and vehicles, momentarily silenced only during livestock reports so he could stay abreast of market trends. Attending events where he could dance with his wife or strategize at the card table brought him great pleasure as well as sitting in the church pew when his wife had the opportunity to preach.
For those who worked alongside him, the rallying cry of “More Cattle!” defined Bill’s ethos—a call to action, a reminder to hustle, and a commitment to achievement regardless of circumstances. May his legacy as a respected cattleman resound through the pastures he tended, inspiring us to excel and echo his spirited call, “More Cattle!”
Remaining to continue their earthly journeys are his children/spouses/families: son William E. III (Barb) Almy, grandchildren William E. Almy IV, Gwen (Fr Aaron) Warwick and Emmelia, Adrian, Dominic, Simone, Susie Almy, Lydia, Lucia, William John Henandrez, Deborah Almy; son Curtis (Patsy) Almy, Toby-Jeanne Almy; daughter Dawn (Lary) Lamoreux, Rachel and Jimmy Minor and Addison, Cale and Samantha Lamoreux, grandchildren Michelle, Garett, Noah, Christin and Andrew Sullivan, Emry, Landon; and daughter Libby Almy (Don), grandchildren Chantelle Hennberry (Joel), Leah and Lucas Mostad , Kt (Eric) Foster, Kiana (Jeffery) Johnson, Devon Solberg. Bill is also survived by his sister Nini and brothers John, Charles, and Chris. He is preceded in death by his wife Joyce and siblings who died in their youth, Ann and George.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 starting at 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will be held at a later date in the family plot of the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 13, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 13, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 13, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 13, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Jenny Hickox says
Hello, my Wild Bill! This breaks my heart but oh what joy it is to know that you’re in such a more beautiful place and one day I’ll be there with you! I thank God for placing you in my life and I cherish every bit of time we were given together. Even when miles kept us apart we still reached out to each other. So thankful for the bond you shared with my son Wyatt too. You touched our lives in so many ways. You made an impact on our lives and you will forever be remembered. Lord wrap your arms around his family and let your presence be felt more so now as they prepare there farewells. Hugs and much love to all you , y’all are in my prayers.
I love you “Wild Bill”,
“South Carolina”
The Hickox Family-
James, Jen, Wyatt, Shi, Wes and Sully
Lynette & Dan OConnor says
Almy family! Wishing you all peace in the loss of your dad, granddad and friend! So sorry for your loss! May he RIP
Nancy Fillafer says
Bill Almy & family, sending love thoughts & prayers during thus difficult time. I’m glad I got to know you the times I worked in residential living. He was such a pleasant guy. May you rest in peace. You are dancing in the clouds now. God bless.
Dale E. Barta says
Almy Family – I sorry for your loss. Bill was such a great man and so easy to talk to. I am sure you have many memories. My God Bless your family.
Dale
Tammy Mallett Pecha says
So sorry for your loss.Bill sold our calves for alot of years.
Mary Ann Liles says
Almy family,
Loved having Bill as a neighbor. We were astonished to see him walking around on his very steep roof on Balsam Drive as if it were a walk in the park, but that was Bill. If it needed fixing, he fixed it himself. We enjoyed hearing him talk about the history of his family. He was such a smart man.
Blessings to you all.
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles
Elizabeth long Hansel says
Bill was my first cousin and though I did not know him well, I remember him as a rugged individual who loved both his Western and Eastern families.
Bridget Long Hansel
Audrey Haumschild says
Saturday night a golden heart stopped beating, and hard working hands were laid to rest. I I’m so happy you get to go dance with your wife again. You get to breathe and no more pain . I miss you and will for a long time . But I will smile when I think of you. You were truly a wonderful person. I am so thankful that you came to live with us the last years of your life . We got to take care of you. You gave us your wisdom and lots of laughter. We also got to meet you wonderful family. You always bragged about. We seen why you were so proud of them . I bet everyone up there was happy to welcome you home. You RIP Bill . Love and miss you . See you when God calls Me home . Biggest Hugs to all of your family.
Dale Tribby says
To Bill’s family – What a great human has left our presence. I so enjoyed my visits with Bill. He knew of my passion for sage and sharp-tailed grouse and whenever I saw him, he wanted to know how the grouse were doing. In his latter years on Balsam drive, I would on occasion deliver his meals-on-wheels. He always wanted to talk grouse. I would have to excuse myself as there were others waiting on their meals. What a true gentleman. I always felt welcome around Bill. What a great man. RIP my friend.
Brylee Liles says
Getting to know you was such a privilege Bill. The moments spent with you were always good ones. Thank you for showing me there is more to life than what we even realize! Rest in peace Bill.
BERNADETTE MILLER says
I will miss Bill – he was such a good guy. He took such wonderful care of his wife and always had wonderful stories to tell. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of loss. You have many years of wonderful memories! He was one of the good guys!
Colette Butcher says
I met Bill many years ago while working at the Custer County FSA office. He was always very business like and as the “clerical person” he made it known that he needed to see my boss, that I couldn’t help him. After many years the boss was gone one day when he came in and I had to help him. I don’t even remember what I did for him but from that point on he let me help him. In fact every note or piece of correspondence I received from him, from that point on, was signed “Friend Bill.” May you rest in peace “Friend Bill.” It was an honor earning your trust and becoming your friend.
