Larry Richard Handy

Larry Richard Handy, age 67, of Poplar, MT.

May 2, 1958 – February 6, 2026

Larry Richard Handy, 67, of Poplar, Montana, passed away at home surrounded by family after a hard fought 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Larry was born to Richard "Bud" and Colleen Handy and grew up in Flaxville, Montana, as the oldest of three children alongside his siblings, Casey and Chris. He took his role as the oldest very seriously, especially when it came to teaching Chris how to ride an antique push mower and showing Casey how to drink adult beverages out of a vehicle washer reservoir.

He attended Flaxville High School and graduated with the Class of 1977. After high school, Larry moved to Glendive to attend Dawson Community College, where he gave DCC the good ol' college try. While officially enrolled, his true major was rodeo-and despite his best efforts, he graduated with a lifetime of stories and very few educational credits. Still, Larry would tell you it was time well spent. After his "college months," he returned to Flaxville and went to work, holding various jobs over the years, including working at Garberg Ranch and in the oil field.

On October 6, 1990, Larry married Lauri Ralston and they began their life together full of love, laughter, and plenty of stories. Their first son, Wyatt, was born in 1992, followed by Ty in 1995. In 1997, their family was complete with the arrival of their daughter, Ashton-Larry's "little girl," who had him wrapped around her finger from day one.

Larry spent many years farming and ranching south of Brockton. In 2009, Larry and Lauri moved upriver to their current home, where they built their dream house overlooking the Missouri River-a place Larry was incredibly proud of and deeply loved. He worked alongside his kids, especially when it came to making hay. One of Larry's favorite jobs was packing the silage pit every fall. He was constantly trying to convince his good friend Wilbur that they needed two-way radio so they could do more bullshitting and less packing.

Larry loved to rope whether it was at brandings, hi-lines, jackpots, ranch rodeos and local rodeos. He built a roping arena at the home place, which the boys eventually turned into a feedlot pen-deemed more profitable than an arena. The feedlot still carries the arena name. Larry also loved watching rodeos, from Culbertson Frontier Days and the Wolf Point Stampede to the National Finals Rodeo and every event streamed on the Cowboy Channel. Each one was an opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

As his kids got older Larry decided to purchase his first pontoon boat-and enduring many memorable problems and events with it, Larry decided the boating life wasn't for him and traded it for a hay rake. Then later in life after semi-retirement Larry developed a new love for being on Fort Peck Lake-just never actually in the water (or the sun). He treasured summers spent with family and friends boating and relaxing under the canopy at the lake.

A natural storyteller, Larry's tales only grew bigger and more colorful the more times they were told. He had a way of making people laugh, feel welcome, and he was never short of words.
Following his kids to every sporting event and supporting their involvement in 4-H and FFA was a priority for Larry. One of Larrys many talents was competing in the hog boarding competition at the Richland country fair every year. Even after his own children had graduated, he continued supporting nieces, nephews, and his special neighbor kids in all their activities. His love for young people truly shone through in his favorite role of all: "Papa Larry" to two little cowgirls.

Larry is survived by his wife, Lauri Handy; his children, Wyatt (Cassie) Handy and his two beloved granddaughters, Maysa and Jaylee of Circle; Ty Handy of Wolf Point; and daughter Ashton (Ethan) Beery of Vida. He is also survived by his mother, Colleen Handy of Flaxville; his brother, Casey (Debbie) Handy of Flaxville; his sister, Chris (Bruce) Westgard of Westby; numerous nieces and nephews; and, of course, his beloved rope horses, Frog and Turbo.
He is preceded in death by his father, Richard "Bud" Handy.

While we mourn his loss, we find comfort knowing Larry was welcomed by dear friends and family-Raymond and Echo Garberg, Steve and Sharon Handy, and Carlie and Ty Anderson-already swapping stories, keeping everyone laughing, and entering ropings.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, with the family receiving friends from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Vida Country Club, 2983 MT13, Vida, MT, 59274. In Larry's memory and to honor his legacy, his family will brand his last set of calves on May 23rd at the family ranch, to celebrate a truly well lived life all family and friends are invited. Should friends desire, memorials in Larry's may be made to the Go-Getters Youth Rodeo. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.