9 Influential Montanans Who Died in 2023
The Associated Press posted its list of the most influential people who passed away in 2023. We decided to break down the in-memorium list to those with Montana ties.
Here's a list of 9 people from Montana or people with ties to Montana who died in the past year.
Robbie Knievel
Robbie Knievel, the son of iconic stuntman Evel Knievel was born in Butte, just like his father, in 1962. Robbie lived a similar life to his late father performing stunts and seeking the thrills until he died in January 2023 in Nevada. Robbie passed after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Ted Kaczynski
Unfortunately, being known as the Unabomber is influential or at least brings your name notoriety. Kaczynski moved to the middle of nowhere, away from civilization Montana. He lived in a remote cabin near Lincoln, Montana when he spawned his idea to fight industrialization with radical terrorism. Kaczynski died at the age of 81 in June by apparent suicide.
Jimmy Buffett
The island escapism king Jimmy Buffett died on September 1st in New York. He was born in Mississippi but still had Montana influence in his songwriting documented by our own Dennis Bragg earlier this year. He may not be a Montana native but we appreciate the Montana ties in your art.
Treat Williams
Another entry who wasn't a Montanan but still had ties to the Treasure State. Williams was involved in the Miss Montana project, which can be learned about here. Williams was an actor who starred in projects such as Blue Bloods, Deep Rising, Hair and others. Williams died in a motorcycle accident in June at the age of 71.
Ellen Baumler
Ellen Baumler passed away at the age of 74 this past December after a bout with cancer. Baumler was an author and Montana historian. Baumler worked at the Montana Historical Society for almost 30 years and authored a number of books.
Frank Borman
Most known for his involvement with the Apollo 8 mission, Frank Borman passed away at the age of 95. Borman was the commander of the vaunted Apollo 8 crew that first saw mankind leave Earth's orbit. Borman lived in Billings, Montana for the past quarter century. The NASA icon purchased a ranch in 1998 that brought him to Big Sky Country.
Governor Ted Schwinden
Ted Schwinden was the 19th governor of Montana. His stint in office spanned from 1981-1989. Schwinden also served in the House of Representatives prior to his appointment as governor. Born in Wolf Point, Montana, Schwinden graduated from the University of Montana. The former governor was 98 years old when he passed away in Phoenix in October.
Anthony Johnson
Griz Basketball great Anthony Johnson died in October after a stroke. The former Griz hoopster created an all-time moment in the 2010 Big Sky Conference Tournament championship to knock off Damian Lillard's Weber State Wildcats. Johnson scorched the net and put up 42 points in the thrilling, nationally televised game. This Saturday, January 6th, the Griz are hosting an Anthony Johnson Tribute Game against South Dakota. He was just 37 years old.
Chuck Johnson
Deemed as the "Tower of Montana Journalism," Chuck Johnson passed away in March at 74 years old. Johnson was a longtime political reporter in the state and was revered by many.