Rocky Heckman

Rocky Joe Heckman, 58, went home to be with the Lord early in the morning on April 22, 2017 after a long hard fight with brain cancer.Rocky is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Lorell Heckman; three children, Amanda (Jake) Wolfe, Colter Heckman, and Hanna Heckman; his mother, Beverly Heckman of Augusta; siblings, Mitzi (Short) Stephens of Augusta, Shad (Shaylin) Heckman of Sun River, and Darwin (Shellie) Heckman of Fairfield; 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 was preceded in death by his beautiful 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 all of this Rocky became a true testament to Gods love and grace.Rocky was born on June 25, 1958 in Baker, Montana to Bud and Beverly Heckman. Rocky spent his childhood in Ekalaka, MT and then, after moving to Augusta, MT, graduated high school there and shortly after, married his high school sweetheart, Lorell Johnston in 1979. They lived in Augusta until 1982 when they moved to Choteau, where they made their home and raised all their kids to adulthood. After all their children were graduated, they started a new chapter in life and moved to Vaughn and started the Wild West Arena.Rocky and Lorell shared a wonderful life and have gotten to enjoy many great things together. They raised a great family and have always worked extra hard to provide a good life for their family. They traveled a lot of places and on many occasions were able to take their children and some nieces and nephews on vacations. They visited many places around the world including several trips to different spots in Mexico (although Puerto Vallarta was their favorite and became their second home); all over the states; Jamaica; Rio De Janeiro; Germany; Paris, France; Rome and Pisa, Italy; just to name a few.Rocky held many titles and wore many hats when it came to making a living and providing for his family. He always put his family first, even in the last moments of his life. Everything from operating the ski rental shop at Rocky Mountain Hi (now Teton Pass), taxidermy work, building log houses locally and irrigation pivots across the country, to selling his western artwork in his own gallery and also at the 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, including Chuck and Sharon Blixrud (who became wonderful mentors), before buying a business of his own in 1988 that became known as Montana Safaris.Rockys outfit was originally bought from Ted Hinderager and throughout the years he bought out other outfitters to grow his business into one of the most prestigious outfitting businesses on the Rocky Mountain Front.Rocky was always involved in some way or another 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 of people by taking them on adventures in the mountains, from catching trout on the Sun River, to guiding them to an elk of their lifetime. 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 this was noticeable when you would pass him on the trail on his big black horse, Bud leading a long string of black mules. His life was spent encouraging others to share that. He always had all of his children involved in some sort of horse events whether it was showing horses with Amanda, taking Colter to rodeos, or Hannas 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 did not just have an impact in childrens lives but also many adults as well. He was always known to push people beyond their limits and comfort zones and that quality has been what has made him into so many peoples hero. If you ever thought you couldnt do something or wouldnt be able to handle something, he would push you and push you until you figured it out and everyone was always so grateful for that in the end.A memorial service in honor of his life is scheduled for Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Augusta Rodeo Grounds in Augusta, MT. Colter will be leading his dads favorite horse, Bud up to the cemetery afterwards to lay him to rest and anyone is welcome to bring a horse and ride along behind, follow on foot, or car pool. Pastor Steve Fleming, from New City Church (Rockys most recent church home), will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Rockys life.In lieu of flowers, please send donations and condolences to Lorell Heckman, 53 Highwood Dr., Great Falls, MT 59404. Any donations will be used to fund a Rockys Road Organization and Cancer Vive It support group.The family would like to thank Dr. Martin of Sletten Cancer Institute, nurses Sue, Amanda, Elly, and all the others who showed such compassion and care through Rockys battle with cancer.