Raymond L. Tostovernik

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" - Mary Oliver Raymond Toskovernik saddled up and rode over the ridge and into the wilds on the afternoon of Friday, October 24th. There was an amazing sunset that evening to honor a wonderful life spent wandering the mountains of southwest Montana with his horses, mules and dogs by his side. He was born on the Armstrong Ranch near the town of Electric on February 7, 1929 to Austrian immigrant parents, Louis and Annie Tosovernik. His family spoke only German in his home and it wasn't until he attended grade school that he learned to speak English. To the delight of his friends, he maintained his Austrian accent his whole life. Ray remembers sitting at the age of three on the buckboard and driving the team of horses while his parents picked stones and worked the fields behind him. These early experiences launched a lifetime love of horses and mules that enabled Ray to travel deep into Montanas most beautiful places. In 1933 his family moved from Electric to Livingston in search of more opportunity, an easier life and a better education for their children. They purchased the Trowbridge Creamery Property after it had gone under during the depression. These old dairy barns on the east end of town are some of the oldest buildings in town and remain untouched to this day. Ray resided on and cared for this property for the rest of his life. Where others sought human companionship, Ray sought solitude; he found his solace and joy in the wilderness. His favorite times began when work ended on Friday. His stallions and mules were loaded into the trailer and he headed out with his beloved sister Frances for new adventures deep into the backcountry. Ray remarked that the moment they had to turn around and head back home was always met with sadness as it was the turning point back to "civilization". Ray was tireless advocate for wilderness areas and public lands; he considered these efforts to be his lifes work. He unsuccessfully fought against the sale of public lands that ultimately became the Big Sky Resort. But he and those of like-mind successfully fought the extension of the Main Boulder Road into Slough Creek and the extension of the West Fork Road up Mill Creek into the Hell Roaring drainage. Ray was a man of few wants, who was as honest as the day is long and who lived very simply. He looked for the story and humor in everything and he always had a twinkle in his eye. Children frequently believed he was Santa Claus when spotted around town in December. Livingston has lost a huge piece of living history with Rays passing. His ability to recall details about how our town (and its characters) evolved was simply astounding. As you drove around the county with him he could recall the history of the family ranches that were bought, sold, and sometimes even lost over a heated game of poker. He is survived by his nieces Terry (Dave) Sattler and Jacquie Hays of Bartlett of Illinois and Joan Corey of San Rafael, California. He also leaves behind his two beautiful collies, Bonnie and Clyde. Ray considered them to be his children and he cooked them dinners from scratch every night. His life was enriched by his longstanding friendships with Billy Howard, Harold Dyke and Glen Hayes, his side-kicks as he explored the mountains far and wide. He was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Annie, twin-sisters who died at birth, a half-brother in Austria, and his beloved sisters Angela and Frances. Friends are invited to a 2:00pm service on Monday, November 3rd at the Franzen-Davis Chapel (118 N 3rd Street) with a graveside service and burial following at Calvary Cemetery. There will be a celebration of Rays life following at the Sport on Main Street. In honor of Rays loquacious tongue, please bring a story, or five, to share. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating generously to the Stafford Animal Shelter, Sunnyside Farms, United in Light Draft Horse Sanctuary or the Sierra Club. He would also love it if you did an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone. -Id rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than to be crowned on a velvet cushion. - Henry David Thoreau