“THIS IS TRULY A REMARKABLE FILM”
about a remarkable family, their neighbors, and the never ending labors. So interesting, happy, sad, thought-provoking, and amazing.
– Nancy M.
Real Quotes from Real Viewers
"go see it"
If you haven't seen this movie, GO SEE IT. If you've seen it, see it again. Very enjoyable.
- Julie G.
"one of the best"
I wanted to let you know I LOVED Ocean Of Grass. Such a beautiful story. Truly one of the best shows ever, shows the spirit & hearts that make this place special.
"incredibly realistic"
An incredibly realistic, deeply beautiful film about ranching in the Sandhills. It utterly captured the culture, ethos & authenticity of the ranching community. A visually breathtaking film that fully demonstrates the rich landscapes of Nebraska.
"This movie is real! It tells the real story of the American rancher and accompanies that story with naturally beautiful scenery. A true American way of life."
- Christy U.
"worth the watch"
I bought this and loved it! Just an absolute testament to the hard working cattlemen and beautiful grasslands. This land and its PEOPLE are National Treasures. The DVD is well worth the watch and the money.
- Linda M.
"Really the most beautiful movie I've ever seen."
- Kim A.
"Best way to grow up"
From this old farm girl....I loved it. Best way to grow up in the country.
"Totally unique, a sublime film with a focused eye"
"I viewed the film 'Ocean of Grass' yesterday. Couldn't get it out of my mind this morning. I kind of felt like I'd gone home for a visit!"
- San Diego, CA.
"One of my favorite ALL TIME films!"
- Kim A.
"An absolutely phenomenal documentary"
- Linda J.
"We watched it last night and definitely a good choice! THANK YOU for making the movie and sharing your life with us."
- Renee A.
"I really enjoyed this film and learned new things about the Sandhills. I would recommend watching this!"
- Kay V.
"I have the video - watched it and loved it! I grew up on a farm in South Dakota."
- Ken M.
"wonderful show"
It was such a wonderful show, should be in ALL the theaters in our state!
"My Christmas gift of your DVD to two family members was a hit!!! They were so surprised and LOVED the movie."
- Ruth S.
"artistic"
The film was artistic and beautiful. Congratulations, so well done!
- Brian B.
"emotional roller coaster"
It was an emotional roller coaster to watch. I laughed and cried!
- Melanie D.
"Ordered this heart-warming film about the joys and struggles of real people, honest, hard-working, and salt-of-the-earth human beings. Beautiful scenery. I will watch it again and again."
- Peggy W.
"thank you"
Thank you for doing this film- so much education about the McGinn family & the sandhills- love this part of Nebraska.
"Amazing film. I'm so thankful 8 members of my family spanning 3 generations attended together this past weekend. A great way to celebrate our ranching heritage."
- Amber F.
"I have been waiting"
I LOVE this movie and am so happy that it is finally on DVD. I have been waiting!
- Marguerite L.
"beautiful and phenomenal"
A most BEAUTIFUL & PHENOMENAL documentary! One might need to go more than once as I saw more in depth the second time!
- Linda J.
"remarkable beauty"
It was wonderfully done and captured the remarkable beauty of the sandhills, and her people.
"I bought OCEAN OF GRASS...It is AWESOME. I ranched in the Sandhills for over 15 years in my youth. This family film is true to ranch life. Your whole family will learn & enjoy."
- Bill H.
"A must-see! It's the way we Sandhillers live."
- Shelly M.
"it needs to go nationwide"
I am from Nebraska and got to see it while back there in North Platte. FABULOUS FILM, it needs to go nationwide.
- Jacquie B.
"What I found so endearing about the movie is that, though I don't know the people in the film, I know them under different names. They gather on stormy days around the table in the local cafe for coffee. I felt invested in the film."
- Caryl H.
"would go again"
(saw the film) in Broken Bow & again in Kearney. Would go again, very awesome documentary!
- Ryan D.
"going again"
A beautiful movie about ranching in Nebraska Sandhills. It was so good, I am going again today...you don't want to miss this artful documentary.
"if you love Nebraska"
Excellent! I'm so glad I was able to see this documentary. If you LOVE Nebraska, don't miss this!
- Jason T.
"excellent documentary"
This is an excellent documentary, especially for those who love Nebraska or have a connection to our beautiful state! Be sure to see it!
- Jane R.
"great memories!"
Fabulous film...taking my husband today after seeing it yesterday. Great memories!
