We are saddened to report that Triple Threat has passed away on May 6th, 2024. There will be a service at Hackman's, in Sturgis, Saturday, June 1st, from 4-7 pm.

We are saddened to report that Tom Maxwell has passed away

Details about his celebration of life are below:

We are saddened to report that Brian Murray, aka Black Irish Brian, passed away on March 28th, 2024.

There was no obituary or planned service.

We are sad to report James Docherty, aka Michigander, passed away on October 28th, 2023.

Obituary

It is with a sad heart that to report that Tin Pan Sam (John Sharpe) passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Oct 18. His funeral will be at Nelson's Funeral Home in Gaylord at 2:00pm on Friday the 27th. The family would like any and all cowpoke to show up in cowboy garb. They also are planning a cowboy 21 gun salute after the military 21 gun salute.

Obituary

It is with a sad heart that to report that Helena Dixon, loving wife of Hoot Hamilton, has passed away.

Obituary

Rest in Peace, Helena.

It is with a sad heart that Saginaw Cowboys lost our dear pard, Secondhand Jack, (Jack Bench) on Saturday night, February 11, 2023. Jack had been dealing with lung cancer for some time. It was his request that he not have a showing or funeral.

Secondhand Jack was a cowboy shooter for many years, and was one of the original cowboys at Saginaw. Along with his wife, Laporte Lil, Jack was very active in helping to build up the cowboy action shooting program in Saginaw. He put in many hours working on building props and doing tractor work on the lower cowboy range, and he also helped haul Saginaw's props to the State Shoot for many years.

Jack loved cowboy shooting and knew many pards from various shooting clubs across the state, and even in Arizona, shooting many Winter Range events. We have so many fun memories of Secondhand Jack and those of you who knew him certainly have your own "fun times" to recall.

We were blessed to know him and he will be missed a lot by his "shooting family".

Rest in Peace, Secondhand Jack.

Sarge has let us know that Carson City Slick, AKA Fred Douglas, recently passed away after an extended illness. He was one of the early Johnson Creek Regulators. He continued to enjoy Cowboy Action Shooting, even after slowing down some. Gred was also a member of The Outlaws, the JCR House Band, and added harmonica licks tot he entertainment.

We have heard that old time cowboy Cool Hand Carl (Carl Sundberg) passed away February 13, 2022. Carl was a member at Multi-Lakes Sportsman's Club in Commerce, MI. He had not been able to shoot witht he Rangers in a few years, but he was the lead for the Cowboy Action venue t the Women on Target events at Multi-Lakes.

I’m sad to report that we lost a founding member of the Sucker Creek Saddle & Gun Club at Breckenridge:  Spring Valley Cathy (Cathy Bourne),  wife of Square Shake Lake (Jim  Bourne), passed away this morning March 9th.  During the early years when the club at Breckenridge was just getting started, Jim & Cathy prepared and served the lunches for many years.  We have many fond memories of Spring Valley Cathy, may God Bless her.  Our sympathies to the  Bourne and Burger families.

Cathy Lynn Bourne Obituary

Funeral arrangements are pending.

We lost another of our fellow shooting partners:  Cree Vicar Dave (Dave LaBeau).  Dave was so instrumental in the building of the Sucker Creek Saddle & Gun Club at Breckenridge.  He contributed so much to the SC club that it impossible to list all of his accomplishments over the last 20 years serving on the Board of Directors and being a “Good Will Ambassador” for Cowboy Action Shooting.  As a well-known author for the SASS Cowboy Chronicle, all his articles can be viewed on the Sucker Creek website.

Our deepest regards go out to the LaBeau family.

Obituary David L LaBeau, Sr.

Funeral Services for Vicar Dave will be held Monday, January 31, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Lee Ramsay Funeral Home-STANDISH CHAPEL, Standish, Michigan with Pastor John Tousciuk officiating.  Interment will follow in Sterling Cemetery, Sterling, Michigan.  The family will greet family and friends Sunday, January 30, 2022 from 3:00 pm till 8:00 pm at the Lee Ramsay Funeral Home-Standish Chapel and from 9:00 am Monday till time of service at 11:00 am.

Janice Henry (Kid Al Fred's wife)

It is with great sadness and heavy heart that we share with you that Janice Henry has passed away. She was a mainstay at Breckenridge matches helping with the lunches. She will be missed by many.

Obituary Here

Four Finger Carl

It is with great sadness and heavy heart that we share with you that Carl Roper, AKA Four Finger Carl, has passed away this morning. Carl will be sadly missed! He will be cremated and interred at the veteran's cemetary. As soon as we have more information, we will let you know.

