Keith Wm. Herrin was born in Helena, Montana on August 20, 1924 to Thomas H. and Marie (Clinkenbeard) Herrin.
Keith passed on to his Heavenly Father on August 1, 2011 surrounded by angels.
He was the fourth son in a family of five brothers; Harland, Gordon, Winton, Keith and Wayne, and lived most of his life on the Herrin ranch in the Helena valley. Keith was very proud of his Montana Pioneer heritage as a Great Grandson of Daniel S. Herrin, of Lincoln, who came to Montana from Canaan, Maine in 1866 (originally from Ireland) and also a Great Grandson of Thomas Sanford of Canyon Creek who came from Devonshire, England in 1870.
He attended the Warren School in the Helena Valley and graduated from Helena High School in 1942. He loved to tell the stories about how he and his brother, Wayne, would ride their pony “Peaches” to school and during recess all the kids would get to ride the pony. He also would share the story about the 1935 earthquakes in Helena and how Warren School was closed and he and his brother Wayne, and also Bob, Roy and John Morgan had to go to school in a bunkhouse, thereafter becoming known as the “Bunkhouse Boys”.
The Herrin Ranch was known for its Polled Herefords, as the Herrin Dairy and later they raised grade cattle. The ranch also produced large potato and sugar beet crops. Keith worked on the ranch all of his growing up years and eventually became a partner in the operation with his mother and brother, Gordon.
Keith had five daughters and one son; Marcia, Carol, Kitty, Mary, Laura and Keith Jr. from a previous marriage.
Keith went into the field of ranch management, working as the cattle manager of large ranches in Wyoming, Missouri and Miles City, Montana.
He married the love of his life , Shirley (Beaver) Baertsch on August 23, 1969 and they were blessed with a son, M. Keith and a daughter, Heather Anne. Keith also became a stepfather to Shirley’s three children, Steven, Stacey and Susan Baertsch.
Keith was able to utilize his training as an AI Technician at the largest registered Angus ranch in the state of Missouri. He then returned to Montana and managed a one hundred thousand acre ranch in eastern Montana, where he supervised thousands of acres of wheat production along with several thousand head of cattle. In 1976 he moved home to his beloved Helena Valley as a representative for the Moorman’s livestock supplemental feed company. He serviced ranchers in four counties and enjoyed the friendships he made throughout the years he worked in that industry.
After retirement Keith spent many years volunteering at Mount Helena Christian Academy where his son, M. Keith, and daughter, Heather, were students. He was a founding member of the Mount Helena Community Church in 1978 .
Keith was a member of the Clover Club 4H club and was a delegate to the National 4H Conference in Chicago in 1939. He served as a 4H Leader for eleven years. He was an auxiliary member of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry. He was a Lifetime Member of the Helena Trail Riders, a member of the Montana Saddle Clubs Association and the National Saddle Clubs Association. He was a Lifetime Member of the Sons and Daughters of Montana Pioneers and a member of the Marysville Pioneers. Keith served several terms on the Board of the Lewis and Clark Fairground Users group. He was a staunch Republican and was active in that realm of life.
Keith spent his life breaking, training and competing on horses. His family was involved in the beginning years of the Helena Trail Riders Saddle Club, which evolved from just a pleasure riding group to being a founding member of the Montana Saddle Clubs Association (MSCA) and starting the sport of O-Mok-See in 1944. He competed in the first Montana State Championship O-Mok-See, hosted by the Helena Trail Riders in 1948 and also at the MSCA 50th Anniversary Championship Show in 1997.
