Lawrence James Brooke

Pony, MT - Lawrence J. Brooke ("Larry"), 69, of Pony, Montana, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Butte, MT. after a lifetime of courageously battling every challenge placed before him. He is finally back on his horse Starchy with his dog Rowdy in tow.

Born on February 14, 1956, in Pony, MT, to Cornelius B. "C.B." Brooke and Alyce O'Connor, Larry was the fourth of six children and grew up working on-and loving-his family's ranch. The rhythm of ranch life shaped him, and Pony remained the center of his world for all his years.

Larry graduated from Harrison High School in 1974 with no plans to pursue college. That changed when his father stopped him in the middle of cutting hay and informed him, "Your mother says you're going to college." The day before fall semester began, Larry was enrolled at MSU, where he proudly claimed to have stretched general studies an extra quarter beyond what was allowed before declaring Construction Engineering Technology. He was an active member of the AGR fraternity and spent a summer working for the Montana Department of Transportation before deciding his heart belonged back home-returning to the ranch and starting his own excavation business.

By pure chance-and good timing-Larry met the love of his life, Joan Olson of Three Forks, at Duffy's Bar in Harrison. They married on June 25, 1983, beginning a partnership that lasted more than 42 years. They settled in Pony and raised four children in his grandfather's home.

After the sale of the family ranch, Larry returned to the Montana Department of Transportation, devoting 30 years of service to keeping Montana's roads safe-working long hours clearing snow in the winter and maintaining roads in the summer. He was a proud and active member of the ACME union, where he strongly advocated for state workers.

Larry was a lifelong Bobcat fan, known for his spirited "Poor Grizzlies" commentary during every Cat‑Griz game. He was also deeply committed to his community, volunteering countless hours through the Pony Homecoming Club-organizing Pony Days, tending the ice rink, setting up spaghetti dinners, and tackling projects in the Pony Park with his backhoe. He loved Pony and cherished any excuse to bring people together. Joan learned to keep the pantry stocked for the spontaneous gatherings he was famous for.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, C.B. and Alyce Brooke; his brother‑in‑law, Monte Ballou; and his infant niece, Jaqueline Brooke.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan of Pony; his children Jill (Clint) of Ranchester, WY; Pat (Megan) of Elko, NV; Kim (Blake) of Kalispell, MT; and Joe (Maddie) of Birmingham, AL. Pony Papa will be dearly missed by his grandchildren Hayden, Raegan, Harper, Daxton, Ryker, Rowan, and Kynlee. He is also survived by his siblings Mary-Margaret Brooke of Helena, MT; Dr. Paul Brooke of Idaho Falls; Dr. Dan (Theresa) Brooke of Miles City, MT; Will (Susan) Brooke of Bozeman, MT; and Shawn Brooke of Plentywood, MT.

A Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026-Larry's 70th birthday-at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Butte, Montana. A celebration will take place this summer in Pony for anyone not able to attend.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Continental Care in Butte, Madison Valley Medical Center, Madison Valley Manor, the Pony community, and all those in Larry's pack for the exceptional care, kindness, and support they offered to Larry and Joan over these past few years.

K&L Mortuary of Whitehall has charge of services: post remembrances, send cards and flowers online at www.kandlmortuaries.com/obituaries