Mike & Judy Toennis says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Larry and Judy Jens says
We first met Bill when he owned and operated the Baker Livestock Salesyard where we marketed some of our hogs. He and his wife, Joyce, were always friendly, cheerful, and accommodating. After they moved to Miles City, we would occasionally run into them, and always enjoyed lively, conversations. Happy to have made those two friendships.
Bethany Mueller says
such a beautiful soul laid to rest. oh bill, i am so glad i got to know you in the short few months i worked at the hospital. i enjoyed all of our conversations and will cherish them forever. you had the absolute best smily!! your stories were by far my favorites. i pray for your family’s healing at this difficult time. i’m glad you are in such a much better place now. rest easy Bill.
-beth
Mark & Sandi Toennis says
Almy family we are so sorry for your loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
wes d malenovsky says
SORRY TO HEAR OF BILLS PASSING GOD BLESS RIP MAGIC
Jackie Stroh says
Rest in Peace Dear Bill. Glad I got to know you over the time I was employed at Residential Living. Always enjoyed our conversations and your fatherly advice when I was going through a ruff patch in my life. I know how much you missed your wife now your dancing in the clouds and at eternal peace! My sympathies to you the family he will be missed!
Fred and Donna Houzvicka says
Bill such a remarkable man! Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all today and the days ahead.
Alvin and Sharon Wenz says
Our condolences to the Almy family. We always enjoyed our visits with Bill and Joyce. They will be missed.
ann byrd says
Curtis,
Sorry to hear of your father’s death. He sounds like a wonderful, interesting man.
Diona Austill says
So sad to see. I knew Bill through Fort Keogh. He always had stories. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Diona Austill
Doug Benge says
Almy Family:
What a great guy, great family, great client. Taught me one of my favorite lessons. Once when he asked some tax question, I expounded an explanation, apparently too long winded. He stopped me to say, when I ask you what time is it, don’t tell me how to build a watch. Lesson learned! I very much enjoyed conversation with Bill. Keen mind. RIP.
Diane M Welbes says
So sorry for your loss–Thoughts and prayers.
Denise Harvey says
A gentleman and a scholar and a friend to many!
Prayers for peace with cherished memories.
Bruce Ballentine says
Dear Curt and other family members,
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Sending you my deepest condolences during this heartbreaking time. Your father will always be remembered as an incredible person, well liked and respected.
Ron and Paula Haar says
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing but we know we all have such great memories. Even our kids talk about when his shoes got stuck in the mud at the sales barn. Our thoughts and prayer are with all of you.
Pam Rogge says
Prayers and condolences to the Almy family at this time and in the days ahead; may special memories comfort you.
Wanda Pinnow says
I have so many fond memories of working at the sales barn and of driving Bill around the country so he could do business. He was a walking encyclopedia and it was a school lesson every mile.
I was so glad I stopped and saw him in Dec. He knew who I was and he gave me a big smile.
You are up there with your bride, happy trails my friend.
May Pritchard says
Bill Almy was my first cousin, 22 years my senior. Because of that age difference and the geographic distance—Miles City vs. VillaNova, Pa—I did not know him very well. However, I heard amazing stories about his early years from his siblings, particularly sister Nini and brother Chris. He was a one of a kind, no question. I appreciate the obituary that filled in a lot about him that I was unaware of. In my view he was a true “Renaissance” man, characterized by a passion for mastering a range of skills and knowledge. He was also someone who cared deeply for his family and their well being. I am proud to have him as my “cowboy” cousin—he lived a remarkable life. I send my prayers and love to all his family.
May Long Pritchard
Jack and Claudine O'Connor says
To the Almy family. Knowing Bill for many many years we remember with fondness our conversations and selling our cattle through him. He was an honorable business man and and interesting person to visit with. Our sympathy for your loss.
Dianne & Jerry Shumaker says
Curt, Dawn, Bill Jr and Libby,
Sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. We have lots of memories of being neighbors for many years! He will be missed!
Doug Davis says
I’m so very thankful to have known Bill and Joyce Almy. In this last year, I was able to share with Bill what a positive difference he and his family made in my life. I only spent three years at Keystone, but have a lifetime of memories. Sympathies and blessings to the Almy family.
Linda Wolff says
Curt and family,
So very sorry for your loss. You are in our thought and prayers during this difficult time.
Don and Mary Luhr says
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss of an extraordinary man.
Rod Heitschmidt says
I met Bill when I was Research Leader at Fort Keogh as he was a member of our Liaison Committee. What an impressive intellect. He wanted to know a lot of “stuff” for the fun of it as well as a means of improving himself, his family and his businesses. I recall a national Agriculture Research Service Liaison Committee meeting in Kansas City sometime around the year 2000. I asked Bill to attend said meeting because I knew he would represent the Fort, Miles City and the State of Montana well. That he did and I recall at the closing session he recited a rather lengthy Shakespeer pose after which he received a standing ovation. Of course, I took credit for teaching him that and my colleagues, all who knew me, booed me off the stage and Bill loved it as did I. The contributions this man made to society are innumerable and I am saddened to learn of his passing but proud to have known and worked with him. May he rest in peace and may his continuing quest for knowledge amuse Our God! We all will miss him.