Having known Conrad Burns since the early 1970’s through the cattle business, I was saddened to learn of his departure from this earth. This was tempered by the report that he had enjoyed the company of some of his coffee buddies in the morning before joining in that Great Roundup Up Yonder, later in the day, fittingly with his boots on. I feel fortunate that his path in life crossed mine, and I cherish several fond memories of our exchanges along that trail.
As a United States Senator, he proudly represented the vast and sparsely populated state of Montana, and was fond of saying: “In Montana there is a lot of dirt between light bulbs.”
His eulogy might well include the poem, “Reincarnation” written by Rosebud County rancher, Wally McRae, as found in the William Kittredge book, “The Last Best Place.” I assume Conrad knew McRae, was familiar with that poem, and would appreciate the humorous thought suggested therein.
Dave Hurtt
Florence