If you have any questions, please call Horse Whisper George Boisineau at 810-938-4412

The Memorial for Four Finger Carl a/k/a Carl Roper will be held Sunday,  December 19, 2021, 12:00 pm, at Lapeer VFM Post 4139, 128 Daley Rd., Lapeer, MI  48446.

Bulldog Jim

It is with great sadness and heavy heart that we share that Bulldog Jim Sprague has passed away and joined his wife, Buckeye Juice.

We will update everyone on any services or visitation as we get new information.

Please join family and friends as we gather to pay our respects to our Cowboy shooting partners Jim and Joyce. Their passing has left a Very large hole in our community. Together, their contributions to the three shooting clubs they belonged to went far beyond just being a member. Anytime there was work to do you could count on Jim and Joyce showing up. Our small up north shooting groups will be forever altered.

Visitation will be at the Mortensen Funeral Home

205 West State Street
Mancelona, MI. 49651

Monday, November 29 2021

11 am till 1 pm

Service to follow the visitation. There will be NO lunch following the service.

Buckeye Juice

It is with great sadness and heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of a wonderful lady, shooting pard, and the Territorial Governor of the Eagleville Cowboys, Joyce Buckeye Juice Sprague.  She was recovering from covid, but suffered a blood clot in her lung. Joyce had a filter from previous blood clotting issues but this one got through.  Joyce was a lot of fun, a little sassy, and a very good cook!  She had been running the scoring for the Eagleville Cowboys and the Hillman group as well.  She will be greatly missed!  Please keep her husband Bulldog Jim in your prayers as he is currently in the ICU trying to heal from covid.

We will update this as we get more information.

Dakota Doc

It is with a heavy heart that we let you know that Dakota Doc has passed away.  Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  At Doc's request, no funeral or memorial service is planned. Doc will be buried in Missouri at a later date.  If you wish to send your condolences to Cactus Kay, you may contact her at docandkay@yahoo.com

Andy Horshurodinon

It's with a very sad heart to report we have heard Mike Day has passed on earlier this week.

Update: Andy's family is going to have a quiet family service, and a memorial at Great Lakes at some point in the future.

Update: Funeral for mike day is November 18 8:45 am Great Lakes National cemetery.

We will update with more information and links as they become available.

A note about the picture above: This was taken when he was shepherding a first time cowboy shooter through.  He loaned almost all of the gear for him to be able to shoot.  That is just the kind of guy Mike was.

Two Guns Tim

Timothy James Tierney departed this world suddenly on June 10, 2021 at the age of 65.

Hoening Funeral Homes Information

Visitation is Thursday, June 24, 2-8pm

Funeral is Friday, June 25, 10am

Peter Pistolero

Jarl (Pete) Alexander Pontti, 80, of Mancelona, passed away at the Villa at Traverse Point in Traverse City on April 7, 2021.   He was born in Detroit, Michigan to the late Judila and Jarl Pontti, but was raised and spent his childhood in Lansing.

On September 24, 1966, he married Cynthia Grant, his wife of 54 years, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lansing.  Most of their married life was spent in Mancelona where he taught school and they raised their three children.

Jarl graduated in 1959 from Sexton High School in Lansing.  He proudly served in the United States Army from 1959 until honorably discharged in 1965. He had many fond memories of time spent in Kassel, Germany after training in the Army Security Agency School at Fort Devens, Massachusetts.

After attending Lansing Community College, Jarl graduated from Michigan State University in 1968 where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.  Throughout his life he remained a loyal MSU fan always cheering the Spartans on to victory.

Living in northern Michigan, Jarl enjoyed canoeing the rivers and boating on the many lakes.  His favorite activities included hunting, fishing, and exploring alternative travel routes. In his retirement he loved Cowboy Action Shooting and was a member of several shooting organizations including the Elk Rapids Sportsmen Club, the Wolverine Rangers, and the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS).  He continued his involvement in public education as an active lifetime member of the Michigan Education Association-Retired (MEA-R).

Jarl is survived by his wife, Cynthia, his daughters Rebecca and Karen, and his son Andrew.  He was very sentimental and proud of his family and their accomplishments.  The family will have a private celebration of his life.  There is no public service, but condolences and memories may be shared online at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.

William "Baldy Bill" Jones

Hale, Michigan formerly of Owosso, Michigan
June 28, 1942 - January 31, 2021

Services

Cremation has taken place and a private Celebration of Life Service will be held at the New Hope Church in Tawas, Michigan.

