Courtland William (Bill) Fisher

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather Courtland William (Bill) Fisher who passed away suddenly at the age of 78 on March 11, 2025 at his beloved Pine Ridge Ranch in Hardin, Montana. 

Bill was born on November 6, 1946 to parents Roger Courtland Fisher and Elizabeth (Bette) Jean Swift Fisher.  A fifth-generation Montanan, he spent the early years of his life living with his parents at the Pine Ridge Ranch north of Hardin where he developed a deep love for ranch life.  As a child, he roamed the sand rocks with his trusty BB gun, always eager for adventure. His grandparents, Dick and Toots, played a significant role in his upbringing, showering him with love and guidance.

When it was time for school, the family moved north of Hardin so he could attend Hardin Elementary.  As an only child, he developed a strong sense of independence.  He would often wake up to a pot of oatmeal on the stove and would get himself fed and on the bus to school as his folks were already feeding the cattle.   

Bill continued his education in Hardin, participating in wrestling at the 98-lb weight class.  After graduating in 1964, he attended Montana State University and became part of the MSU rodeo team. He and his teammates raised all kinds of trouble earning him nicknames like “Wild Bill” and “Spurs”.  Through rodeo he met his first wife, Sally Kamm. 

While still in college, Bill joined the Army National Guard and faithfully served his country.  He graduated from MSU in December 1969 with a degree in History. Rather than returning to the ranch right away, he took a job at a sawmill in Bozeman to support his passion for skiing and made many good friends on the Big Sky Ski Patrol.  He was an avid skier and could shred down the mountain with grace and ease. 

In 1972, Bill married Sally and they moved to Hardin to work on the ranch and start a family.  Heather Marie was born in September 1972 followed by Andrea in 1976.  In 1978, Bill transitioned into banking, joining Big Horn Bank (later First Interstate) as an Ag Lender.  This marked the beginning of a long and successful banking career culminating with him becoming president of the Hardin branch in 1991. 

Bill and Sally expanded their family, welcoming Chase Coleman in 1984 and Ty Neal in 1986.  His children were his pride and joy, and he loved teaching them to ride, rope and the cowboy way of life. In 1990, Bill and Sally divorced but his devotion to his children never wavered. 

While working at First Interstate Bank, Bill met Gail, who brought love and happiness back into his life.  They married in August 1994, and Bill embraced Gail’s daughters, Kari and Michelle, as his own.  Together they built a beautiful, blended family.

In 1999, after the passing of his father, Bill took over the management of the Pine Ridge Ranch while continuing his banking career. Recognizing the need for support, he hired his best friend, Don Lehman, to help run the ranch.  Bill and Don made an incredible team, sharing years of hard work, coffee, and camaraderie.

After retiring from banking in 2011, Bill and Gail moved to Billings, though his connection to the ranch remained strong. As Don prepared for retirement, Bill transitioned the day-to-day operations to Chase and Ty.  Bill loved ranching and was always ready to help move, brand or ship cattle, whether at the Pine Ridge or a neighbor’s ranch.  His passion for ranching was evident, and he instilled that same love in his children.

Bill was an avid outdoorsmen, leading friends and family on unforgettable deer and elk hunts.  He cherished his annual Wyoming hunting trip with his banking buddies, who became like family to him.

With his active lifestyle, Bill took great care of himself and loved competition.  He was known for his speed at the Montana State Games 5K and remained a regular at the gym, where he enjoyed both exercise and socializing.

A proud MSU alumnus, Bill was a lifelong supporter of the Bobcats.  Some of his best memories were made at football games with family and friends.  Go Cats Go!

Above all, Bill’s greatest joy was being a grandfather.  Known affectionately as the “Donut Man”, he never missed a chance to spoil his grandkids while feeding cows at the ranch. He loved each grandchild unconditionally and was their biggest cheerleader.  His impact on their lives is immeasurable, and his legacy will live on in their hearts.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Gail; his daughter Heather (Bryan) Klein, grandchildren Madison (Dave), Gabrielle and Gavin and great-granddaughter Delilah; daughter Andrea (Brooks) Quaintance, grandchildren McCrae and Lachlyn; son Chase (Melissa), grandchildren Blaine, Baylee and Tripp; son Ty (Whitney) grandchildren Styles, Dolly and Coco; daughter Kari (Brodie) grandchildren Kieran and Gage; daughter Michelle.  Also survived by his brother-in-law Gary (Jeanne) Greenwald; sister in law Janet (Keven) Bentz; sister in law Leah (Bill) Gullion. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Richard (Dick) and Agnes (Toots) Fisher and his parents Roger and Bette Fisher. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Big Horn County Historical Museum in Bill’s memory.

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