"Love this show. One of the best movies I've ever seen. It's so honest and down to earth. We need more of that these days."
- Joyce L.
"Bought a copy of the DVD, watched today and loved it! Very well done...cowboys are sooo low-key and funny. You captured that attribute perfectly."
- Jayn L.
" Flawlessly shot and artfully edited, I was really moved by the story and your admiration & affection for your subjects."
- Michelle Kantor
Founder, Cinefemme
Los Angeles, CA
"Ordered & watched last night. Powerful. The real deal. Story of so many of our ranchers but particularly poignant... Real people helping each other in time of need."
- Kris R.
"Purchased this movie and have already watched it twice!"
- Janet W.
"A must for every Christmas stocking!"
- Joanne B.
"30 dvd's"
Put me down for 30 DVD's...that was tremendous.
- Rich F.
"It was truly amazing and a work of art. Brought me back to my teens growing up with cattle and horses. I was glued to the screen the whole time."
- Tyson K.
"Go people!! It is a GREAT show!! So real!!"
- Becky R.
"Great movie! It brought back lots of memories for my husband who visited his grandfather's farm every summer in the Sand Hills."
- Judy B.
"outstanding film!"
Outstanding film! My husband and I enjoyed it immensely. Highly recommend everyone see it!! Well done!!
- Roberta H.
"gather around"
You may not know the people in the film, but you know people just like them: they gather around a big table at the restaurant on rainy days, talk land & cattle & machines. Most days they are on the land, working it, loving it, & hating it. This is a beautiful film, and well worth the time.
"make plans to see it"
If you have not seen this film yet, make plans to see it...What an amazing way to honor Nebraska beef producers.
"Love this, I can watch it again and again, they captured it!!!!"
- Bonnie P.
"Such a dynamic story...what a great family!"
- Laura M.
" My wife and I just received and watched our DVD. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Beautifully written and the cinematography was excellent."
- Cliff S.
"connected with it"
Thank you for all the work you put into the film. I really enjoyed the film and connected with it. It's safe to say that everyone in the audience did as well!
- Mark W.
"God's country"
A great movie about great people in God’s country.
"emotions"
Everyone will find scenes that touch their emotions.
- Ed W.
"Defines a new genre of documentary film..."
"full of feeling and emotion"
I have it! I love it! This film is full of feeling and emotion - it's terrific! Watched it twice so far. It ain't easy being a rancher or a farmer!
- Carol E.
"powerful & proud"
Wonderful experience. Powerful. Proud to be a Nebraskan. Proud of my ranching family’s heritage. You captured it all in your film.
- Mark H.
"A movie where the audience applauds when it is over. Truly stunning!!"
- Margie G.
"We've watched it three times"
- Mary M.
"My mother grew up in Thedford, Nebraska. I bought this for her, she loved it!"
- Erika G.
"(Joutras') depiction of a people and place without adornment or agenda is a cinematic rarity."
- Leo Adam Biga
author of "Alexander Payne, His Journey in Film"
"I sobbed with homesickness when I watched it."
- Joan H.
"totally enjoyed it"
My 2nd time seeing it & my husband's first. He totally enjoyed it and coming from a farming background could relate to the calving season. We really enjoyed the Q&A afterwards. Georg, your journey to make this film is truly amazing!
- Becky W.
"so interesting"
My sister and I took our parents Sunday evening. We all LOVED it!!!!! So good. So interesting!!
- Tamie T.
"not typical"
Not a typical Hollywood drama - the drama comes as the viewer allows him/herself to virtually transcend beyond the screen & embrace the raw reality of this lifestyle.
- Karla D.
"My husband and I...country boy & city girl...watched it today and we both loved it!."
- Theresa K.
"Loved it...makes me want to get back out to the Sandhills of Nebraska, so beautiful!!!!"
- Jan E.
"Great movie, loved it. I'll never complain about feeding cows in the winter again."
- Debra E.
"respect"
You can sense the filmmakers respect for the Sandhills region...
"outstanding!"
It was amazing! The cinematography, music, and the insight into the lives of the multi-generational Sandhills ranchers was outstanding! Hope you have additional showings throughout the state so others can be informed and enriched!
"an awesome show"
This is an AWESOME show!! I encourage anyone to attend...not just the ranchers.
- Mary M.
"The best film about contemporary Sandhills ranching."
- John F.
"great admiration"
Such a great film! Beautifully photographed and so interesting. I felt great admiration for the families who are featured -- and the ones I know who live similar lives.