Obituary Notice

William Byron Jones aka “Baldy Bill”, age 78 of Hale, formerly of Owosso, passed away at home under the care of Hospice, with his family by his side, on January 31, 2021.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra. Loving children, Jeremy W. (Jerri) Jones of Bancroft and Elizabeth A. (Alan) Maxwell of Shelbyville. Grandchildren, Scout Jones and Austin (Marley Fazio) Fineis. Dear brother, Walter (Micki) Jones of Owosso.

William was born on June 28, 1942 in Owosso, Michigan to the late Byron Arthur and Dorlisca Marie (Warner) Jones. He graduated from Owosso High School. He was a member of SASS, Wolverine Rangers, Sage Lake Community Watch and the Iosco Sportsmen Club where he served as a Range Officer. William was an avid sportsman and Cowboy Action Shooter. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed hunting, playing pool & poker with the neighbors and attending New Hope Church in Tawas, Michigan.

Cremation has taken place and a private Celebration of Life Service will be held at the New Hope Church in Tawas, Michigan.

Memorials

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of William to either the Iosco Sportsmen’s Club (P.O. Box 47, East Tawas, Michigan 48730) or the New Hope Church (686 Aulerich Road, East Tawas, Michigan 48730).

Obituary

We have word that Don Gilchrist, AKA Matt Dillon passed on Sept 10th. Here is a little about Matt Dillon

"He was one of the first people to bring CAS to Michigan, I believe
that he was a Wolverine Ranger member at one time.

He helped out with and ran the CAS club at Paw Paw Michigan, The Shady
Shooters for its entire lifespan.
He shot at End Of Trail in both mounted shooting and ground shooting.

He was the first person that I met when I went to my first CAS match,
and helped me to become not just a shooter but also an RO."

Obituary

Old Sy (Keith Syerson) passed away Dec. 3, 2020 at the age of 75.  He was one of the original cowboy shooter members at Saginaw and also joined the Sucker Creek Club when that was formed. He attended many of the early State Shoots. He was the honorary "Mayor of Hooterville" and judged the Hooterville Hussie's contest for a couple years there. He could tell a good story and would help anyone. Those of us who knew him will miss him. We can hear his laughter now as he rides off into the sunset. Rest In Peace, Old Sy.

Visitation Dec 12th - Ware Smith Woolever

We have received word that one of the previous Wolverine Rangers Secretary/Treasurers has passed. Our thoughts and prayers to the Mail Order Annie, aka Patsy Green family.

She created the membership program still in use today.  Information, including visitation and funeral can be found:  www.pedersenfuneralhome.com

Michael Albert Ward - aka Cody Billings

Lynch & Sons Obituary

Michael Albert Ward passed away peacefully June 11, 2020, at his home in Oakland Township, Michigan. Born May 15, 1942, in Billings, Montana, Michael was the devoted son to late Stephen Donald Ward and Lyllis Grant Ward.

Michael enlisted in the United States Air Force and served 1960-1966. He was stationed in the United States, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. He received the Air Force Commendation Medal and was Honorably Discharged as a Staff Sergeant.

After his military service, he landed in Birmingham, Michigan, where his interest in real estate began. In 1966, he started a company with the Gershenson brothers which would be known as Ramco-Gershenson. In 1996, the Company became a public REIT. Michael was appointed the Executive VP/COO of Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust and served on the Board as a trustee.

Throughout Michael's lifetime he was a passionate collector of George Custer memorabilia, antique firearms, and Indian War artifacts; he loved acquiring historically important objects in American history. He was competitive in all of his interests and won the 2013 World Skeet Championship, qualified for the World Championships in Barrel Horse Racing from 1996 to 1999, and participated in the Single Action Shooting Society from 1998 to 2020. His hobbies included horseback riding, hunting game birds, painting, driving sport cars, and golfing. He even made a hole-in-one at Shadow Wood Country Club in his primary home in Bonita Springs, Florida.

Michael will be forever cherished by his wife Lynne Pestru Ward and their rescued dog, Angel; he is also survived by Lynne's children, Kimberly and Chris (Terri), and step-grandchildren, Camryn, Caden, and Caitlyn of Windsor, Ontario.

Dear Brother to Pamela Reed of Huntington Woods and Stephen David Ward of Chicago.

He is lovingly remembered by his children, Kathy Ward Darin (Mark) of Atlanta, Georgia, Jennifer Ward Forbes of Bloomfield Hills, David Ward (Julie) of West Bloomfield, and their mother, Kimiko Ward.

