David Vietor

David C. Vietor, 66, of Philipsburg, Montana and Wickenburg, AZ passed away on November 26, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona after a hard-fought battle with Scleroderma. Dave was born on November 10, 1946 in Missoula, Montana to Bill and Eleanor (Potter) Vietor. He was a third generation Montana rancher. His maternal grandparents were founders of the E bar L guest ranch in Greenough, Montana where Dave spent his early childhood. Dave's parents owned the Rocking Chair Ranch in Philipsburg, Montana. Dave graduated from Fountain Valley High School, Colorado Springs, CO and from Montana State University, Bozeman, MT. After college, Dave joined his parents on the Rocking Chair Ranch and was joined a few years later by his brother Willy after Willy had completed his service as an instructor pilot in the USAF. Dave and Willy grew the ranch over many years to the successful operation it is today. Much to Dave's delight, his children Jody Cutler and Jason Vietor have taken over management of the ranch. Jody and Jason are happy that Uncle Willy will still be there to be part of continuing the family operation. Dave was not only a rancher but also was a superb horseman. He became a professional trainer/instructor and an accomplished National Reined Cow Horse Association judge, judging many of the top NRCHA shows. His students will never forget rule #1--"watch the cow!" Dave won many NRCHA events including Reserve Open Bridle Champion at the 2010 World Show in San Angelo, TX. Dave enjoyed having his wife, Karen, also an NRCHA competitor, join him during training at home and going down the road to all the shows that they were able to attend together. Dave is survived by his wife Karen (Kartevold) Vietor; his children Jody (Vietor) Cutler and her husband Mike, Jason Vietor and his wife Andrea; his grandchildren Sydney and Kade Cutler; his brother William "Willy" Vietor and his wife Carolynn; and his nephew Justin Vietor and his wife Brook and daughters Ellie & Reese. There will be no service in Arizona, but there will be a gathering of friends and family at the Rocking Chair Ranch next summer to celebrate Dave's life and to share great memories of how much he meant to all of us. Dave would ask that if you would like to contribute to a worthy cause in his memory please consider Head, Heal and Hope, a charity that helps Montana families that have a chronically ill child with medical expenses. Please send your donations in memory of Dave to: Head, Heal, and Hope Foundation, P.O. Box 231, Philipsburg, MT 59858.