- Carla H.
"it was amazing!"
I finally got to see Ocean of Grass! It was amazing! It told the story of the Sandhills/ranching so well.
"Really powerful, emotional. A very moving and intimate story with breathtaking scenery. And it clearly struck a chord with the audience."
- Tom L
"a glimpse of ranch life"
It gives a glimpse of ranch life in the Sandhills and how one family has made it work for 130 years....no small feat! The photography was wonderful too!! I really enjoyed it!
"spellbound"
The audience, which was spellbound, sat for a long time after the film was over, then ROARED and CLAPPED! It was amazing.
- Patsy S.
" Anyone who wonders about the 'real' ranching, not the Hollywood or cheesy 'Yellowstone' variety, should see this film. It's wonderful. Highly recommend it! Easy to order and the service is great!"
- Marty S.
"What a great movie about ranch life!! It is a true picture of how much work goes into raising cattle!!"
- Linda M.
"This movie was awesome"
This movie was awesome!! Could really relate as a rancher's daughter. Also, informs folks what a rancher goes through to get beef on their table.
- Beth L.
"I've seen it multiple times. Heartwarming, which is good when it's 14 below."
- Rory B.
"I bought one for every branch of the family tree and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed it!"
- Sara B.
"own a copy"
Excellent movie. Went to the theater to see it. Knew then I would buy it if it became available on DVD. Now I own a copy.
- Deb R.
"We recently purchased this movie & received it very quickly. My husband laughed at how many times I cried & laughed at the film. We both thought it was incredibly well done and a must see. We couldn't recommend this movie more!"
- Jennifer G.
"People need to see the hardships & sacrifice ranch families go through to see what's really at stake. It's a way of life, not a job."
- Flyin O Ranch
"If you are from Nebraska, this is a must! Every Christmas tree needs this under it!"
- JoAnne B.
"a worthy watch"
This is such a worthy watch!! If you haven't seen it yet, mark your calendar and go!
- Sheri L.
"We watched this movie the day after Christmas. What a wonderful film, we really enjoyed it!!"
- JoAnn T.
"so geniune"
Loved your film, so genuine but not sugar coated. I'm normally a clock watcher but when your film ended I said 'Oh no! It's over already!
"masterpiece"
You will laugh, cry and fall in love all over again with ranch life in the Sandhills of Nebraska. Thank you for this masterpiece that is hands down my favorite film of all time.
- Tessa Q.
"love their animals"
Truly showed how livestock people love what they do & how much they love their animals. I hope you have great success in getting this into larger urban areas to help alleviate some of the myths & rumors people in Ag face.
- Suzy K.
"passion"
Your film is amazing!! You captured the grit & passion of the McGinns & their neighbors and the beauty of the Sandhills perfectly! Thank you!!
- Helen C.
"complex"
(The film contains characters) as complex as any that our fellow Nebraskans Henry Fonda or Marlon Brando created.
- William G.
"I watched it TWICE last night and will soon give it to my brother, who raises black cattle in the hilly Missouri Ozarks. Lovely!
- Karen M.
"A truly FABULOUS film! GO SEE IT!"
- Kari B.
"my third viewing"
Great story and photography!! This is my THIRD viewing. It's well worth seeing.
- Joe C.
"I bought this movie as a Christmas gift to myself.....I just finished watching it and it was everything I expected it to be."
- Timothy S.
"Got this for my husband for Christmas. He grew up in the Sandhills. He LOVED IT !!"
- Pamela S.
"feel good"
At the end, you just feel good. We need more of these movies.
"A great show! Tells it like it is!"
- Chuck M.
"vision"
Tom Larson's musical score works wonderfully to reinforce the filmmakers' vision.
"true grit"
I couldn't wait to see this documentary, last week I did, and it hasn't left my mind since...I knew it would be heartfelt, TRUE GRIT, and touch the memories of many. I was crying within a minute, and throughout, and with laughter and continuous smiles mixed in.
"WOW"
Wow! What an amazing film! I loved every minute of it.
- Becki S.
"an impressive achievement that showcases ranching with a meditative touch"
"This is a GREAT movie!"
- Joe G.
"I saw 'Ocean of Grass'...loved it. Beautiful & timeless. Love for the Sandhills & it's people have never left me. So grateful for the lessons...even sharpening mower blades taught me patience in my youth."
- Marc E.
