MAX W SALISBURY

Max W Salisbury passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell, surrounded by his family.

Max was one of the last true, tough cowboys.  A gentleman to the end… From the moment you first heard the gentle sound of the rowel from his spurs coming toward you, then the tip of his cowboy hat to greet you.  He had a gift of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world.  You would have never met a stronger, giving, hardworking man.

Max was born in Morley, MI, October 28, 1948.  His parents moved the family to Canada for some years then eventually settled in Eureka, MT.  Max was an all-star high school running back, and still holds the record for the most yards run.  He also played football at Northern Montana College at Havre, MT before entering the United States Army.  Once again his strength and grit moved him into the ranks of being a Military Police Officer.  After the Army, Max came home to Montana were he began his career as a deputy sheriff, private detective, and soon it led him to be the chief of police in Hot Springs, MT.

He always felt such a strong calling to the horseman’s world. 

He left his career in law enforcement to pursue his dream.  And what a wild ride he was about to journey on.  His amazing gift took him all over the country, with many championships under his belt, soon he became known as one of the top horse trainers around.  His true, natural magnetism made the world fall in love with him.  You just couldn’t help but to love him, and if you were one of the few to get to say you were loved by him, well, you are just plain lucky then… 

Max always had that smile,  that laugh, that one line, to make you feel lifted.  He loved to joke around and have fun teasing.  He lived life the way he wanted to.  He was a true cowboy.

Max was a simple man.  As long as he had his loyal and trusty horse and his sweet “Lady” (his dog), he was set.  He spent the last few years of his life getting back to his family roots of range riding in the north western mountains of Montana.  It was a very solitary, tough job, but it fulfilled him.  It made him feel closer to his dad, whom had spent years riding the same range of mountains.  Just Max, Gus (his horse), Lady and a couple hundred head of cattle.  On his off time he would continue to train horses and try to pass on his gift to others.

As much as he loved his cowboy life he did love one thing more, his family.  His children and grandchildren were the most important to him above and beyond anything and anyone else.  He was our hero, he was our superman flying over those hills wild and strong.  To us, he was our friend, he was our protector, he was our father.

Diagnosed with a serious cancer in June, he began a desperate battle against poor odds.  His final months were spent at the home of his sister and brother-in-law, Mike and JoAn Cuffe, with both brothers making frequent and lengthy visits to help with his care along with friend Trudy who visited daily.

To all our family he was always there when we needed him.  No questions asked, it just was that way.  “We take care of our own”, that’s always been the family strength and motto, and that was him.

The world has lost an amazing man and heaven has gained the very best.  I know you and Lady are riding high in those heavenly mountains forever together now.  Until I ride with you again, I love you Cowboy…

He is survived by four children, Brian Salisbury, Hayley Wilson and husband Steve, Michael Bartley and Thomas Bartley and wife Danielle as well as his grandchildren Tristin, Bailey, Sheldon, Landon and Olivia; a brother Bernell Salisbury and wife Martie of Golden, B.C., Canada, sister JoAn Cuffe and husband Mike of Eureka and brother Gary Salisbury and companion Tana of Florence, as well as his many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Neil Salisbury.

Services for Max will be at 1:00 PM September 28th, 2019 at Chapel of Praise, Curtis McDuffie officiating,  6474 Hwy 93 South Eureka.  Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Eureka.  Online condolences may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.