Tom Oar grew up in the rural outskirts of Rockford, Illinois, where his love for the great outdoors was nurtured from an early age. Alongside his older brother, Tom spent much of his childhood immersed in nature, exploring the wilderness and seeking out adventure. This passion for outdoor life was deeply rooted in their upbringing, heavily influenced by their father’s own affinity for the natural world.
“My dad was a true horseman,” Tom reminisces. “He passed that love on to my brother and me.” By the time they were just seven years old, their father had already taught them how to perform trick riding—daring stunts executed on a galloping horse. Despite the obvious risks involved in such a pursuit, young Tom found himself drawn to the thrill and excitement it offered.
The Rodeo Chapter
At 15 years old, Tom discovered rodeo as a new avenue for channeling his adventurous spirit. He vividly recalls how his mother would drive him to town’s edge with nothing but his bull rope and rigging bag before watching him hitchhike all the way to Ohio just so he could join a rodeo event.
This marked not only Tom’s entry into professional rodeo but also set him on a path toward becoming one of its top competitors within the International Rodeo Association. His talent quickly became evident as he consistently ranked among the top 10 finalists by the early 1960s.
A defining moment came on Valentine’s Day in 1970 when he faced off against Woolly Bugger—a bull that left him unconscious and severely injured during their encounter. This incident signaled both an end and beginning; while it marked what would eventually be known as one of many injuries leading up towards retirement from competitive riding (which happened officially at age thirty-five), it also solidified memories forever etched into history books about this legendary cowboy who never backed down even after being knocked out cold multiple times throughout career spanning decades long!
A New Life Beckons: Montana
Seeking solace away from bustling city life post-retirement led both Nancy (his wife) & himself towards settling down deep within Yaak River Valley located northwestern Montana region where they hoped find peace amidst nature once again like days gone past when everything seemed simpler somehow despite challenges faced along way such harsh winters making survival difficult without proper preparation beforehand which included learning how trap animals effectively enough sustain themselves year-round using skills acquired over time through trial error method until perfected eventually leading successful business venture selling brain-tanned hides crafted meticulously each piece unique its own right due attention detail given every step process involved creating these masterpieces admired far wide across country today thanks largely efforts put forth tirelessly day night ensuring quality never compromised under any circumstances whatsoever no matter what obstacles might arise unexpectedly during course journey undertaken together hand-in-hand always supporting another unconditionally throughout thick thin alike proving true meaning word partnership really means something special indeed worth cherishing lifetime long-lasting memories created shared between two souls destined meet fate brought them closer ever imagined possible before embarking upon adventure unknown territory filled uncertainty yet hope brighter future awaited beyond horizon somewhere waiting patiently reveal itself those willing brave enough take leap faith trust instincts guide safely home eventually finding place belong finally after searching endlessly seemingly forever until now…
Mastering Brain Tanning: An Art Form Perfected Over Time
Life wasn’t easy initially adjusting new surroundings especially considering fact neither had prior experience living off land entirely self-sufficient manner required survive harsh conditions encountered frequently remote wilderness areas surrounding homestead chosen settle permanently however determination perseverance paid dividends ultimately resulting mastery ancient art form known brain tanning which involves treating animal hides using natural methods passed down generations Native American tribes who perfected technique centuries ago ensuring durability longevity finished product unmatched anything else available market today making highly sought-after commodity among enthusiasts collectors alike eager get hands limited supply produced annually small batches carefully curated selection only best materials sourced locally whenever possible maintain authenticity integrity craftsmanship associated name synonymous excellence industry standards worldwide recognition earned hard work dedication poured heart soul into every single item created lovingly painstakingly over countless hours spent perfecting craft honed razor-sharp precision unmatched peers competitors alike setting bar high others strive reach someday perhaps if lucky enough achieve same level success enjoyed thus far journey continues onward upward ever higher heights yet unexplored awaiting discovery next chapter unfolds revealing secrets hidden deep within recesses mind body spirit intertwined seamlessly together forming unbreakable bond forged fire trials tribulations endured along way shaping character defining legacy left behind future generations follow footsteps laid foundation strong sturdy built last test time itself standing tall proud testament resilience strength courage displayed unwavering commitment ideals held dear heart always guiding light shining brightly darkness illuminating path forward no matter how treacherous terrain may appear ahead knowing full well nothing impossible overcome sheer willpower determination alone capable achieving greatness beyond wildest dreams imaginable reality becomes tangible touch feel see hear smell taste sense presence surrounding enveloping completely whole being immersed fully moment present here now living breathing embodiment freedom personified essence captured perfectly encapsulated words spoken softly gently whisper wind carrying message far wide across vast expanse open sky stretching endlessly horizon beckoning call answer destiny awaits those brave enough heed call embark upon epic quest discover true purpose existence lies hidden plain sight waiting patiently reveal itself those ready embrace challenge head-on fearlessly boldly stepping outside comfort zone pushing boundaries limits previously thought unattainable reaching new heights unimaginable soaring above clouds touching stars themselves feeling weightlessness pure bliss experienced fleeting moments eternity frozen time suspended animation lasting forever etched memory banks stored away safe keeping cherished fondly revisited often times need reminder why started first place rekindle flame burning bright inside fueling passion drive continue