Rocky Heckman

GREAT FALLS-Rocky Joe Heckman, 58, went home to be with the Lord April 22, 2017 after a long hard fight with brain cancer.

Rocky is survived by his wife, Lorell Heckman; three children, Amanda (Jake) Wolfe, Colter Heckman, and Hanna Heckman; mother Beverly Heckman; siblings Mitzi (Short) Stephens, Shad (Shaylin) Heckman, and Darwin (Shellie) Heckman; seven grandkids, Ryder, Dally, Hazen, Reina, Prairie, Baylee, and Weston Wolfe; parents-in-law Ron and Dixie Jenkins; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Tawnee Jo Heckman and his dad, John "Bud" Heckman.

After receiving news of his terminal illness almost two years ago, Rocky came to know and accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Through this journey Rocky became a true testament to God's love and grace.

Rocky was born June 25, 1958 in Baker, Montana to Bud and Beverly Heckman. Rocky spent his childhood in Ekalaka, MT later moving to Augusta, MT where he graduated high school. In 1979, he married his high school sweetheart, Lorell Johnston. They lived in Augusta until 1982 when they moved to Choteau where they raised their kids to adulthood. After they were all graduated they moved to Vaughn and started the Wild West Arena.

Rocky wore many hats when it came to making a living and providing for his family. He always put his family first. Everything from operating the ski rental shop at Teton Pass, taxidermy work, building log houses and irrigation pivots, to selling his western artwork CM Russell Art Auction.

Rocky was most notably known for all his time spent in the mountains. He worked for his parents outfitting business and also several local outfitters before starting a business of his own in 1988 that became known as Montana Safaris.

Rocky was always involved when it came to the Bob Marshall Wilderness and outfitting. He was a part of many trail building projects and was instrumental in a mountain lion study. He touched the lives of hundreds by taking them on adventures in the mountains. He gained many lifelong friends out of clients throughout the years from all over the country and the world.

Rocky always said that the outside of a horse was good for the inside of a man and his life was spent encouraging others to share that. He always had his children involved in some sort of horse events from showing horses with Amanda, taking Colter to rodeos, or Hanna's involvement in rodeo and becoming Miss Rodeo Montana.

Rocky also became very involved in other kids' lives by starting a youth rodeo association and encouraging future rodeo athletes by becoming a state director, judge, and a coach to many. He was also the Chairman of the Big Sky Pro Rodeo Committee for two years.

Rocky played a significant role in the lives of his seven grandchildren. Fondly called Papa, Rocky has handed over a heritage of love for horses, the outdoors, hard work, plenty of wisdom, and a good sense of humor. Most importantly Rocky has left a legacy of little ones who are learning to love the Lord, just as he did.

Rocky had an impact on many adults as well. He was known to push people beyond their limits and that quality has inspired many to think of him as their hero.

A memorial took place April 29, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Augusta, Montana Rodeo Grounds. Colter led his dad's favorite horse, "Bud" to the cemetery afterwards to lay him to rest.