Keith served as President of the Helena Trail Riders in 1958 and again in 1997 and 1998. He served as the President of the MSCA in 1959 and 1960 and sat on the Board of Directors for decades. In 1965 he was able to fulfill a dream of founding a National Saddle Clubs Association (NSCA) and was elected to preside over that organization for three years. The NSCA held its 45th Annual Championship O-Mok-See in Kalispell, Montana in July of 2010. Keith was the National Champion in the Men’s Division of the NSCA in 1997 and held the honor of being the Montana State Champion for nine years. He still holds the state record in two events, pole bending in 1979 and barrel & stake in 1981. One note of interest is that he had to compete with men as young as sixteen years of age in these events. All of his children, stepchildren and several grandchildren spent their summers competing in the family sport of O-Mok-See together.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents, his four brothers, a son, Keith Jr. and a grandson, Evan King. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, his daughters; Dr. Marcia Herrin (Alan Strickland), Enfield Center, NH; Carol (Tom)King, Kitty Herrin (Bill Vaughn), Missoula; Mary (Darvin) Dent, Brookville, KS; Laura (Tom) McPherson, Wolf Point; Heather (Roland Schreibvogel), Sedgwick, KS; his son ; M. Keith (Tasha) Herrin; his stepsons; Steve Baertsch (Laurie Edwards), Stacey (Tanya) Baertsch all of Helena and stepdaughter, Susan (Bruce) Williams, Fort Worth, TX; five grandsons, Branch Strickland, Rafer King, Colter (Traci) Dent, Matthew Herrin and Dakota Schreibvogel; six granddaughters, Gretta Herrin, Ryley Dent, Amandalee (Jeremy)McKamey, Dillon McPherson, Faith Herrin and Hope Schreibvogel; five step grandsons, Doug, Casey, Colton, and Justin Baertsch, and Seth Bourquin; four great-grandsons; Nakia and Quincy King; Ryder and Colin Dent and one step great grandson, Mason Baertsch. Keith loved playing games with his grandkids and was out playing football and soccer with them clear into his 80’s
Keith is also survived by several nieces and nephews as well as a special nephew, John Herrin, Helena. He is survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Don and Jane Beaver, Joyce Sturn, Nancy Archer, Larry Beaver, Phyllis and Dick Lamping, Carol and Dennis Dean, Glenda and Jerry Eenhuis, Ray and Ivy Beaver, Mary and Bing Crosby, Judy and Corky Harris, John Beaver and Clarice St. Clair, who loved him as if he were their own brother.Keith left a legacy of being a kind and gentle soul with a willingness to help anyone in need, whether it be a youngster needing help in handling a horse or a neighbor who needed assistance on their ranch. His children all benefited from his training in horsemanship as each and every one of them grew up to become accomplished competitive riders. He was a living legend on horseback and was loved by all who knew him. He cherished the friendships he had made in the Helena Trail Riders and the Montana and National Saddle Clubs Associations.
When a young friend visited him at Cooney and told him she had a dream where she saw him in heaven, – he asked “Did I get to see God on my horse?” We’re certain that his faithful friend of twenty-nine years and champion horse, “Traveler”, was there to meet him and take him on his final ride to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Our heartfelt thanks are extended to the staff at the Cooney Rest Home for their wonderful, warm, loving care during this past year.
Memorials can be made to the Keith Herrin Memorial Fund at American Federal Savings Bank, 1400 Prospect Avenue, Helena, MT. or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 6 at Mount Helena Community Church, 1710 National Ave. Helena.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Angela Ewing-Hyyppa says
A passing of a loved one is sad for those left behind but, the joy he must feel now that he is with our Lord! May you find comfort in the wonderful memories he has left behind. You are in my prayers.
Aubrey Gillin (Dziekonski) says
You will be missed. Mr. Herrin. Thank you Keith and Shirley for always making me feel like another member of your family. I always appreciated the time Keith had for anyone who needed some instruction or help with anything. Especially when it came to riding horses. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.
Bob and Jan Braico says
Sirley and Family,
We are so very sorry to learn of Keith’s passing. He contributed so much to the success of Helena Trail Riders and we will always remember he and Al Lundborg pitching in to help Bob powerwash and and paint the clubhouse and announcer’s stand plus Keith was the only one who helped us build the rear deck 20 years. People like him don’t come along very often. We will miss him.
Bob and Jan
Brad & Deena Humphrey says
Our heartfelt love and prayers go out to all of you, Keith was a wonderful man and he will be missed by all who know him. Our memories of his smiling face and good spirit will be with us forever.
God Bless you all, we are so sorry for your loss.
Brad and Deena
Buttons LaSalle (Clarette Martin) says
Shirley and family,
My deepest condolences on the loss of Keith, who was a former neighbor and community friend of our family for so many years.
Please find comfort in the blessing of his soul finding peace in that wonderful world beyond . . where the best of souls are cherished and nurtured on arrival.
Buttons
Cindy Hill says
Shirley,
We were so sorry to hear of Keiths passing. We are confident of his peace in his eternal home. What a pleasure it was to know him and hear his stories of the O Mok See. His love of God, life, family and horses was evident in all that he did. You are in our prayers. Sorry we are unable to join you at his service. Cindy and Allyn
Cindy Parsons says
Shirley and Heather, I only met this great man once but could tell he was a “keeper”. I am so sorry for your loss! Heather, you know you are like my other daughter and I love you dearly! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family!
