Memorial: Jeff Hamlett

Fifty years ago this Christmas week, a tragic accident at the Hamlett Ranch in Square Butte took the life of Jeff Hamlett, 19 years old. Home from MSU for the holidays, he was living the life he loved on the ranch.

Life changed that day for all of us. Fate dealt us a hand that was hard to play, and his family and friends were challenged in ways no one ever expected.

Our community responded with helping hands. Neighbors took care of ranch chores that week, and six good friends of my brother's carried him to his final resting place. Another friend stayed at the cemetery to oversee the completion...