Russell Hillard Trostad passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, in Missoula, Montana, surrounded by those who loved him. Affectionately known as Russ, he lived a life rich with adventure, laughter, and an abiding love for the great outdoors.
Born June 19th 1951 to Nina (Johnson) and Roy Trostad and raised in North Dakota on the farm. Russ graduated from Binford High School and later attended the Bottineau School of Forestry. His deep-rooted passion for nature led to a long and fulfilling career with the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. He dedicated his life to protecting and preserving public lands -- and enjoying them every chance he got.
Russ had a zest for life that was impossible to ignore. He found joy in wide-open spaces, wild places, and the kind of quiet peace only found in nature. An avid hunter, fisherman, rafter, rock-skipper, and all-around country boy, he was always up for an adventure -- or a bit of harmless mischief. His hearty, nearly silent laugh, paired with a great one liner, was the hallmark of a truly great joke and a joy to those around him.
He took pride in teaching all of his kids and grandkids how to be handymen and complete a project together. Nothing made him happier than to know he taught us how to fix things around the house or around the cars just like we were on the farm. Going through his tools frequently was a great trip down memory lane.
Later in life, Russ surprised the family with a hilarious revelation: he had never learned to swim. This detail came to light only after he jumped off a boat in the middle of the ocean in Mexico to go snorkeling -- without mentioning it to anyone. Don't worry -- he survived just fine and had a fantastic day, though the tour guides nearly had a heart attack. It was one of many quirks that made Russ truly unforgettable.
Russ is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Darcy Peterman Trostad; his daughter, Tara Lee Trostad (Scott) Johnson of Missoula, MT; and his son, Ryan Russell Trostad (Beth Arnold) of Houston, TX. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Makayla (Michael) White, Spencer, Hayes, and Avery. He is also survived by his brothers, Steven (Sandy) Trostad, Mark (Leslie) Trostad as well as numerous Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, and Nephews. Russ was preceded in death by his brother David (Rita) Trostad, his sister, Jeanne Richardson, and his niece, Kristi (Dean) Reiter.
A celebration of Russ's life will be held on October 12th at 1:00 PM at The Pressbox in Missoula, Montana. All are welcome to come, share stories, laughter, and raise a glass in his honor.
Russ's spirit lives on in every mountain breeze, every wild river, and every laugh shared among friends. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.