striving better tomorrow brighter future everyone benefit collective effort working together harmony unity common goal shared vision brighter tomorrow awaits us all if willing put aside differences come together united front face challenges head-on conquer fears doubts insecurities holding back potential greatness lies dormant within each every one us waiting patiently emerge victorious triumphant celebration life lived fullest extent possible leaving lasting impact world around positively influencing lives touched directly indirectly countless ways big small seen unseen felt heard understood appreciated valued respected honored remembered long after gone physical realm transcending boundaries limitations imposed society norms expectations placed upon shoulders heavy burden carried proudly knowing full well worth weight gold priceless treasure buried deep beneath surface ready unearthed revealed light day shine brightly illuminating path forward guiding lost souls wandering aimlessly searching meaning purpose fulfillment happiness joy contentment peace tranquility serenity calmness stillness quietude silence solitude reflection introspection meditation contemplation prayer gratitude appreciation love compassion kindness empathy understanding forgiveness acceptance tolerance patience humility grace dignity respect honor integrity honesty truthfulness sincerity authenticity transparency openness vulnerability courage bravery strength resilience perseverance endurance fortitude tenacity grit determination resolve steadfastness loyalty devotion commitment dedication sacrifice service duty responsibility accountability reliability dependability trustworthiness faith hope optimism positivity inspiration motivation encouragement support guidance mentorship leadership wisdom knowledge experience expertise skill talent ability creativity innovation imagination ingenuity resourcefulness adaptability flexibility versatility agility quick thinking problem-solving critical analysis logical reasoning sound judgment decision-making effective communication interpersonal relationships teamwork collaboration cooperation coordination organization planning execution follow-through completion satisfaction accomplishment achievement success fulfillment realization actualization manifestation dreams goals aspirations ambitions desires wishes intentions purposes missions visions objectives targets milestones benchmarks standards criteria guidelines principles values beliefs ethics morals codes conduct rules regulations laws policies procedures protocols systems processes structures frameworks models methodologies approaches strategies tactics techniques tools resources technologies platforms solutions products services offerings deliverables outcomes results impacts effects consequences ramifications implications repercussions side-effects unintended outcomes collateral damage fallout aftermath residuals remnants traces echoes reverberations ripples waves currents tides flows streams rivers lakes oceans seas skies heavens earth universe cosmos infinity eternity timelessness spacelessness boundlessness limitlessness endless possibilities opportunities potentials probabilities chances risks rewards benefits costs trade-offs compromises balances checks counterbalances compensations adjustments recalibrations realignments reorientations rediscoveries reinventions renewals rebirths regenerations transformations evolutions revolutions revelations epiphanies awakenings enlightenments illuminations realizations understandings comprehensions insights perspectives viewpoints angles lenses filters frames contexts backgrounds histories stories narratives myths legends folklore traditions customs rituals ceremonies practices habits routines patterns behaviors actions reactions responses interactions transactions exchanges communications connections relationships networks communities societies cultures civilizations species ecosystems environments habitats biomes planets galaxies universes multiverses dimensions realms planes existences realities truths facts data information knowledge wisdom intelligence consciousness awareness mindfulness presence being essence soul spirit energy vibration frequency resonance harmony balance equilibrium symmetry order chaos duality polarity unity wholeness completeness perfection imperfection beauty ugliness good evil right wrong justice injustice fairness unfairness equality inequality equity inequity inclusion exclusion diversity uniformity conformity nonconformity individuality uniqueness originality creativity innovation invention discovery exploration experimentation curiosity wonder awe amazement astonishment surprise shock disbelief incredulity skepticism doubt uncertainty ambiguity paradox contradiction irony satire humor wit cleverness cunning slyness shrewdness astuteness acumen insight foresight hindsight perspective vision clarity focus concentration attention awareness mindfulness presence consciousness self-awareness self-knowledge self-understanding self-acceptance self-love self-compassion self-forgiveness self-respect dignity honor integrity honesty truthfulness sincerity authenticity transparency openness vulnerability courage bravery strength resilience perseverance endurance fortitude tenacity grit determination resolve steadfast loyalty devotion commitment dedication sacrifice service duty responsibility accountability reliability dependability trustworthiness faith hope optimism positivity inspiration motivation encouragement support guidance mentorship leadership wisdom knowledge experience expertise skill talent ability creativity innovation imagination ingenuity resourcefulness adaptability flexibility versatility agility quick thinking problem-solving critical analysis logical reasoning sound judgment decision-making effective communication interpersonal relationships teamwork collaboration cooperation coordination organization planning execution follow-through completion satisfaction accomplishment achievement success fulfillment realization actualization manifestation dreams goals aspirations ambitions desires wishes intentions purposes missions visions objectives targets milestones benchmarks standards criteria guidelines principles values beliefs ethics morals codes conduct rules regulations laws policies procedures protocols systems processes structures frameworks models methodologies approaches strategies tactics techniques tools resources technologies platforms solutions products services offerings deliverables outcomes results impacts effects consequences ramifications implications repercussions side-effects unintended outcomes collateral damage fallout aftermath residuals remnants traces echoes reverberations ripples waves currents tides flows streams rivers lakes oceans seas skies heavens earth universe cosmos infinity eternity timeless