"This is a GREAT film for anyone who loves the country life and farming & ranching. I've seen it and would go to see it again."
- Betty E.
"just oozed the Sandhills"
I just loved the film. It captured a simple, slow way of life on a family ranch with great story telling & humor, and just oozed the Sandhills.
"we LOVED it"
Saw the movie with my Mom & we LOVED it. Mr. McGinn had us in tears and stitches. Feeding range cubes out his pickup window & sitting with his coffee had us both tearing up. My Dad's favorite thing was to get a box of donuts, a cup of coffee, the OWH & head to the pasture. He'd find his herd and park in the middle of them.
"You have made an exceptional movie that I am sharing with my neighbors."
- Cade H.
"This is the most amazing film! Loved watching this!"
- Pat H.
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“A TOTALLY UNIQUE FILM”
that bridges the gap between a documentary and a feature. With a pacing that reflects the Sandhills, this is a masterpiece.
– Patricia R.
Recommended order-by dates for DVD/BluRay delivery by December 24*
*Actual delivery date may vary depending on origin, destination, Shipper acceptance and other conditions, including COVID delays.
We highly recommend you order before these cutoff dates as we are not responsible for shipper delays.
Shipping deadlines are for USA orders only.
We highly recommend you order before these cutoff dates as we are not responsible for shipper delays.
Shipping deadlines are for USA orders only.
3 Ways to Purchase OCEAN OF GRASS
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“You haven’t seen this movie yet?”
What are you waiting on? Your family will love it!! Watch it together!
-Bev C.
A Tribute to Mike McGinn (1936-2021)
As Cass and I were out yesterday, I was sharing stories of different times. I told Cass we work in a unique business, a business centered around tribal learning. It’s the lessons and stories elders gave us that we treasure. Whenever I’m on the ranch and find myself struggling, I ask myself what would Uncle Mike do! His passion for ranching and its unique culture has always been very special to me, and I thank him for giving me those gifts that I can share with my children. In ranch life, legends never die. This is evident as our ancestors whisper to us as we walk through the pastures.
-Matt McGinn
Watch the Film Trailer
Upcoming Screenings
After 18 months in theaters, OCEAN OF GRASS is now available on DVD, High Definition Blu-ray, and ON DEMAND Digital.
” (Joutras’) depiction of a people and place without adornment or agenda is a cinematic rarity.”
– Leo Adam Biga, author of “Alexander Payne, His Journey in Film”
” The audience, which was spellbound, sat for a long time after the film was over, then ROARED and CLAPPED! It was amazing. ”
– North Platte, Nebraska
“YOU HEAR THE AUTHENTIC VOICES”
of the ranchers as the director weaves a story with deft subtlety, never imposing a false narrative of what it means to live this life.
-Samuel B.
The Film: “This all started because I went to a bar”
In 2003 filmmaker Georg Joutras was visiting the McGinn Ranch, a then 120 year old family ranching operation in the Nebraska Sandhills. While consuming a beverage or two at the Double T Bar in Halsey, Nebraska, Georg casually asked Laron McGinn if he might create a large-format photographic book about the ranch. While not specifically saying “Yes”, Laron didn’t say “No”. As Georg later stated, “That was good enough for me!”.
Flash forward ten years – the book project long ago completed and searching for another meaningful project to tackle, this time in the film and video realm. The lure of the McGinn Ranch, and its magical hold on all who experience it, is a story Georg long wanted to tell in this immersive form. Twenty-two months of filming later, “Ocean of Grass, Life on a Nebraska Sandhills Ranch” was born.
Travel to this hidden, idyllic location as the movie documents the fascinating people, the lands, its creatures, and the daily struggles to maintain a viable family cattle ranching operation. Guided by the hands of 3rd and 4th generation ranchers, OCEAN OF GRASS is a story of perseverance, of rebirth and death, hard work, sacrifice, ongoing stewardship of the land and care for its creatures presented in an lyrical, emotional, and beautifully filmed journey though the past and present. The film slowly peels back the layers of the interesting, heartfelt, and reserved folks who inhabit and coexist with the lands of the McGinn Ranch.
The ranch itself is a very much a living organism, alive in every way. Walk the prairie that encapsulates the ranch property, and one senses the life and energy that emanates from within. It faces constant assault and interaction with the elements of weather, be it storms, drought, blizzards, or one of the many serene and tranquil days that covers the land. The feeling of contentment and being one with our planet on these special days is indeed fuel for the soul.
