Bruce Malcolm

Lifelong Paradise Valley rancher Robert Bruce Malcolm, 80, died Saturday, Jan. 28, at home, with his wife, Connie, at his side. Bruce was born on Dec. 16, 1936, to Alexander A. "Sandy" Malcolm and Elizabeth "Bess" (Brockman) Malcolm. His early life was spent exploring the home ranch on Mill Creek and learning the life skills of agriculture and animal husbandry. He attended Upper Mill Creek School and Park County High School, graduating in 1955; and graduated Montana State College Bozeman with a degree in Ag Economics in 1960. Bruce returned home to the ranch on Mill Creek. He and his brother, Phil, ran Mile Hi Ranch and worked with Montana State College developing individual production records on their cow herd. On Oct. 30, 1972, Bruce married Connie Merrell. They have two children, Chad Malcolm and Sandra (Jim) Morgan. Bruce and Connie ran an outfitting company for 25 years. Bruce loved telling stories from those days of tracking bull elk and spotting for elusive bighorn rams. Among his very few regrets was that he wished he'd taken one more horseback trip. While congestive heart failure ended his life at 80, his very strong spiritual heart lives on in the community. Up until recent months he was the Senior Warden of St. John Episcopal Church in Emigrant, where he was a lifelong member. He dedicated 30 years to the Park County Conservation District, was a leader of Paradise Experimenters 4-H Club, president of the 4-H Council, founding member of the Park County Jaycees and a member of the Montana Outfitter and Guides Association. Bruce enjoyed the challenges he encountered as a member of the State Wolf Advisory Board, developing wolf policy for the State of Montana. His greatest honor was to have served the state and its people as a Montana State Legislator from 2001 through 2006. Besides his wife of 44 years, Connie, Bruce is also survived by his son, Chad, of west of Livingston, and daughter and son-in-law, Sandy and Jim Morgan of Bridger and five grandchildren; brother, Phil, of Cokedale; innumerable close friends; and two wonderful dogs who kept him smiling during his long decline at home. Bruce was preceded in death by grandson, Tyler Malcolm, sister-in-law, Sharon Malcolm and cousin, Connie Riecke.A memorial service will be held at St. John Church, 8 Story Rd., Emigrant, at 1:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3, with the Rev. David Gunderson officiating. Coffee and snacks follow at the nearby Emigrant Hall. Bruce stipulated that his ashes be strewn over a scenic high point on his ranch. The family asks that anyone who wishes may donate in his name to St. John Friendship Fund, which helps those in need in Paradise Valley and beyond. Send to St. John Church, PO Box 176, Emigrant, MT, 59027. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.