My brother led a wandering type of life. He was born in Helena and raised in Alhambra. After he got out of school, he worked at the smelter in East Helena, then drove a gas truck for Glen Jenkins, among other odd jobs.
Then, he got into ranching. His first job was in the Helena Valley, and from there he went to Martinsdale, Wyoming, Miles City, and many places in between. He was never real good about keeping in touch with his family, so there were times when we never knew where he was. But he eventually would surface and make a trip home.
John loved the rodeo life. He rode bucking horses and bulls and had all the injuries to prove it. He continued to attend and work rodeos in various places including East Helena Rodeo — and that would usually bring him back home. He lived in Miles City for several years, and the Bucking Horse Sale was an important event for him. He was always good for a “cold one” at the local pubs!
He was an over the road truck driver for a few years. He told the story of having a truck load of hay catch fire – and in the fire he lost his wallet and all identification. Shortly after that, he took a bus trip to Canada to see his sister, Patty Vossler. When he arrived back at the border, he had no ID, so in order to get back in the United States they had him sing the National Anthem. True or not, it made a good story!
