The Man That Put Us on the Ranch - Gilbert's Tribute 

Gilbert gave you the American dream. Run with it Mike. You Got This !!!

Gilbert would be proud of you

Sure is dusty in here. "Run it into the ground" is encouragement to ride the ranch as far as it can take you. You are doing things that take it to the next level from what was available to Gilbert. Building multiple revenue streams and sales channels can only help. You scale up what works and change what needs improvement. Take time, every so often, to ask yourselves my favorite question, "If we knew what we were doing, what would we do?" Then plan accordingly. Thanks for taking us along.

Mike, I was touched by this video. I would be lying if I told you anything else but this video stopped me in my tracks this morning. I actually had to pause it and process my own emotions. I have two people in my life much like Gilbert. I call them Grandpa, but most just call them Cliff and Marve. Both men did not have to be Grandpa, they chose to be. I cant even begin to express what they taught me. I would not be here, or where I am today without them. People like Gilbert, and my Grandfather's are blessings in so many ways.

Great story Mike. You have a gift as a very good communicator. Gilbert would be very proud of what you and Erin have done with the ranch.

Doesn’t matter that I have heard it before, what you and Erin are doing is so honorable it is the bright spot in my day watching your videos. Gilbert would be SO PROUD!

Mike, loved this video, I am 76 yr old woman and have been watching you because it kind of helps me remember my time living in Wheatland Wyoming on my sisters farm with my husband, passed away 26 yrs. ago.. I was much younger then . I love you and your family and enjoy the girls and you son, I had the same kids you have. I pray you and your family know Jesus, He is coming back to get his church very soon and I pray that you and your wife are a part of the church. I haven’t seen any mention of God by anyone this is the only way I can witness to people so I want you to know Jesus loves you all and so do I. I pray Gods Blessings on you and your family . Carol Greenwood, Fort Collins CO.

My family is from the farm and although my mom and her siblings have passed, I often wonder what they would think about the world today. If Gilbert was like them, and I am sure he was, they would be focused on family, farm and faith. Keep up the great work Mike. You make my day!!

Gilbert is so proud of you Mike and so are we you came a long ways God bless

Mike, if you've got pregnant cows and a blizzard is coming, yep, they're gonna drop calves.......we always figured we could sleep in the spring. What a rich, wonderful life. I wish my wife and I would have had the chance that you guys did. My Dad decided to sell the place and I miss the old place every single day. It is nearly impossible to get enough money in one place to buy and I'm too old. As far as I'm concerned, you made the right decision and Gilbert is probably smiling down on you today and he's most likely be with you in the middle of the night when the calves come. Good luck to you. Tom

Everyone has someone that is a icon in their life. I can see that Gilbert was yours'. The person that makes the biggest significant change in who you are. You and yours where lucky to have him. Take care, and much love from Wisconsin.

Gilbert knew what he was asking. He knew you were up to the challenge and as believers, we know he is looking down with pride in what you are doing with the ranch. God Bless you and your family. Stay safe as you take care of all of those ladies.

Gilbert saw something in you that even you didn't see. A true gift indeed. He is very proud.

What a beautiful tribute to Gilbert! Thank you so much for letting us into your 'Wyoming Life' each day! Really look forward to it!

Rewatching this after Mikes video about the divorce.. my god.. makes me cry.

Mike, I have no doubts that Gilbert is chillin in a big golden recliner lookin down with a proud smile on his face. What big shoes yall have filled!!! May God bless!!

I’m a subscriber from Gillette and had no clue you guys were part of the Odekoven family. May Gilbert Rest In Peace and look down and smile on what all you guys are doing with the ranch.❤️

One couldn't wish for a more appropriate tribute. I wish we could meet some day, but I believe I've come to know you. Along with your family, I consider you my friend. I could say more, but I keep getting something in my eye. 😢 Thanks to you, and Mr, Gilbert.

Awesome tribute. I had the same relationship with my father in law. He passed away Jan 3, 2019. Not a whole farm, but he left me his love to take care of. Horses!

Yes Mike. It is something kind of special. So are you. And thats why he gave it to you. To care for his Ranch. God Bless you Mike. May your Ranch have many cattle, Erin's farm yield may crops and your lives be full of joy. I think it would be awesome to name your first bull calf Gilbert.

