Calvin Zimdars

Calvin Charles Zimdars, 56, of Glen, Montana, vanished without a trace on December 1,

2017. Calvin was born September 14, 1961 to Julius ‘Jupe’ and Ardus Zimdars in Big Timber,

Montana, he was the eighth child of eleven siblings.

Calvin attended school in Big Timber and graduated from the Sweet Grass County High

School in 1980. He participated in basketball, football, FFA, and rodeo while a student. After

graduation Calvin moved to Thermoplis, Wyoming to work in the oil fields alongside a few of his

brothers. While there he met the love of his life, Lorie Helen Waller, they married in March of

1981. Soon after they moved to Melville, Montana and Calvin worked on the Cramer Ranch.

There Calvin and Lorie were blessed with their first son, Charles Calvin. In 1983, Calvin and

Lorie moved to Circle, Montana to work on the Waller Farm. There they welcomed their second

child, Clarissa Helen in 1985.

In 1989 Calvin moved his family to Polaris, Montana where they settled into their own

piece of paradise on a ranch in the Grasshopper Valley and in 1990 they completed their family

with the arrival of another son, Jay Edward. Life was full of endless adventures there for a

cowboy.

Calvin enjoyed many things in life, spending time with his family, playing cards and dice,

fishing, skiing, and exploring on horseback. He always had a good story. Rodeo was a favorite

pastime. In his younger years he rode a few bulls, didn’t care for it much and settled into

bareback riding. He enjoyed rodeoing as much as any cowboy but after a bareback riding injury

he turned to team roping. His passion for team roping carried on for many years.

Calvin was everything a man should be, polite, honest, hard working, and a good leader.

He coached Polaris Rural School basketball for many years, enjoying every practice and game

with the kids. He was patient, encouraging, and always had a smile on his face.

Hunting season was its own holiday. Many of Calvin’s brothers, in-laws, nieces, and

nephews would gather on his ranch where many memorable moments were shared.

Calvin was a true cowboy. He could rope any critter and doctor any calf. No job was too

big or too small. He was good natured and always lent a helping hand to anyone in need.

In 2008 Calvin and Lorie went their separate ways and Calvin moved to Glen, Montana.

He worked at Rocky Mountain Supply in Dillon, Montana for many years. McCartney mountain

was a breathtaking view off his front porch, Agnes Lake a short horseback ride, and Brown’s

Lake was an all inclusive hotspot. Calvin would often be out hunting, fishing or exploring the

area with his children, grandchildren, friends and family.

Calvin is survived by his two children, daughter Clarissa (Tye) Brown; grandchildren

Cydney and Dean of Basin, Wyoming; son Jay Zimdars of Dillon, Montana. Daughter-in-law

Dawn Zimdars, grandchildren Lyle, Anne and Koy of Belgrade, Montana. Former wife Lorie W.

Zimdars of Dillon, Montana. Brothers Jerry, Ed (Inez), Roger (Patti), Allen and sisters Kay Faw,

Karen Holcomb, Carol Olson, Radie (Clarence) Clayton, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son Charles Calvin Zimdars, brother Emery Zimdars,

sister Joan Fields, niece Keri Fields, nephew Leroy Faw, parents Julius and Ardus Zimdars.

A memorial service to honor the life of Calvin Charles Zimdars will be held September

16, 2023 at 11 AM in Dillon, Montana at the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds in the 4-H

Community Building. Bring your fondest memories and wildest stories to share as we celebrate

a truly great man and cowboy. Lunch to follow ~ open to the public