Roland Brooks McKinley, 81

Roland Brooks McKinley, 81, passed away on Dec. 22, 2023, at his home in Ronan, Montana, after a brief battle with lung cancer. 

He was born on Nov. 23, 1942, in Dodson, Montana, the son of Lawrence and Thelma (Hart) McKinley. He lived his early years in Harlem and Savoy, Montana, with his parents and his three sisters and two brothers.

Brooks, as he was known by family and friends, ran the Pablo Bar for 23 years. He loved the bar and the people that came in. Prior to the bar, he farmed and ranched in some of the most beautiful country in Charlo, Lost Prairie, Fort Shaw, Sun River, and Geyser, Montana; and spent three years farming in northern Minnesota. 

He was a reader and history lover who always won the Trivial Pursuit yellow pie slice immediately. He loved to meet new people and get their stories, and rarely found someone whose people he did not know, especially if they had roots in eastern Montana. An animal lover, he doted on many spoiled dogs, cats and cows over his lifetime.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marlis Walls; and brothers, Lawrence and Ted McKinley.

He is survived by his sisters, Donna Schultz and Jetta McKinley; his wife of 56 years, Gloria McKinley; children, Lawrence “Tater” McKinley and Rebel McKinley; and three granddaughters, one grandson, and two great-grandsons. 

Brooks has chosen to be cremated, and his ashes will be spread in his beloved Montana countryside at a later date. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.shriderthompson.com. 

Arrangements are under the care of Shrider – Thompson Funeral Home.