John L. Ramsey
John was born May 6, 1948 in Kalispell, Montana to Jim and Helen (Hill) Ramsey. He passed away peacefully at home in Townsend on January 21, 2020.
John spent his preschool years living on Montana Game Farms from Fort Peck to Kalispell, to Warm Springs and Moise. John contracted polio as a young child and overcame paralysis with grit and determination.
John attended school in Superior and Missoula, graduating from Sentinel High School in 1966. While still in high school, John joined the Montana National Guard and served 6 years in an airborne qualified unit as a Green Beret. He enjoyed jumping from planes and helicopters.
He married Susan Schumacher in Kalispell on July 3, 1970. They would have celebrated their 50th anniversary this summer.
In 1972, John was hired as a Montana State Game Warden, following in his father’s footsteps. His first warden district was in Billings and, after a year, he transferred to Baker. The many years in Baker hold fond memories for the family. John later transferred back to Billings, and then transferred to Townsend. His last position was as a training and purchasing officer for Fish, Wildlife & Parks. He felt a great responsibility in hiring and training the new wardens, and he enjoyed hearing about their successes. After 33 years of service, John retired from Fish, Wildlife & Parks in 2005.
John loved hunting and fishing with family and friends. He enjoyed traveling around the world, and he made frequent trips to Hawaii with his family. He loved to attend NHRA drag races, especially the trip with his brothers to Pomona, California in November 2019 for his last race. John was a car enthusiast, always knowing the details about every new car on the market. He especially loved his red Mustang GT. He spent as much time as possible with his grandchildren and was proud of their accomplishments.
John was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in November 2017. He fought long and hard while enduring chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Helen Ramsey. He is survived by his wife, Susan; daughter, Amber (Jim) Edelblut of Townsend; son, Andrew (Alison) of Colleyville, Texas; one granddaughter, Reese Ramsey of Colleyville; three grandsons, Logan Brensdal of Bozeman, Jett Brensdal of Jefferson City, and Carson Ramsey of Colleyville; two brothers, Ron of Henderson, Nevada and Len (Cindy) of Bozeman; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to Jett’s Special Olympics team, the Tri-County Twisters, c/o Bruce Brensdal, PO Box 52 Jefferson City, Montana 59638, or WELCA at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 301 North Cherry Street, Townsend, Montana 59644.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:30 am
Saturday February 1, 2020
Shepherd of Valley Lutheran Church
301 N. Cherry
Townsend, MT 59644
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:30 am
Saturday February 1, 2020
Shepherd of Valley Lutheran Church
301 N. Cherry
Townsend, MT 59644
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Scott and Jacqueline Bodle says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rich Furber says
It was a pleasure working with John throughout our careers with FWP. Our prayers go out to Susan and Jim and their families. John wil be missed.
Chris. Shiloh. Pete says
So very sad for you all. May the happy memories bring you comfort. My love to you all!
Steve Sautter says
We will miss our neighbor. Our condolences go to Susan and all the Ramsey family.
Susan Ramsey says
The memorial service will be held February 1 at 10:30 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Townsend. Thank you for all the kind words. Susan and family
Laurie and Terry Nugent says
Blessings and condolences sent to Susan, Amber, Andrew and your families. John exemplified a life well-lived.
Kae McCloy says
So sorry to hear. So many wonderful memories of John and his Dad and Andrew hunting here; so many meals and coffees on the ranch. I so remember him driving about a hundred through the ranch to get to the hospital when Amber had to have her appendix out! Wonderful person. My sincere condolences.
Susan Ramsey says
The service will be geared to John’s wishes so casual attire is fine.
Jeanne Hoesley says
Condolences from me and Carol and David.
Don & Judy Elletson says
Our sincere sympathies and friendship from more fellow former FWP R6 staff, Glasgow
Dawn McBride says
I will always remember John’s smile. Seems like he was always smiling when I saw him. I also remember when he introduced me to his fancy new Mustang. He was so happy.
Todd Anderson says
Sincere sympathies to the Ramsey family. I was hired on as MT warden in 2002. John was my first contact in MT and guided me through the hiring and training process. He was great and his stories and knowledge of MT was so impressive. He made me excited to be a MT Warden!
Butch Bergstrom says
Our thoughts and prayers to Johns family. I remember John from when I lived in Baker, I bought a 25-06 Weatherby rifle from him and still have it, he was a great guy I thought. Butch Bergstrom, Sheridan Wy.
Marjorie Gilbert says
So sorry to hear that John is gone. My prayers and love goes out to his family.
Mike Ottman says
John, you will truly be missed. Thanks for all the great memories we shared as Montana Game Wardens. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mike Ottman
Mogan says
Sue, Amber and Andrew. I have fond memories of John and of course Andrew from when I worked at the sheriff’s office in Baker. He will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences. Bobbi Moon Mogan
Maureen Wiltrout says
Maureen Wiltrout says
I met John when Susan and I were freshmen at U of M. How lucky Susan and I were that our husbands enjoyed each other’s company too. Gary and I had great times vacationing in Hawaii, Vancouver, BC and Yellowstone with them.
Timothy J. Biondich says
Timothy J. Biondich, Billings, MT.
Susan, Anmber & Andrew, I’m so sorry to hear of Johns passing. We were great friends in Missoula. We shared the time of service in the Special Forces. I remember Johns Ford falcon hot rod. we had manny a race set up for that car. John was totally focused when he set to run the quarter mile. Great times. I wish I could have been in closer connection to visit him. I retired from the Military in October of 1996. I shall miss him and hope you know he was a
inspiration to all who knew him.. May he RIP. Tim
Victoria Forsman says
Sorry to hear of the passing of John. I always enjoyed visiting with him. He always had a good attitude and a huge smile. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marion Cherry says
I am so sorry to hear that John passed. I enjoyed getting to know you two on your trips to Bozeman and sharing game warden stories. His were the best. Love you all.