He remains the beloved grandfather to his seven grandchildren, Courtney Darin Rouleau (Tom), Alyse Darin, Stephanie Forbes Mermell (Dillon), Bradley, Matthew, and Spencer Forbes, and Michael David Ward. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, 2100 Twelve Mile Road, Royal Oak, Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 10am. All are welcome, but masks and social distancing will be required.

Immediately following Mass, the Ward family invites you to join them for a celebratory reception at the home of Michael's daughter, Jennifer Forbes: 1081 Country Club Road, Bloomfield Hills. Masks required.

Memorials appreciated to the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association.

News from J. A. Wilder

William "Bill" Felice died May 1, 2020 at the age of 75. Bill was a long time member of the Lapeer County Sportsman Club and a member of the old Oxford Sportsman Club, which later moved to Lapeer County when Oxford lost the property they were using to development.

But more importantly to the Wolverine Rangers, Bill Felice, aka "Ricochet Bill", was one of the original 7 founding members of the Wolverine Rangers.

The organization was started at the Oxford Sportsman Club in 1996, by Ed Smith (Dakota Doc), Paula Smith (Cactus Kay), Bill Felice (Ricochet Bill), Phillis Felice (Tender Foot Tess), Andy Moir (Rusty Steele), Wallace Liiley (Wall-Man) and myself Jim Malcolm (J.A. Wilder). Oxford was the only place in the state at that time shooting SASS.

Bill and Phillis married in 1966. He retired from the City of Pontiac. Bill was a veteran of the United States Army.

Our thoughts and prayers to Ricochet Bill and his family.

News from a Member

We have learned that Beer Belly Willie passed away on March 27th. Our condolences to his family. (click image for larger image)

News from the Facebook Page

With deepest sorrow, I report the passing of PocoLoco. He was a pleasure to shoot with, and seemed to always have a smile. He will be missed. Please keep his family and pards in your prayers as we all go through this difficult time.

News from J.J. Longley at DSC Utica

With deepest sorrow, I report the passing of Bob Brossia, AKA Nine Finger Bob, on January 18, 2020. Nine Finger Bob suffered a cardiac arrest while shoveling snow at his home. Nine Finger Bob was a member of the Rocky River Regulators at the Detroit Sportsmen’s Club in Utica, Michigan. Nine Finger Bob was a frequent competitor at monthly Cowboy Action matches, Wild Bunch matches, Silhouette matches, Military Service Rifle matches, and 3-Gun matches on our range. Nine Finger Bob was also one of our RO/TO at our CAS and Wild Bunch monthly matches. Bob was an integral part of our cowboy family and he will be missed.

More sad news

It is with regret to inform you that Big Duke (AKA: Henry Jedrzejek) passed away on December 10th, 2019.   We received his membership renewal letter back with a note from his wife.   He was a Charter Member of Wolverine Rangers.

 “Please be advised that my wonderful husband Henry passed away 12-10-2019.   He loved this club.”

News from the SASSnet Wire

Brad Wallace, aka Colonel Blaze rode onto his last sunset on January 7, 2020. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family.

According to the Wire, he had a big influence on Cowboy Shooting in Michigan.

We have news from the Plymouth Johnson Creek Regulators that we lost another partner.

Tom Russette, aka Bird Dog Jesse passed to the big rodeo on December 28th. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family.

Visit his Obituary

Visitation is Thursday, Jan 2nd at 4:00pm at Vermeulan-Sajewski Funeral Home.
46401 Ann Arbor Road West, Plymouth, MI 48170 (Directions)

We learned recently that James Tierney, aka Catlow, passed away on December 13 at his home in Arizona.

Our thoughts and prayers to his family.

Update: Arizona services for Catlow will take place on Saturday, January 25, 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 19002 N. 128th Street, Sun City West, Arizona 85375

They will be having a funeral mass for Catlow in Arizona sometime after December 30 once his wife Janet receives his cremains.  Janet will remain in Arizona for the winter as planned.  For the time being she is planning on keeping Catlow’s cremains on a shelf in the garage for the winter – she says that’s where he spent most of his time, so she doubts he would mind spending the winter there.

In the spring, Catlow’s brother, Two Guns Tim (Tim Tierney), his wife Kris and his son Rowdy Ryan (Ryan Tierney) will travel to Arizona to bring Janet back to Ohio.  There will be a funeral mass here in Ohio sometime in the spring.  The date is not yet decided.

For of you wishing to send a sympathy card to Janet, her address is:

Janet Tierney 28024 N. 151st Avenue Surprise AZ 85387-6196

 If you would like to send a sympathy card to Catlow’s brother Tim, his address is:

 Tim Tierney 2816 107th St. Toledo, OH 43611

We will keep you posted once there is a date set for the funeral mass in Toledo.