I need to find out who’s chopping onions....I’ll be right back.

A very emotional video for me. Gilbert’s birthday was the day after mine and he passed away the same year that my husband did. Thank you for sharing.

OMG! When you were standing by the gate, then Crackerjack walked into the frame and you suddenly looked very small!

You and Gilbert are cut out of the same fabric. Wonderful tribute and you belong on the land just as your father-in-law did. Bless you.

Ur doing a fine job.

Don’t worry about “harping on” your past and how y’all got here. Ranching and farming is all about family and tradition, and folks know that. You just keep making these good videos. God Bless! 🤠

Mike, thanks for sharing such a personal moment into your life...as usual. Knowing that you and your family are living the life you are living now is due to one key person, and honoring that person for it. I remember in one of your older videos you talked about Gilbert being in the hospital, close to death, unresponsive....and your telling him that you would not let the ranch fail, that you would not let it fail....and Gilbert squeezed your hand. I have watched a lot of touching moments being shared on RU-vid...but none compare to your promise to Gilbert and his accepting your promise just before he left this world knowing that his beloved ranch would live on. Rest In Peace Gilbert.....and know that Mike is "running it into the ground" for you.

Who the hell was the one who disliked this video? Shame on them.

I know you mentioned back at the beginning that these vlogs were going to be quick and may not be up to your usual quality standard, but this is one of the best videos you've put out (if not the best). And I have seen every single one. Thank you for sharing with us.

❤️ A beautiful tribute to your father in law. It took me back to my childhood on our farm with my father. I was last of 11 children and Daddy died the summer after my freshman year off college. He was only 66 but had been in a bad farm accident a few years earlier and it took a hard toll on his heart. He died of a heart attack. But he was a great father! Unlike your father in law Daddy didn’t want us to become farmers., He saw the writing on the wall with the bugging of big farming making its way. I’m sorry for your loss but I see you carry him in your heart açaí do with my father. I want to college to be a teacher and then moved to NYC where I taught for 26 1/2 years. My Dady never got to see that or meet my children or grandchildren. Burg he’s the one that always believed in me. Thanks for sharing your memories and reminding me of my Daddy. His birthday is Sunday the 5th.

He was telling you he had taken the ranch as far as he could now it’s your turn, and your doing a great job from what I’ve seen

Little "Brother"... I must be a huge baby cause you've got me crying like one ! You see.... I LOVE a Happy Ending

My Grandparents were my big influence. They had a farm. My uncle owned the land and lived 1/4 mile away but they were independent. We had heifers to raise and many chickens. A huge garden and many chores. I had to learn to grease machinery, hauling wood and clean out barns. Know you were up and dressed for the day by 6;00 and getting stuff done. It was a way of life I would never have known living in the city. I now am older and moved back out of the city and live on a hobby farm with a big garden and chickens. My grandkids can come and see a small vision of what I did. It is so important to have those people in your life.

Ok you got us all crying..you are a beautiful man, husband, father, friend. Thanks Mike.🙏🙏💕😂

You and the rest that reads this may dislike it. But God knew where you and your family belonged. Gilbert was just the messenger. God and Gilbert are always watching. God bless y'all.

Wow, what a tribute. Sounds like God used one very special man, to not only touch your heart, but to help guide you into doing something way bigger then you could of ever imagined. God Bless!

Mike, take pride in the gifts God entrusted to you. From your lovely wife, your children and all those critters on the ranch. You are a blessed man! Gilbert knew you were ready

This is a sad day for my family too. My mom died March 31, 2019. Today was our visitation for her. It still hurts very much. Praying for you and your family. My dad passed away March 17, 1986. So March has been a difficult month for us for a long time. I'm trying to decide what to do with our cattle farm. I'm getting too old to continue. Btw My mom was born the same year as Gilbert. I enjoy listening about your family's past. Good luck and may God bless you all with your future.

