Archie Duane Neal

Archie "Duane" Neal, 80, of Pray, Montana passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 20th, 2016 at his home with family by his side. A Funeral Service will be held 2:00 P.M., on Tuesday, September 27th at Paradise Valley Community Church (1755 E River Rd, Livingston) with Reverend Jay Foley as the Celebrant. Graveside committal and burial will follow the service at Shorthill Cemetery with Veterans Honors provided by Park Post #23 American Legion and Air Force Active Duty Honor Guard. Fellowship and refreshments will continue following the burial at the church. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Heroes and Horses, P.O. Box 35, Manhattan, MT 59741 or HeroesAndHorses.org. Archie Duane Neal was born January 21, 1936 to Archie Edwin and Cleo Fern (Paxton) Neal at home on the family ranch in McPherson County, Nebraska. He was the oldest of ten children and grew up riding horses and working Hereford cattle in the sand hills. As a child Duane dreamed of becoming a cattle rancher or a fighter pilot. He graduated from Tryon High School, Nebraska in 1953. Duane joined the Air Force in 1955 and was accepted into the pilot training program, but due to the 18- month waiting list he chose to attend a technical training program which qualified him to work on B-4 bombs. He was stationed in Guam for the majority of his tour of duty and proudly served his nation for four years. He was the first Neal and the first Paxton to join the military. After the Air Force Duane started a business driving stock truck hauling cattle and feed. He married the love of his life, Ruth Kathleen Hyatt, on September 30, 1961 whom he met while home on leave. They spent their honeymoon together hauling a load of horses to Oklahoma and have celebrated many of their anniversaries in the high mountains. They have had nearly 55 years of joyous and passion-filled years together. Duane and Ruth moved to White Sulphur Springs, Montana in 1962 where they worked on a cattle ranch. In September of that same year they bought a ranch in Paradise Valley where they ran cattle, met good neighbors, danced, played cards and raised a family. In 1968 Duane and Ruth bought the Black Otter Guide Service which they operated as a family business guiding fishermen, hunters, photographers, and families on horseback in the backcountry of Grizzly Creek in the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains, and Big Creek in the Gallatin Range. They operated out of Cooke City for five years in the summertime and also ran summer trips in the Lake Plateau country and Yellowstone Park. Their three daughters were raised in the outfitting business and were always very much a part of the business. Their five grandchildren also went to camp with them and had many wonderful times together. Duane and Ruth often explored new country by themselves; they always wanted to see what was on the other side of the mountain. Duane was known as the Head-Gahoona of the outfit and made many lifelong friends in that role. He rode a lot of good horses and loved a good mule string. He was proud of his packing and some said he could "pack anything with hair on it." Duane would record his memoirs on tape while riding down the trail and many of these recordings are colorfully punctuated by "whoa dammit" when his mule string didnt behave. Duane was instrumental in the formation of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, and was active in many other outfitter associations and committees. He was president of the Treasure State Outfitters and the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association which eventually combined. In 1981 he traveled to Washington, D.C. to lobby against a bill which would have allowed for Forest Service permits to be sold to the highest bidder. He was honored with the "Old Goat Award" in 2006. He, Ruth, and the family enjoyed many outfitter conventions around the state. In the winter Duane worked as a carpenter. He could do electrical, plumbing, and fix just about anything. He also built a lot of the furniture for the home. After they bought the Black Otter Guide Service they sold the majority of the property but retained a portion where he built the home in which they raised their family. Duane loved to camp, fish, read, dance and birdwatch. He and Ruth also loved to travel. Some of their favorite trips were to Ireland, New Orleans, and Alaska. He enjoyed leatherworking and made many of the outfits saddles and tack, as well as gifts. He enjoyed nature and could identify most birds, flowers, and mushrooms. He always remembered birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays and was generous with giving flowers whether from the yard or the florist. He loved his family and was very affectionate. Woe to the family member who failed to greet him or say goodbye with a hug. He was caring, gentle, loving, passionate and occasionally stubborn. Duane was a main of strong faith who loved the Lord and was a member of the Paradise Valley Community Church. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, daughters, Shelly Francis, Sonya Christiansen, Shawna (Alvin) Pierce, grandchildren, Luke Christiansen, Bailey Francis, Mariah and Marshall Pierce, and outfitting partner, Gary Francis, all of Paradise Valley; siblings, Keith (Sharon) Neal of Emigrant MT, Terry (Elnora) Neal, Eugene Neal, Sandy (Peggy) Neal, Doug Neal, Gayle Neal, all of Nebraska, Cheryl Neal of Terry, MT, Kathy (Kent) Fisher of Nebraska, and many nieces and nephews. Duane was preceded in death by his father and mother, Archie Edwin and Cleo Fern Neal, sister, Betty Schroeder, and beloved granddaughter, Lea.