Harvey Rattey

Harvey Rattey, age 77, of Glendive, Montana, passed away with his family by his side on Monday, December 7, 2015 at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive. Memorial Services with military honors will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at First Congregational United Church of Christ with Lay Pastor Darrin Clinton officiating. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Harvey was born on October 29, 1938 in Chinook, Montana, a son of Lester H. and Rose M. (Latray) Rattey. He was raised and educated in Harlem, Montana where he graduated with the class of 1960. Following high school, Harvey enlisted in the United States Army on June 3, 1960, he served for one year before he was honorably discharged to return home to help on the family ranch after his father was injured. Harvey later enlisted in the National Guard where he served for four years. He returned back to Harlem where he worked as a Ranch Foreman. During this time he was married and later divorced and to this union one daughter was born. Harvey started a career in art and during this time he met Pamela Harr and they were united in marriage on August 6, 1977 in Big Timber, Montana. To this union they adopted five children. Together they started their own bronze casting foundry in Bozeman, Montana and raised six children. Later they purchased a ranch and moved to Glendive. "Where the Pavement Ends and the West Begins".

Harvey was an internationally known sculptor. A Native American enrolled tribal member of the Little Shell Band of the Chippewa. He and his three sisters and a brother were raised on a cattle ranch bordering the Assiniboine reservation near Harlem. During the past forty years, his love of the cowboy and of wildlife has inspired him to sculpt both subjects with "wild & wooly" action and empathy.

Harvey had a strong faith in the Lord and was a born again Christian. He loved his church, his wife, his family and his many friends. He enjoyed calf roping, ranching, fixing fence or anything to do with the Ranching Lifestyle, turkey hunting and turkey calling and having coffee with his friends every morning.

A couple of Harvey's favorite quotes were; "Heck of a Deal", "lock your car, there's a lot of white guys around here!" and "Shoot low, they might be crawling."

Harvey was a member of the Western Artist of America, Community Bible Church, Lions Club, Montana Veterans Commissions, Wild Turkey Federation, Indian Arts and Crafts Association and the American Legion.

Harvey was preceded in death by his parents; one infant son; sister, Janet Bow and nephew, Jeffery Bow.

Survivors include his wife, Pam Harr of Glendive; children, Deborah (Christopher) Robart of Glendive, Jeffery Rattey of Glendive, Tanya (Tom) Mintz of Terry, Montana, Kandi Weidner of San Antonio, Texas, Destanie Gonzalas of Seattle, Washington and Dominique Rattey of Miles City, Montana; siblings, Jean Tanniehill of Helena, Montana, Joe Rattey of Dobson, Montana and Lois Nelson of Great Falls, Montana; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials in Harvey's name are suggested to Glendive Medical Center Foundation and Glendive Community Bible Church.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: http://www.silhafuneralhomes.com