This documentary film presents the unique visual viewpoint of Producer/Director/Cinematographer Georg Joutras within an immersive, experiential form.
Featured in the film – Artist/Rancher Laron McGinn
A 4th generation rancher, Laron McGinn was raised in the Sandhills of Nebraska. He has a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration from the University of Arizona, and has worked extensively throughout the Southwest and the Los Angeles metro.
Drawn back to the Sandhills beauty and open spaces, Laron now paints and works on the his family’s 1870’s homestead ranch near Dunning, Nebraska. Laron’s experiences with the ranching lifestyle combined with extensive travels in Europe are reflected in his unique artistic style. His mediums of choice are pencil drawings and alkyd or acrylic paintings.
Press Coverage
Click on images to see story
Appearance promoting Ocean of Grass on NTV’s “Good Life” program.
Back by Popular Demand at the IMAX
Georg Joutras discusses the path to making his new documentary Ocean of Grass, “the most successful independent film made in Nebraska”
Friday LIVE video stream about “Oceans of Grass”starts at 19:00 mark.
Rancher/Artist Laron McGinn tells us about his role in Ocean of Grass
Life on a Nebraska Sandhills Ranch
Find out more about life on a Sandhills ranch
1011tv -The film called “Ocean of Grass” tells the story of life on a Sandhills ranch
Georg Joutras’ Ocean of Grass
“It’s kind of become the little film that can”
OMAHA MAGAZINE Presents: Georg Joutras
A Visual Journey of Ranch Life
Multiple Sold Out Shows
NET-Radio Interview with filmmaker Georg Joutras starts at 08:00 mark.
A film about the feel of the place & the people & the landscape
Life in the Sandhills Portrayed in Film
A film detailing life on a Sandhills ranch is playing at theaters across Nebraska.
A community event and fundraiser.
It’s not every day you have the opportunity to watch a movie featuring real-life ranching in the Nebraska Sandhill
Nebraska Ranching Family Hits the Big Screen
Custer Co. Foundation Receives Donation from Tiffany Theater “Ocean of Grass” Ticket Sales
Ocean of Grass documents ranch life
Ocean of Grass – A Way of Life
KRVN interview with Georg Joutras
Documentary Offers View of Sandhills Life
Story: The Zen Ranch
(click image for story)
SHARE THIS FILM AND WEBSITE WITH OTHERS
WE LOVE THE SANDHILLS!
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
My history with the McGinn Ranch began in 2003 when I stopped in a for what I thought would be a couple hours’ visit. Almost a week later, I finally dragged myself away from the meditative essence and intriguing personalities of the ranch. Since then I have visited the ranch too many times to count. I find its Zen-like magic never ceases to reinvigorate my being.
The people that call this place home are a unique breed: hard working, private, confident, honest, artistic and, as Laron McGinn states, “comfortable in their own skin”. This area is a land of limited population, even more limited job opportunities, and a harshness brought on by climate. But the Sandhills of Nebraska can also be idyllic, sublime, and on those special days in the spring and fall, truly magical.
My goal in making this film was to capture what makes this region, and specifically this ranch, so special. Those who have visited will know to what I refer. There is a relaxed, yet watchful, atmosphere here. Combine this with the personalities of many who are larger than life, OCEAN OF GRASS provides a compelling and honest window into the ranching lifestyle, and a view back to many Americans’ historic vision of what makes this country great.
“I am not necessarily telling a STORY, I am telling a FEELING“
I’ve been asked how would I explain the film. At a basic level, it can be simply stated as “a year in the life of a ranch”.
But thematically, I am not necessarily telling a story, I am telling a feeling.
The film presents itself in a pacing reminiscent of how I was exposed to the ranch…in a measured, timeless, and somewhat meandering manner: the same way a person gets to know any place in depth. Each time I visited I learned more about this place, this region, and the people that call the Sandhills home.
It is the feeling of this particular ranch – at this moment in time – I attempt to capture in the film.
Meeting the individuals of this area, one notices that the people can be somewhat reserved. You get to know them slowly, similar to peeling back the layers of an onion, each layer presenting you something different. The story eventually coalesces together in a sum larger than the parts, leaving the viewer with an intuitive feeling for the people and the place.
