Jeff P. Geneau

On Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014, Jeff "Cowboy" Geneau, a 42-year-old Lolo resident with a Big Ol' Texas heart, rode his painted horse into the pearly gates of heaven. Without a doubt, he was greeted by Anthony and Lucy Geneau, his grandparents who loved and raised him and helped him become the man he was.

He was the cowboy who other cowboys only dreamed of being. He was a humble man who rarely spoke about his accomplishments. He rode the CPRA and PRCA rodeo circuit for 15 years, earning the prestigious Houston National Livestock All Around Cowboy title three years in a row and qualified for the World Finals in Vegas. Chris Ledoux was his mentor and oftentimes his spotter in the chutes. Fellow bareback riders were aware, he was tougher than the rest! With boxes of dinner plate buckles, the only one he wore was the first buckle that he won as a pro. There wasn't a horse he wouldn't ride or a horse he couldn't understand. He was an incredibly gifted and hardworking horseman and farrier, PRCA judge and rodeo pickup man, but most of all, he was a man who loved his family beyond words, a man of integrity and honor and his word was his bond. He followed his heart and his dreams, instilling those values and cowboy codes in his children.

He was an incredible father and husband, a man who loved God and led his family by example, always demonstrating love. He mentored many others who shared his passions. As an Eagle Scout, he took great pride in helping Boy Scouts earn their horsemanship badges. He enjoyed setting young cowboys up on a bronc or bull behind the chutes, especially his own boys. He leaves a tremendous void behind, but we know he is with his Lord and savior. He's in greener pastures, rigged up for the ride of his life where the trail meets the sky.

Let her buck, Cowboy, let her buck!

Jeff leaves behind his wife, the love of his life, Audra Geneau; and children, Tyler, Francesca and Blaize of Lolo and Melinda Geneau Byars of Alabama.

A memorial has been established for the Geneau family at Bitterroot Valley Bank in Lolo. Donations may be made through the King's Christian Church or directly to the bank.

Celebration of life services will be held at the King's Christian Church, 9830 Valley Grove, in Lolo at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29. Reception will follow at the Lumberjack Saloon on Graves Creek Road.

Read Jeff Geneau's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.