Dacia Rasmuson says
Shirley and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Love you!
Deziah Gilliam(Ogle) says
I am so sorry to hear of Keiths passing, he was a great man and a person I am very glad to have known since I was 10 years old, he was always there to cheer you on no matter who you where. He will be greatly missed
Don Nichwander says
Shirley, I was sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Take care, Don
Gary Wiseman says
Shirley, I want to wish you and your family well during this hard time. Keith was a great man.
Gilda & Dan Clancy says
Dear Shirley & Family,
You are in our prayers! God Bless You, dear ones as the Lord comforts you in your loss. Keith was a wonderful person, actually beyond that! I regret we both will be out of town when you have Keith’s service.
Love you!
Ginger Kohr says
Keith,
You were a dream to watch compete and your shared wisdom always welcome to those of us just starting to compete. I know you will be riding up there while watching down on those of us who loved you. May you rest in peace, I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers as they make it through this rough time.
Heather Schreibvogel says
Daddy words can not express how I will miss you and love you. But we all know that you are turely in a better place.
Your Little Girl
Heather
Jamie says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of loss. May the Lord comfort your hearts and let His peace cover over you.
Much Love-
Jason, Jamie, Jaida and Jenna
Jerry Archer says
Nancy told me about Keith’s passing. My prayers are with you and those that will miss him. I had an enjoyable visit with Keith at my dad’s 75th birthday party. I am sorry to say that I will not be able to travel to Helena for the services. I have a planned camping outing with family members starting on Wednesday and lasting until Sunday. Keep the shutterbug flicking.a
jody michels says
I only knew keith for a short time, but he showed me that even in the latter times that you can hold your head up even as a cowboy. which are few now.
Karen Olsen Eve says
Thinking the family today as you remember and celebrate Keith’s life.
Kathie Arlint says
My deapest sympathy to you Shirley and all of the family.
Keith and Gail Hatch says
What a great man and a great horseman! Keith inspired all of us throughout our young lives to be better with our horses. He will be sorely missed by all of us. Condolences to the family…I am sure your lives are full of great memories of Keith.
LeeAnn Myers says
I never got the opportunity to meet this giant of a man, but I have became good friends with his step daughter, Susan,I’m sure Susan is alot like him and he will live through her for years to come. Wish I could have met him. Here’s a prayer for your family as you grieve your great loss of a even greater man.
Lori Strong says
RIP..sweet Mr. Herrin..
Mary Pat (Sias) Dutton says
There is a world filled with well-trained horses and accomplished horsemen and women due to the tutelage of Keith. Heaven had better be ready – Mr. O-Mok-See has arrived. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family.
Ned and Billie Herrin says
So sorry to hear of the death of Uncle Keith. He was the last of dad’s brothers. My sincere condolences!
Ned
Pat Goodwin says
Many years and miles have separated me from Keith and the family, but they haven’t removed the memories. My sincere condolences to the Herrin family.
Ray Gill says
Kieth was a great man in so many way. He was a good friend and was a wonderful family man. I will miss him but we know he is in the place we all want to go when we are called home.
Rita Tenneson says
My heart goes out to you, Shirley, and to your family as well. Though I know this is a most difficult time, may happy and cherished memories of Keith sustain you in the days ahead. May God grant you comfort during this time. Much love – Rita Tenneson
Shannon W. James and family says
Thinking of your family in this time of grief.
Shaunda Hildebrand says
RIP Keith. May you ride free on Traveler! You will be missed. God bless!
Sue Malmstrom says
So sorry for your loss. Have fond memories of Keith competing in the O-Mok-Sees.
Tina LaSalle Whitaker says
Shirley, girls, Keith & Tasha –
We know he loved the Lord and is in Heaven! As sad as it is to lose our loved ones from this life, it is comforting to know when Jesus was their Savior.
I have special memories of the Herrin girls who baby-sat me & my brother when we were young and remember going to school with Keith Jr at Warren. It was years later that I met Keith who was a great family friend, especially to my dad Pat LaSalle.
May your many treasure memories carry you in the days ahead as Keith’s passing brings a tear to your eyes. He was such a man of love, I am thankful to have known him in my life. Prayers for you all at this time.
Peace,
Tina
Val Flansaas & Earl Fred says
Shirley & Family. We are sorry to hear of the loss of Keith. He will be greatly missed.
William Gehring says
Keith was a great man and will be missed. Billy
Dakota schreibvogel says
love you grandpa miss you