Joe Niemi

Joe was the best of what I love about my native Montana. He was an always-helpful neighbor, a straight-talking man of kindness as well as strong beliefs and values. I met him soon after we moved into the Elbow Creek community, and I knew right away that we were in the right place. He would come by on his four-wheeler with the dogs aboard to share his take on local news and welcomed us to the house for ranch events. Joe was one of a generation that is fast disappearing, and in losing him we have lost an important bit of history.

The cowboy’s 10 lessons to live by: 1. Live each day with courage 2. Take pride in your work 3. Always finish what you start 4. Do what has to be done 5. Be tough, but fair 6. When you make a promise, keep it 7. Ride for the brand 8. Talk less and say more 9. Remember that some things aren’t for sale 10. Know where to draw the line I feel Joe’s life embodied these principles. Thank you, Joe, for the knowledge, wisdom and lessons you taught me. Hope it is less windy up there. Lance Million and Family