In October 2020, the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center (MCHF & WHC) announced the 13th class of inductions into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. The inductees were chosen from a field of candidates nominated by the general public. Inductees are honored for their notable contributions to the history and culture of Montana.

“The Hall of Fame exists to honor those who have made an impact in their part of the state and represent Montana’s authentic heritage for future generations,” says Bill Galt, MCHF & WHC President. “Our volunteer trustees around Montana vote on nominations that come from the district in which they reside. This process gives the local communities a strong voice in who will represent them in the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame.”

The MCHF & WHC board of directors has designated 12 trustee districts across the state from which up to 20 trustees may be appointed. Nomination criteria established by the board for the Class of 2020 inductions allowed the election of one Living Inductee and one Legacy Inductee from each of the 12 districts.

The 2020 Living Award inductees are:

Robert David Leininger, Westby
William ‘Bill’ Dutton, Jordan
Wallace ‘Wally’ McRae, Forsyth
Lzetta Martha (Combes) Halingstad, Turner
Lewis & Roselynn Carroll, Sun River
Leland ‘Red’ Cade, Lavina
Peter E. ‘Pete’ Olsen, Molt
Kent Mosher, Augusta
Calvin Hochstrat, White Sulphur Springs
Berniece Arlene ‘Lady Long Rider’ Ende, Trego
Raymond Paul ‘Ray’ Rugg, Superior
Gary Donald Clark, Ennis

The 2020 Legacy Award inductees are:

Terry Linn Fast, Wolf Point
Deane William Copping, Glendive
Tooke Bucking Horses, Ekalaka
Duane Daniel Werk, Chinook
Forrest ‘Scotty’ Zion, Great Falls
Jesse Calvin & Ruth (Lane) Garfield, Ryegate
Walter F. ‘Walt’ Linderman & Scottie, Belfry
Gary Murphy, Wolf Creek
Arthur W. ‘Spike’ Short, White Sulphur Springs
Wilderness Worn – A Government Packers Legacy, Eureka Leonard Moore, Condon
Lee Martinell Co., Dell

The MCHF Annual Induction Ceremony & Western Heritage Gathering annually held in February each year, has been rescheduled, honoring the Class of 2020 August 13-14, 2021 at the Heritage Inn in Great Falls. For more information on this event and to view the full bios of the inductees visit MontanaCowboyFame.org or call the files office at (406) 653-7460.

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