Mike you had a very best friend and that was Gilbert who is looking down on you today. I think you made the best decision to run the ranch also you have a lovely wife and kids and look at what all Erin is doing trying to prevent hunger and running a business that has topnotch beef with no drugs in it and that is what people are looking for today. Everyday this crazy world is changing and we can control it in certain ways. With the weather changes coming in I dred what you are going to go through, as you spend close to a year to get a healthy calf and you get crazy weather. I hope all goes well and you get through this with no problems just remember Gilbert is behind you all the way. Do did the right thing to come to the ranch, look at all the people you have met and people that watch your videos, I love them and so do alot of other people and with that said you just have to believe cuz you have 2 people watching over you and they haven't said no yet. Keep your videos coming we love them.

Mike, you have the voice for ranchin. When you turn the camera on yourself, you do not make a fool of yourself. RU-vid have proved that to be true. Funny how Gilbert knew exactly what to do by getting you involved in the ranch.

My dad didn’t have a will.. he had the plots and the headstone paid for. As eldest son my mom and I had to decide on coffin, etc. My mom had a will. She had everything picked out and paid for in advance. All my brother and I had to do for her funeral was say ok, ok, ok. Church funeral. Just make the flowers colorful. Please. Everyone. Have your preferences known or written down. Have a will, and living will in place. Especially in the dealings with current events. Life is fragile

I think this was your best video ever. You young man are doing a great service to us all. Thank you.

Ty for telling us about Gilbert. Mine was my daddy. I lost my hero and Daddy on St Patrick's Day. He was 92 yr old Marine. He was first into Japan and into Korea. Yes, I am 70 and was 6 months old when he left for Korea. He was one of the Chosin.

Thanks for letting Us see some of the History of the Ranch and Gilbert. I got kinda chocked up. My Dad was a Rancher too, So many memories. Thanks 🇺🇸

What a story to tell. I was born April 1 1956! Here's to Gilbert and to the success of the ranch! Good Luck Mike

God bless you and your family Mike. Gilbert had a passion for the ranch. He passed it onto you and Erin, which is in great hands. You are doing a great job. Gilby is looking down on you with the biggest smile knowing you are doing what you love.

Well done. In every ones life there is a Gilbert. One just has to take there help and believe in themselves. The land will remain long after we are gone. It will be the item that helps one live on.

God bless you Mike....Gilbert saw the man you would become if the ranch got into your blood. He is proud of you both and you are a blessing to all of us.

Gilbert had an eye for land, cattle, and family, and I think he knew you and Erin could carry on his love of all the above and all would be good. I am sure he was proud of y'all then and today, keeping the American dream going for the next generation. Thanks for sharing.

Mike, God bless you and your family!! You are doing a great job with the ranch. Every year cattleman have to adapt to what God gives us.

Every day you give tribute to Gilbert. The way you speak of him shows the respect and love you had for the man. His influence on you. Take pride in where you've come, his legacy lives on. He ushered you into a life not just a lifestyle. He watches over and without a doubt he's very proud. Thank you for sharing Gilbert with us.

Sounds like Gilbert was a very special Man. He knew what he was doing by asking you to stay on the ranch and keep it running. Mike, I'm not even close to being a rancher or farmer, but by all appearances it looks like you are doing a fine job and you and Erin are making Gilbert proud. Stay Strong and good luck with the storm and calving !

My daddy went to school with him in Gillette. I saw he was born in 1929. Daddy was born on the homestead Feb 14, 1931. Cecil Tom Day. Raised by his maternal grandparents, Harry and Edith Chloe Eskew. I'm positive they knew each other bc the school wasn't that big. I'm positive I want to come visit after all this virus stuff. I love that he believed in you. I'm sure he's proud of you!!!

We love you man. I’m sure Gilbert is beyond proud of you. This video really moved me. God Bless you and your family.

Awesome … Respect!! for the old!!..to the New!!!.... Stick in the Saddle!!

Much respect to you, Mike. Rest easy, Mr. Gilbert, a great American.

Gilbert was a special man and so are you...he would be very proud of you and Erin. And the #1 thing on my "bucket list" is to visit the ranch and meet you all. And to pet and get close to the cows, they have fascinated me all my life.😁

Mike you honor your father-in-law well. No worries about repeating and shoving it down our throats , as you put it. Wow! That tasted sweet!!

