Tom Oar is a former rodeo rider and a reality TV star who appeared on the History Channel’s show “Mountain Men”. He is known for his adventurous and self-reliant lifestyle in the remote wilderness of Montana. But who is the woman behind this rugged man? In this article, we will explore the life and relationship of Tom Oar and his wife, Nancy Oar.
How Tom Oar Met Nancy Oar
Tom Oar was born in 1943 in Illinois, where he grew up with a passion for the Wild West. He followed his father’s footsteps and became a performer in rodeo shows, riding horses and bulls for 18 years. He was one of the best in the business, until a near-fatal accident in 1970 left him with a severe concussion and bruising.
It was during his rodeo career that he met Nancy, who accompanied him to his events and supported him through his recovery. Nancy was reportedly present when Tom had his brush with death in 1970, when a bull named Woolly Bugger knocked him unconscious and dragged him around the arena. The bull died a few weeks later, while Tom returned to the ring a month after the incident. However, he soon realized that his glory days were over, and he decided to retire from rodeo in 1981.
How Tom Oar and Nancy Oar Moved to Montana
Inspired by his grandfather, who was a fur trapper in the 1800s, Tom Oar had a dream of living off the land in the wilderness. He convinced Nancy to join him, and in 1970, they moved to the Yaak River Valley in Montana, where they bought a piece of land and built a log cabin. They embraced the challenge of a simpler life, without electricity, plumbing, or modern amenities. They relied on hunting, fishing, trapping, and tanning hides for their food, clothing, and income. They also crafted shoes, hats, knives, and other items from leather and sold them online and at local markets.
Tom and Nancy faced many dangers and difficulties in their isolated home, such as wildlife attacks, harsh weather, poachers, and health issues. But they also found joy and peace in the beauty of nature and their bond with each other and their animals. They had two dogs, Ellie and Ollie, and a horse, Spike, who were their loyal companions.
How Tom Oar and Nancy Oar Became Famous
Tom Oar’s unique and adventurous lifestyle caught the attention of the History Channel, who approached him to be part of their reality series “Mountain Men” in 2012. The show followed the daily struggles and achievements of individuals living in America’s wilderness, such as Eustace Conway, Marty Meierotto, and Rich Lewis. Tom Oar became a fan favorite, as viewers were captivated by his survival skills, warm personality, and love for his family and animals. He appeared on the show for nine seasons, until his retirement in 2020.
How Tom Oar and Nancy Oar Retired to Florida
As Tom Oar grew older, he started to contemplate his retirement and his future. He realized that living in the wilderness was becoming harder and riskier for him and Nancy, especially during the long and cold winters. He also wanted to be closer to his family, as he had two children, Keelie and Chad, from his previous marriage, and several grandchildren. He decided to sell his Montana property and move to Florida, where he had a house and a boat. He made the transition in 2020, bidding farewell to his beloved home and his fans.
Tom Oar’s retirement marked the end of an era for the “Mountain Men” viewers, who admired his courage, resilience, creativity, and commitment to a life close to nature. He left behind a legacy of inspiration and admiration, as well as a net worth of $200 thousand, earned from his tanning and craftsmanship business and his role in the show. He died peacefully on September 22, 2023, in Florida, surrounded by his loved ones. He is remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a true mountain man.