Russell “Rusty” Ray Lockman
January 17, 1955 – January 12, 2026
Rusty was born in Poplar, Montana to Lyle “Curly” and Hazel (Craigie) Lockman as the fourth of six children – brothers Mike and Don, sisters Carol, Barb and Susie – and was raised on his family’s wheat farm near his grandparents’ homestead.
For those who were blessed to know Rusty, they knew him as incredibly hard-working, of deep faith, devoted to his family, and generous with his time, mentorship and care of others.
As a curious and active student, Rusty enjoyed participating in high school plays, football and wrestling, and served as the yearbook photographer. He greatly enjoyed time spent with his family water skiing up and down the Poplar River. Rusty graduated from Montana State University in 1977 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, during which time he learned to downhill ski, earned his pilot’s license, and skydived 50+ times over the mountains surrounding Bozeman, Montana.
It was in high school that he met the first and only love of his life – Julie Kay (Van Tine). Rusty and Julie married on February 16, 1976, and together raised four beloved daughters – Chandy, Lindsey, Elissa and Karah, and later welcomed sons-in-law Chris, Shaun, and Jade to the family. He enjoyed adoring and teasing his four grandchildren – Cameron, Chyler, Maeve, and Ciaran – along with lots of encouragement to use their lump. They in turn enjoyed adoring him and raiding his closet.
While Rusty’s work relocated the family throughout the West, his deep love of Montana remained, and he could name every mountain range and river across the state – with a special affection for the Missouri River, (Beartooth) Mountains, Fort Peck Lake, and Louis & Clark Caverns.
On family road trips across the West – often returning to Montana for summer and holiday visits– Rusty established a reputation as a road warrior – driving 25+hrs straight, and thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of the landscape, especially during moments of silence while his family slept. He applied his engineering skills to packing unfathomable amounts of luggage and treasures into the family car, determined to never use a roof rack.
Other favorite destinations included national parks of the West and the Oregon Coast, where many of his children and grandchildren’s favorite memories were formed – flying kites, building elaborate sandcastles, enjoying hotdogs over a campfire, and soaking in the beauty and solitude on long beach walks - rain, drizzle or shine. His family also loved joining him on fishing excursions – including deep sea off the Oregon Coast and on freshwater rivers and lakes throughout Montana.
Rusty served as an unpaid ski instructor for all of his children, grandchildren, and some of their friends – inspiring many family ski trips and fostering a love of gliding down the slopes together, reveling in the beauty of Montana’s mountain ranges, with a unanimous fondness for Bridger Bowl where he first learned to ski.
Despite not being a foodie – Rusty found great joy in meals shared with family and friends, and in trying new types of cuisine, most often while traveling and visiting his daughters. His children also enjoyed introducing him to cideries across the country, and seafood was often a favorite. He developed a refined palate for clam chowder, with a confirmed conviction that Gracie’s from Depoe Bay could not be matched. He again applied his engineering skills to the preparation and hosting of ‘early Thanksgiving meals’ for 70+guests during his daughter’s college years, and in the operation of a backyard pizza oven during holidays. He became an adopted father to many who joined in these communal celebrations and life moments.
As a lifelong learner, Rusty was an enthusiastic of American history, with a particular interest in the Civil War and World Wars II. He found great delight visiting as many battlefields as possible and reading every single museum placard. He was an avid reader – often enjoying multiple books at once -and could not help spoiling the ending to every story while offering enthusiastic book recommendations. Rusty was a strong supporter of his daughter’s education throughout their lives – willing to work late into the night on overdue science projects, eager to share in the pride of ‘above average’ grades earned together, moving them in and out of countless apartments in college and graduate school.
Throughout his life, Rusty found great joy in time spent outdoors in his yard, designing and maintaining a beautiful botanical garden, and with a little assistance of Miracle Grow created a gorgeous bounty of blossoms that could be enjoyed across seasons from the backyard patio.
In his final days, Rusty spent every moment connecting with his loved ones and reiterating his unwavering love for each of them. He was ‘solid in his faith’, comforted that he knew where he was going, and had ‘no regrets, no remorse’ while reflecting on a life devoted to loving and caring for others. He wouldn’t give up a single day, and his family is eternally grateful for every moment together.
To honor and celebrate Rusty’s life, a memorial service and multiple celebrations of life will be held across Montana and the Oregon Coast– dates and locations forthcoming.
Donations in his honor are appreciated, and suggested organizations include St. Jude’s Hospital, American Cancer Society, Blood Cancer United, and National Jewish Health where he received remarkable care from the Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Center during his final treatments.
If you’d like to contact the family directly for future memorial and celebration of life details, please contact us here.