This film is not presented in the typical story arc. The story was dictated by the ranch, what it presented each day, and imbues a slow buildup of character development and appreciation of the Sandhills Region. OCEAN OF GRASS is an organic journey, some may say about nothing, but in reality it is about everything important in life all rolled up into the ranch. Life, family, gratitude, hard work, perseverance, the love of one’s God, friends and community. In the end, it is an honest and personal look at being who you are and treating all inhabitants of this earth with respect.
OCEAN OF GRASS was filmed over a 22 month span in Custer County, Nebraska. I assisted in the day to day activities on the ranch during my visits, but had to be ready to switch into cinematographer mode to capture those moments that encapsulate the ranch narrative.
If you go out there, driving through the hills in a pickup as the cows are fed, or helping with the rituals of roundup and branding, I hope you will find this film captures what you feel. It is the experience of the ranch, the realness and the rightness of this place and the Sandhills people in general.
-Georg Joutras
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Cast & Crew Bios
Georg devoted almost 4 years to bringing his vision for the Ocean of Grass movie to completion. Always one to get his hands dirty (“that’s where the fun is”), Georg acted as the Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Sound Recorder, Film Editor, and Colorist for the film, learning new skills as needed. While filming, he was involved in the daily operations of the ranch. Georg’s ability to anticipate and capture the defining moments of the ranch story brings a new level of immersion to the experience of watching the film.
This is his first feature length film.
He resides in Lincoln, Nebraska but continues to visit the ranch to reconnect with the essence of life and nature.
Michael Conway McGinn, 85, of Dunning, Nebraska, passed away on September 19, 2021.
Mike was born on May 17, 1936, to Charley and Helen (Conway) McGinn at the family homestead west of Anselmo, Nebraska. After graduating from high school in Curtis, Nebraska, he came home to the family ranch where he spent his entire life as a rancher.
In 1956 he married Patti Iverson in Anselmo, Nebraska. After marriage, they moved to the McGinn Ranch south of Dunning. They raised two children, Laron McGinn of Dunning, and Karyn Seeley of Halsey.
Mike’s passion for ranching and flying spanned his entire life. He loved traveling the country with his family, visiting all 50 US states and Europe. He also enjoyed many trips with in-laws, Jim and Colleen Higgins, and Sue and Dick Clark.
Over the years, Mike welcomed hundreds of visitors to the ranch. He was always proud to show off the Sandhills and loved giving guests their first airplane ride. Mike was an avid chronicler of precipitation. He was known for his unique wit, a sly smile, strong faith, and his common decency.
Mike had great compassion for the cattle and horses that spent their lives on the ranch, and he loved his dachshunds, Dope, Puddles, Poo, and Pixley. In addition, he raised an impressive herd of damn barn cats.
After the death of Patti in 1980, he married Jan Featherston in 1987. Jerri Edelman came to live with Mike and Jan in 1990 and became a cherished sibling of the McGinn family.
Mike was preceded in death by parents Charley and Helen, wives Patti and Jan, stepson Craig Harris, and numerous close Sandhills friends.
He is survived by brother Butch (Shirley) McGinn, son Laron McGinn, daughter Karyn (John) Seeley, Jerri (Michael Zadiek) Edelman, grandchildren Jake (Megan) Seeley, Jess (Anna) Seeley, Cole (Jonnie) Seeley, eight great grandkids, and Jan’s children Valerie Harris, Julie (Bob) Long, Michael McCamley, Cindy (Wayne) Harris-Fuhrer, plus numerous nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to acknowledge the compassionate care he received at Brookestone View in Broken Bow, Nebraska.
Funeral services were Thursday, September 23, 2021, at the St. Anselm’s Catholic Church in Anselmo, NE with Father Neal Nollette officiating. Burial followed in the St. Anselm’s Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Anselm’s Catholic Church or St. Anselm’s Catholic Cemetery.
An online guest book may be signed at www.govierbrother.com.
Laron McGinn
Sandhills ArtA RANCHER WITH A PAINTING PROBLEM
View Laron’s art at www.laronmcginn.com.
Matt was a member of the University of Nebraska Football team that won national championships in the 1990’s, and is the head coach for the Anselmo-Merna football team in his spare time. He is the son of Butch McGinn, and is married with 3 children
Tom Larson
A Musician of the SoulCOMPOSER, JAZZ PIANIST, RECORDING ENGINEER, EDUCATOR, AUTHOR
Hear Tom’s music at www.tomlarsonmusic.net.Among his credits are the scores for three documentaries for the PBS American Experience series (a production of WGBH-TV, Boston): In the White Man’s Image, Around the World in 72 Days, and Monkey Trial (which won a 2002 Peabody Award). He also scored the documentaries Willa Cather: The Road is All for WNET-TV (New York), Ashes from the Dust for the PBS series NOVA, and the PBS specials Standing Bear’s Footprint, Most Honorable Son and In Search of the Oregon Trail.
