Glen Albert Grindstaff passed away on Feb. 1, 2024, in New Plymouth Idaho. In cowboy fashion Glen left this world swiftly and much too suddenly for us all. 

Glen was born in an apartment in Burns, on May 20, 1937, to Ray and Evelyn Grindstaff. He was the older brother to Leroy and Chuck. Glen later tended for both younger brothers in their later years when their health failed. He told his mother he wanted to be a cowboy at the early age of four. As a young man, Glen loved anything fast! His love for animals began early and he was never without a dog by his side. He loved a good horse, but honestly he loved all animals.  

Young Glen spent much of his time on the Garrett Ranch in Lake County. His cousins Barbara, Reha and Mickey were like siblings, and he remained close with them until his last days. His Uncle Ed and Aunt Mildred worked him hard, taught him to pitch loose hay and feed cows with a team of horses, rope and love the life of a buckaroo. This work was done without modern day conveniences like trailers and motorized haying equipment. Strong muscles and long days were required. 

Young Glen loved to race. He was a contestant entering horseback relay races, watermelon races, bareback riding contests, horse roping, chariot races and driving fast cars. As a senior in high school, he and his best friend picked up a girl and her friends coming home from the Lake County Roundup. This girl was Polly Chandler, who would become his wife of 67 years.  

Glen and Polly were married in Reno in 1957. Their oldest daughter, Jackie, was born in Lakeview soon after while they were employed at the Garrett Ranch. Glen was living the life he had hoped for as a buckaroo while starting their family. He worked for ranches, trained and shod horses to make a living. In the following few years, Larry was born and the Grindstaff family began the romantic gypsy lifestyle of a cowboy family. They moved frequently over the years. The kids spent long days on horseback with their father. Ranch jobs took them from the Westside in Lake County to Harney County at Wagontire and the Double O. When they were employed at Sodhouse for the McEwen ranch, their youngest daughter, Kristi was born. Glen continued to work as a cowboy, teaching his children the way of life and never missing an opportunity to take them along. Cattle drives were western and often took days trailing the cattle and nights away from home. These trail drives were some of his favorite memories. Soon, the first two grandchildren were also riding along in the cow truck, branding calves or in the saddle trailing cows.

After the 100 year flood, and the Sodhouse ranch being flooded out, Glen and Polly moved to Burns and purchased their own place and herd of cattle. This was fulfilling his lifelong quest of being a cowboy. While living in Burns he also worked as a jailer at the Harney County Jail, where he made more lifelong friends including both staff and inmates! Hunting was a passion for Glen, and he spent time with his family and dear friends chasing after big bucks and bull elk. Grandchildren joined the family, and he was always in the stands watching and cheering them on. All his children and grandchildren were involved in 4-H and the cowboy lifestyle. He has never been afraid to brag about their accomplishments. Glen was always willing to help a neighbor or have them stop in to play some cards and visit. 

In his later years, he and Polly moved once again, buying a small ranch, in Idaho to be closer to family. He was there to welcome another grandchild and then the addition of great grandchildren into the family tree. Nothing made him happier than having a big party with family. There was always a sparkle in his blue eyes while he told stories about the good ol’ days. He was great at making everyone believe they were his favorite. His love for cowboy traditions was passed down to his family. Whether it was bull riding, team roping, ranch rodeo, breakaway or branding, school sports, he never missed an opportunity to jump in the truck and tag along.  

Glen made lifelong friends wherever he was. He never met a stranger and loved visiting new people. Memories of Glen are often tall tales that involve laughter and grit. He was a cowboy until the end, never to be seen in anything but a cowboy hat, jeans, and his belt buckle.  In recent years when he had trouble getting around, he used handmade walking sticks crafted by several lifelong friends. He appreciated them but he sure did not appreciate needing help walking.

Glen’s legacy will live on in his family which was his biggest accomplishment. He is survived by his wife, Polly; his children, Jackie and Greg Allum, Larry Grindstaff and Jacee Portenier, Kristi and Shane Wallace; his grandchildren, Angie Allum, Shelli and Joel Scrivner, Austin and Bailey Grindstaff and Bodee Wallace; his great-grandchildren, Emma Scrivner, Denton Scrivner, Bryndle Grindstaff and Oakley Grindstaff. He counted many friends as family, and they were incredibly special to him including Carla Hoffman.