C.H. “Pete” Cummings, 99, of Sun River, passed away at Hospice House on Tuesday, January 10, 2017.  His son Richard was at his bedside.

Pete was born September 2, 1917 in Great Falls, MT to Arthur E. and Ruby Millington Cummings.  He grew up in Great Falls, graduating from Great Falls High School in 1937.

Immediately after finishing school he began working on ranches throughout the area.  He especially liked working for LF Ranch at Augusta under foreman Tott Nett.  He followed this by working three years for Leo Creamer, a well-known rodeo producer out of Big Timber, MT.  It was during this time that Pete became interested in rodeo.  He first started as a bronc rider then later changed to calf roping and bull-dogging.  During this time he also worked in meat business, to support his rodeo habit.

In 1941 Pete married Isabel Travis at Sun River, MT.  They had two sons, James A. born in 1942 and Richard H. born in 1950.  Pete served in the US Army – 108th Engineers in Pacific Theater from 1942 – 1945.

After he was discharged in 1945 he returned to the meat business and also started raising cattle.  He first leased land on the Missouri Breaks below Morony Dam.  In 1959 he acquired land on Mill Coulee Creek in the Sun River area.  It was here that Pete started raising Herford-Shorthorn cross cattle.  Pete remained in this area until February 2016.

Pete renovated a 1905 Studebaker Wagon, which went on the Centennial Cattle Drive of 1989.  His son Rick and grandson Colter made the drive with him. He always had an eye for a fine horse and raised many good quarter horses, draft horses and mules.

Pete was an active member of the Montana Cowboy Association, becoming a member in 1939, he was the oldest registered member of the M.C.A.  Pete served as president, vice president and on the board of directors for many years.  In 1997 Pete was presented with the National Cowboys of America Heritage Award.  He was inducted into the National Cowboys Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, OK. He was the last member to have that honor.

Pete is survived by his son Rick (Jeannie) Cummings of Great Falls, MT; and his daughter-in-law Sandra Cummings of Great Falls, MT.  He is also survived by five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Charles; his wife Isabel; and his son Jim. 

Cremation has taken place, and burial will take place at Sun River Cemetery at a later date.  Croxford Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

There will be a Celebration of Pete’s life on Tuesday January 17th, at The Cowboy Bar from 1-4.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Montana Cowboys Association 311 3rd St NW, Great Falls, MT 59404.

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