Survivalist, but a survivor of sorts and an epitome of untamed American spirit with his rugged life and a run on History Channel’s popular reality show Mountain Men, Tom Oar left viewers in awe for his passion toward traditional living.
His death brings an end to an era, but his legacy will live on in inspiring people who appreciate the beauty of living off the grid. This article pays tribute to Tom Oar, his life, his impact, and the mark he left on the world.
Who Was Tom Oar?
Tom Oar was an old outdoorsman. He was born in Rockford, Illinois, in 1943, where his early life was saturated in cowboy culture. His father, Chike Oar, was a rodeo performer, and Tom rode the rodeo circuit professionally for almost two decades in the sport of bareback bronc riding.
But after competing in rodeos in high-stakes competitions, Tom and his wife, Nancy, sought a slower, more independent life. In the 1970s, they left their home and moved to a remote valley in Montana, where they hand-built their cabin and lived off the land.
This was not an experiment that lasted for a few years; it was their lifestyle for over 40 years.
Tom Oar’s Life in Montana Wilderness
While moving to Yaak Valley for Tom Oar was more of an escape from modern civilization, it also gave him the chance to connect himself with nature in a manner very few experience these days.
He and Nancy survived off of hunting, fishing, trapping, and tanning animal hides. They became expert at traditional crafts and well-made moccasins, gloves, and leather goods sold to those interested in purchasing the authentic, hand-made artifacts.
It was difficult living in the wild. Year in and year out, the brutal Montana winters put their endurance in question. But Tom and Nancy adapted instead of backing away.
His in-depth knowledge of nature and survival techniques made him a living legend among outdoor enthusiasts.
Tom Oar’s Rise to Fame on Mountain Men
Even though Tom Oar had already built a quiet solitude life in Montana, his story reached millions when he was brought to the limelight on Mountain Men, a reality television show which was introduced in the History Channel in 2012.
He would take the viewer through the unforgiving truths of living in the wild. His old-fashioned skills, uncompromising work ethic, and positive attitude left viewers glued to the screen. He was no mountain man, but a reminder that self-sufficiency in today’s world was still alive.
Fans loved how he made everything from clothes to tools by hand, using skills passed down for generations. It was something so authentic that Tom Oar would stand out in a sea of reality TV characters.
Tom Oar was among the most favorite characters on the show for almost a decade.
Why Did Tom Oar Leave Mountain Men?
As Tom Oar aged, the physicality of his lifestyle began to catch up with him. His fans noticed that he was slowing down, and eventually, he made the difficult decision to step away from the show.
Tom and Nancy moved to Florida in 2020 in search of easier access to family and access to healthcare. It was not easy to leave Montana, but after many decades of difficult winters and backbreaking work, a move was well warranted.
His leaving Mountain Men left a void within the show, since the public mostly watched for his segments.
Tom Oar Death and Life Legacy
Tom Oar passed away on September 22, 2023, at age 80. He was one of America’s last true mountain men. The end
But his legacy lives on.
His commitment to tradition has inspired a new generation of survivalists, outdoorsmen, and people looking for a less complicated, more connected way of living. Even though he’s no longer here, his influence will carry on through reruns of Mountain Men, through his handmade goods, and through thousands of lives changed by the simple man’s story.
5 Lessons We Can Learn from Tom Oar
The life of Tom Oar was full of wisdom. Here are five key lessons that can be gleaned from his journey:
- Live Simply- Tom made it possible in proving to people that joy does not come with the luxurious ways of this century. He derived happiness at being in the wilds, working by his hands and staying close to nature.
- Work Hard- Whether it was breaking broncos or trapping beavers, as well as handcrafted leather goods, Tom never avoided working.
- Be Resilient – Montana winters are tough, but Tom never gave in. He learned to survive the worst of the worst.
- Hold onto Traditions – In a world mainly dominated by science and technology, Tom nurtured old-school skills passed down from generation to generation.
- Be Themselves – Tom never pretended to be someone else. He lived his life to the fullest and inspired others to do so.
FAQs
Q: What is the cause of death of Tom Oar?
The exact cause of his death has not been made public, but Tom Oar had struggled with health problems in his last years.
Q: How old was Tom Oar at his death?
Tom Oar died on September 22, 2023, aged 80.
Q: Why did Tom Oar leave Mountain Men?
Tom left Mountain Men in 2020 due to health issues and physical demands of the lifestyle. Tom and his wife, Nancy, moved to Florida to be close to family.
Q: Does Tom Oar have children?
Yes, Tom and Nancy have children, and they moved to Florida in old age to stay close to their children.
Q: Where can I find Tom Oar’s episodes of Mountain Men?
You can view previous episodes of Mountain Men with Tom Oar on the following streaming platforms: Amazon Prime, the History Channel’s website, and other on-demand streaming services.
Conclusion
Tom Oar lived life on his terms, cherished the wild, and showed the world what true self-sufficiency means. He is a reminder that true legends never fade away in history.
Even though he is gone, his legacy as one of America’s last mountain men will live on.
Rest in peace, Tom Oar. Your story will continue to inspire generations to come.
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