Grizzly Riders International
Grizzly Riders International
P. O. Box 3176
Missoula, MT 59806-3176
ph: (406) 550-3349
GrizzlyR
A LOOK BACK DOWN THE TRAIL
It all began in 1966 when Tom Collins, the Director of University Public Relations, met with renowned outfitter Smoke Elser to discuss ways to raise awareness of The University of Montana Foundation which was in its infancy. “Geeze,” Smoke said, “why don’t we take ‘em on a pack trip? See if we can’t talk to these guys without any interruptions for four or five days in a row.”
With Smoke’s assistance, Tom set out with 38 Riders and 105 head of stock into the Bob Marshall wilderness for a five day camping trip. The trip proved to be both memorable and eventful when a lightning storm on the third day scattered the horses and mules across the mountains. Smoke’s crew found the last of the herd just in time to pack everyone out.
After many years of roughing it in tents and spike camps, the Riders moved the annual Grizzly Ride indoors to the comfort of guest ranch accommodations. The Riders and their guests continue to participate in the annual Ride which takes place the second weekend of September at carefully selected Montana guest ranches.
Through the Grizzly Rider Memorial Fund, the Tom Collins Memorial Scholarship Fund and numerous other endowments, the Grizzly Riders provide scholastic scholarships and financial assistance to University of Montana students, faculty and department in addition to worth while community programs.
Tom Collins, the founder and first Trail Boss of the Grizzly Riders International
Grizzly Riders International is a not for profit organization.
Donations to the Grizzly Rider Memorial Fund are tax exempt through Section 501(c) of the IRS codes.
Grizzly Riders Marilyn Peterson and Linda Knoblock serenade their fellow Riders with the "Grizzly Fight Song."
Warren Wilcox, Earl Morgenroth and Jim Johnston
Grizzly Riders International
Board Members and Staff
President Charlie Oliver
Vice President Doug Klein
Directors: Laura Brehm
Sheila Buchanan
Oswald (Oz) Gutsche
Bill Johnston
James Johnston
Doug Klein
Bill Knick
Deborah Doyle McWhinney
Dan Neveau
Warren Wilcox
Ex Officio Members: Seth Bodnar, President The University of Montana
Cindy Williams, President & CEO The University of Montana Foundation
Honory Presidents: Roy Moline
Dick Hayne
Trail Boss: Jim Royan
Board Attorney: Duncan Scott
Bookkeeper: Dori Johnston
Grizzly Riders International is a not for profit organization.
Donations to the Grizzly Riders Memorial Fund are tax exempt through Section 501(c) of the IRS codes.
Grizzly Riders International
P. O. Box 3176
Missoula, MT 59806-3176
ph: (406) 550-3349
GrizzlyR