It's just one more indication that you are a man of honor and compassion. God bless you, Mike. Honoring Gilbert with this tribute is just so heartwarming. Thank you

Such a sweet tribute. Gilbert is watching over you all every minute! What a blessing to have this legacy in a working ranch. What precious memories!

From a city boy to Our Wyoming Life Run it in to the ground Wish you all the best and God bless Gilbert

What a special person Gilbert was. And the two of you follow in his footsteps. He is very proud of you and what you have done.

Mike don't ever say your sorry for telling your history. It is a part of you. I love hearing them because it reminds me of my days on the farm. It is your platform and you tell it anyway you want.

Mike, you're so blessed to have had such a man in your life who had such a positive influence on your life. Wiping tears as I post this.

Mike Gilbert would be proud of you and Aaron keeping his legacy alive

Nice job! Much better than the major media depictions of our town. On the edges, like all towns we have a small percentage of rough and roudys, but for the most part it's a melting pot of hard working folks, raising families. Having been here since the early 80's, I don't think I'd like anywhere else. It's a great Wyoming community and a lot of good people.

Mike, I think Gilbert would be very happy with the way you have taken care of the ranch.

Thank you Mike. Now I am going to go and finish my silly crying. Your Father in Law seemed like he was a good person who trusted you to entirety. One can appreciate that. Thank you for sharing. U r a good man Mike. Thank you for ur Service to our Country.

Very moving story. I know two farmers like Gilbert. With out them I would have never made it in life. They are both gone and I miss them every day. Thank's for sharing Mike, Keep up the good work and know that the good lord and Gilbert have your back!!

We are in our 70's, every evening we look forward to coming to the ranch, you have tought us more than we ever knew about ranching, but more important than that, you are persevering in our world that has changed dramatically. Thank you for the normalcy. One day we would love to hear you sing, you have a beautiful reassuring voice.

Your doing fine! I had a mother in law , Bonnie, very much like Gilbert. We don't have a ranch but we were both teachers. I still miss her everyday. Then after she passed an Aunt stepped in to be grandma to our daughter. She's been gone for 11 years. She was also a teacher! I miss them both!!

Funny how things work out. My folks are from Missouri yet they were living in Wheatland, Wyoming when I was born. My dad was digging water wells. When I was 3 years old we moved to St. Louis so that's where I grew up but I was, and still am, proud of being born in Wyoming. My mom passed away in 2013 and my dad just 6 months ago. He was 96 years old and one of the greatest men you could ever know. There's nothing wrong with showing your RU-vid family your emotions, Mike. We love who we love and miss them when they are gone. I'm glad you made this video today to show your love for Gilbert.

What a blessing. God knows what’s best. We just have to have that blind trust sometimes, which can be so scary. I’m a city lady from Michigan but I just love farming stories and the animals. I think sometimes think I was meant to be a farm lady. I ended up being a labor and delivery nurse which I very much understand giving birth and C-sections and having to induce labor to numerous patients. Just like you watch over your cows and making sure the calf is safe. Keep up the good work. God Bless

You guys are wonderful people. To have someone like you change path into ranching cattle, I must assume that he is a wonderful man. I hope you fortune on your family and your ranch in generations to come.

Is a dream come true for a lot of people specially fathers and grandparents is really important to have a legacy.

A very nice tribute for Gilbert. I always enjoy hearing about him.

Thanks for sharing Mike. I have heard some of the story before, but with new details every time, it brought tears to my eyes and fresh prayer for you and your wonderful family. God bless!

You were the one to continue Gilbert's journey, he chose well. He continues to walk beside you and Erin each day, even now. Ranching or Farming is one of the most rewarding and difficult occupations any person could do. It's filled with so many dangers people could never understand. But what you and your family get from this vast beautiful life you get to live is worth all the ups and downs you face. No you don't get rich maybe comfortable but the richness is in the experience. To watch life blooming and growing all around you each day is more than most ever could imagine. You grow to love each hill, each valley, every square inch of land, every animal, each new baby, and your home soon becomes your castle. Yes he chose well and his legacy lives on through you to each child and time continues to help you grow. Great tribute to the man who knew your strength before you ever seen it.I 💞💜

they dont make cowboys like him no more and you Mike following his steps and fulfilling his dream just makes you that much more awesome GREAT VIDEO

A very heartfelt vlog, Mike. Thank you for sharing these insights. It was a great tribute to Gilbert who was obviously the heart of the ranch that still beats on through you and the family.

