Stanley Pope: 1931-2013

Stanley Glen Pope, 81, of Bowman, N.D., died on Monday, June 10, 2013. Stan was doing what he loved – working cattle with his sons at TP Ranch – when a woofy cow (who will soon be hamburger) charged and tossed him over the fence, tragically ending his life. Stanley died just like he lived: on his terms doing exactly what “he” wanted to do and nobody would tell him any different.

Funeral services for Stan were Friday, June 14, 2013, at 2 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church, Bowman, N.D., with Father David Mormon officiating.

Stanley was born Dec. 14, 1931, at Bowman, N.D., to Ted and Ellen (Roberts) Pope. Stan attended school in Slope and Bowman counties. One of the schools that Stan attended was Chalky Butte School across the road from his beloved TP Ranch.

Stan married Joan Andrews on Sept. 8, 1953. They started their married life ranching with Ted and Ellen, then moving to Deer Lodge at Ennis, Mont., in 1956 for a short time, before returning to “God’s Country.”

Stan and Joan raised three rotten little boys, Doug, Dennis, and Dewey, and one stubborn little girl, Darcy, on the ranch. In the early years, Stan raised commercial Hereford cattle, and in his later years was known to say that the herd was getting blacker every year. For a few years there was a small herd of another breed on the TP – Stan got the nickname “Longhorn” from them.

Stan got his first airplane, a Piper J3 Cub in 1955, and continued flying up until his death. He helped many young pilots earn their taildragger endorsement. Stan served on the Bowman County Airport Authority for over 35 years and was proudly the first to land on the new (not yet complete) runway east of Bowman.

Stan and Joan loved to travel, visiting Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, and all throughout the lower 48. He always met a new friend and never missed an air museum.

Stan enjoyed men’s night at the golf course (many times not even taking his clubs), and his friends will miss his “technique” when playing cards for breakfast or quarters. He had a quick wit and a keen sense of humor. Stan waited years for Joan’s stove to die so he could put up the “open range,” and his Christmas lights were legendary. Stanley was a rugged cowboy to the end – he was tough on his family and looked for the best from them – he never expected more than he was willing to do himself. Words of emotion were few, but Stan loved and was extremely proud of his family. His sole grandchild, Rani, and two great-grandchildren, Elli Jo and Ty, were the apples of his eye.

Stanley was active in his community, he served as Pilot for the Bowman Fire Department, Assistant Chief and Chief for the Amidon Fire Department, President of the N.D. Fire Chief’s Association, Slope County Deputy Sheriff for 27 years, Slope County Fair Board, Slope County 4-H Leader receiving the 2001 “Friend of 4-H Award.” Stan was a Director for the Little Missouri Grazing Association, a life member of the Dickinson Elks Lodge, a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the N.D. Stockmen’s Association and the N.D. Hereford Association. He served as Trustee for the N.D. Cowboy Hall of Fame, was given the 1973 FFA Honorary Chapter Farmer Award, volunteered countless hours to N.D. High School Rodeo, was named the NDSU Harvest Bowl Slope County Agriculturist Honoree, was a member of the Bowman Area Chamber of Commerce and was given their prestigious Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award in 2001.

Stan was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Ellen Pope, his brothers, Myron and Denver, and his sister, Lorelyn.

He is survived by Joan, his wife of almost 60 years; his sons, Doug (Cheryl Tollefson), Dennis (Edie), and Duane (Lauren Torpen), his daughter, Darcy (Todd) Fuchs, granddaughter Rani (Kyle) Lloyd, and great-grandchildren, Elli Jo and Ty.