ProRodeo Sports News - April 29, 2022

the Oral Zumwalt Memorial Rodeo held in Miller Creek in Missoula. Later, Holt could be seen donating his time auctioneering at fundraising events raising millions of dollars for charity. He loved the people he worked with and the challenge of each performance. Many of the people they met at different venues remained lifelong friends. Bill and Ramona were involved in numerous endeavors over the years. Highlights include: • First to export Longhorn Cattle to Australia •The Longhorn Supper Club in Lolo (now site of Lolo Creek Steakhouse) supported included: Montana FFA, Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame, Professional Rodeo Hall of Fame, Western Montana Fair, Montana Historical Society, Boy Scouts of America, Masonic Lodge, Shriners, American Legion, Southside Lions andWestern Montana Military Officers Association. It was not unusual to see Bill walking the trail along the road at Lolo, the soccer fields, or Southgate Mall in Missoula. The highlight of his walk would be visiting with whoever he saw or watching the children and dogs. He viewed his family as his greatest achievement and was proud of their accomplishments. Bill is survived by his wife Ramona, Lolo; sons Bret (Lou Ann) Holt, Lolo; Roger Holt, Huntley; Bart Holt, Missoula; Patrick Holt, Australia. Grandson; Michael ( Jessica) • Wapiti Resort in Seeley Lake • Timber Heritage Foundation • Travelers’ Rest State Park • Holt Heritage Museum. Organizations that he loved and

Zander; Great Grandchildren Alex and Karlee Zander, Soda Springs, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, folks may donate to: Travelers’ Rest Connection, P.O. Box 995 Lolo Mont., 59847; info@travelersrest.org. Internment will take place at Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery at 1911 Tower Street at noon (MT) on May 13. There will be a Memorial gathering at Holt Heritage Museum in Lolo at 6800 Hwy 12, at 1:30 p.m., May 13.

PASSAGES

WILLIAMM. (BILL) HOLT

WilliamM. “Bill” Holt, rodeo announcer and PRCA Gold Card member, passed away, Feb. 21. He was 91. Holt, son

of Helen Mettler, was born May 12, 1930, in Great Falls, Mont. His early childhood was spent in the St. Thomas Orphan Home. At about school age

BIRTHS

STRATTEN RAY O’CONNELL Born April 23 to three-time PRCA Bareback World Champion TimO’Connell, and his wife, Sami of Marshall, Mo., a boy, 6 pounds, 15 ounces, 19 inches long. NOAH ELLEN SMITH Born April 18 to two-time world PRCAWorld Champion Team

Holt

he was placed with the Owen and Elsie Holt Family in Great Falls.

Upon graduation from high school, he joined the Marines and served in the San Diego area on the equestrian team. He then attended Montana State University, in Bozeman and received his bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. This is where he met his bride to be, Ramona, and they embarked on 67 years of married life together. As a member of the rodeo team at Montana State University, he competed at the first College Rodeo Finals at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. This began a 40-plus year career of announcing professional rodeos, horse shows, horse racing, and auctioneering. He and Ramona traveled to perform their services throughout the Northwest and Canada. In 1967, he announced the Equestrian Division of the Pan American Games in Canada, and for more than 30 years announced and produced

O’Connell

Roping Header Clay Smith, and his wife, Taylor, of Iowa Park, Texas, a girl, 7 pounds, two ounces, 18 inches long. She was welcomed home by brother, Jade, 4, and sister, Scarlett, 1. Smith

PRCA NOTES

2021 WRANGLER NFR PREVIEW ISSUE

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Still the Champ Stetson Wright keeps All-Around crown

John Douch

Cory Solomon

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INSIDE • Patterson’s record year ends with NFSR title/76

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ProRodeo Sports News 4/29/2022

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