My dad was born Mar 1 1929, he died Sept 15 2020. He grew up in Iowa. This video is very touching. Made me remember what a great guy dad was.

It’s more than luck..it’s a huge blessing. What a beautiful tribute!

Hey Mike what a beautiful tribute to Gilbert I think what Gilbert meant by run it into the ground was to see how far you can take the ranch and you done an excellent job he would be very very proud of you thank you for showing us who Gilbert the Rancher really was as you was talking about Gilbert I got a lump in my throat and teary eye he was one in a million and he knew that you could take care of the ranch even though you didn't think that you could do it he was a smart man one last thing his headstone is a perfect spot to keep a eye on the ranch your a good man Mike THANK YOU for sharing Gilbert with us 🙏

What an AMAZING man Gilbert was! He reminds me of my Uncle Bill who also raised cattle on 2000 acres in Tennessee which I also worked summers with my Uncle Bill. I KNOW how hard you guys work and also Gilbert and my Uncle Bill. His hands dwarfed mine and I’m 6’2” and by no means are my hands small but you could shake hands with my Uncle and immediately knew he was a HARD WORKING MAN by the strength and the callous’s on his hands! I miss my Uncle very much and I know you guys miss Gilbert!

You guys are the best for keeping Gilbert dream alive,may God bless you guys always, Gilbert is proud of you and believe me he is watching over you guys.

I knew Gilbert when I was a brand inspector in Campbell County from 1983 through 1995. He was always good for a story and liked to visit. I lived at Hayden Livestock and got to see Gilbert when he would stop by there. I enjoyed him and liked your tribute to my friend.

Great Tribute....and I'm sure he is proud looking on from the other side.....

Gone but nvr forgotten. Hes proud of u both for all the hard work yall do..

take it easy, your mentor is always with you. Good job. press on thru the storm and see you on the next one.

Exceptional well done. As you cruise around tonight checking those cows, Gilbert will be right there with you. So wonderful that he still has a view of the ranch. Yes, the people who influence us the most are never far away. Thanks Mike.

Little tear ran down my cheek!!! Gilbert is proud of you 2!!!👏👏👏💕

Oh wow! Watching the old videos to catch up on the history is both sweet and sad. This one made me cry. I have become accustomed to checking in on you and Erin nightly. I don’t know Gilbert but his legacy is beautiful.

That was a beautiful tribute to your father in law thank you for sharing 😢😢😢😢😢😢❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻Granny B.

Speaking for my self Mike I truly enjoy watching you make your own path now. You care for friends and your wonderful family. Please be safe in your work because a lot of times you are totally by yourself and you are taking risk just being around cows. let alone snakes and critters Thanks for your time

Gilbert blessed you with the ranch, and you have not squandered that blessing!

Thank you for that. Not only a great tribute to Gilbert, but a glimpse of what kind of man you are. One I would be proud to call FRIEND.

Hey Mike, Not everyone has a man like Gilbert to bless them like he blessed Erin, You and in turn, US!!! Thanks Gilbert!!! Thanks for what you did that has blessed us with this couple’s channel!!!

gilbert was a gift from god and he was blessed. blessed to have met your motherinlaw and you were in turn blessed to have been included in the family. i feel in your words you are very thankful and glad to be apart of the history behind the man awsome story enjoy your sharing that wonderful story

Very touching Mike. Much like my life on the farm. I apologize for any rude comments I've made. I'm in tears... I can't express what this video meant to me. That part of my life molded me into the man I am. God bless Junior and Gilbert!! Fine men!! THANK YOU!! M

While Gilbert obviously believed in you, you both deserve credit for accepting, continuing and building upon not only his legacy but that which you are setting in place for future generations of the ranch(enterprise). You may not have come up with the same family dynamics but you recognized these family values and had the grace to step up stand tall and lean into the wind. Good on you!