Tom has written extensively for the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications, South Dakota Public Broadcasting and the University of Illinois Asian Studies Department. His music has also been used on the CBS-TV series The District. His commercial credits include music written for Phoenix-based Music Oasis, LA-based Music Animals, Chicago-based Pfeifer Music Partners and General Learning Communications, and advertising agencies in Lincoln and Omaha.
As a recording engineer, Tom has worked on numerous projects as tracking, mixing, and/or mastering engineer for artists such as Paul Barnes, Jackie Allen, Hans Sturm, François Rabbath, Diane Barger, Paul Haar, The Nebraska Jazz Orchestra, The Concordia String Trio, Brad Colerick, and others.
Tom is also the author of three college textbooks, The History and Tradition of Jazz (5th ed.), Modern Sounds: The Artistry of Contemporary Jazz (2nd ed.), and The History of Rock and Roll (5th ed.), all of which are published by Kendall/Hunt Publishing (Dubuque, IA). His CD of original jazz compositions, Flashback, was released in 2003. He has studied jazz piano with Dean Earle, Fred Hersch, Bruce Barth and Kenny Werner, jazz arranging with Herb Pomeroy and music composition with Robert Beadell and Randall Snyder. In addition to performing with jazz ensembles throughout the Midwest and East Coast, he has performed with Paul Shaffer, Victor Lewis, Dave Stryker, Chris Potter, Jackie Allen, Bobby Shew, Claude Williams, Bo Diddley, the Omaha Symphony, the Nebraska Chamber Orchestra, the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra, and Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra.
A Lincoln native, Tom received a Bachelor of Music in Composition from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts and a Master of Music in Composition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is also an avid runner, and completed the Boston Marathon in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Riggin Scott Anderson (20) born on March 19th 2000 in Broken Bow Nebraska to Kevin and Jody and older brother Kale. He was joined in birth with twin brother Ridge. At a very young age Riggin became extremely busy and interested in motors and anything that ran, this favorite thing then, a vacuum cleaner. He and his brother were always doing something, no rock left unturned in this little town. Riggin’s love of motors evolved to bigger things like the diesel pick up he drove and the surf boat he, Ridge and friends loved to spend time in at Lake McConaughy. A Huge outdoorsman he was, hunting many things throughout the year. Riggin was a very hard worker and was never one to just sit and do nothing. He had hardworking hands but a very soft heart and gave the best hugs you can ever get. He loved the McGinn’s as though they were family. He spent a lot of his working hours out at the Rifle Valley Ranch, he enjoyed the cattle, rolling hills and the smell of fresh cut hay. Riggin had a smile and laugh that you can never forget. He had a very special young lady in his life, Avery, whom he adored. They shared a home and the enjoyment of their two dogs Charlie and Riley. Riggin and Avery had so many things in common it is crazy, as though they were just meant to be together. They were a joy to see grow and love life. Although his life was cut way too short, this kid made the most of it and one can say he had a “Good Run! ”
ONE OF A KIND!
He was survived by his Parent Kevin and Jody, brothers Kale (Gretchen and niece Berkley) Ridge (special friend Logan) Girlfriend Avery Atkins, Grandparents Jerry and Dolly Grause, Grandpa Steve Anderson Uncle Corey (Tiff, Kutter and Grace) Anderson, Aunt Tiff (Kalon Jaxon and Hays) Fancher. He was proceeded in death by his Grandmother Marilyn Anderson
Funeral services were Monday, April 13, 2020 at the Sandhills High School in Dunning with Pastor Mark Sievering officiating. Burial in the Dunning Cemetery in Dunning, NE. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Sandhills/Thedford High School Football and Weight Room. An online register book can be signed for words of encouragement or remembrance at www.govierbrothers.com and watch the video tribute in Riggin’s honor.
Books by Georg Joutras
Cinematographer/Filmmaker Georg Joutras has spent decades capturing the sublime beauty of the earth. He has produced a series of fine art photography books that showcase the ranch, the Great Plains, and the world.
Along the Edge of Daylight
A Way of Life
Dichotomy
The National Grasslands
Seeing the Light of Day
(click on images for more information)
