Just saw a news article- Rocky was only 73..Too young- but like you say he lived a tough life....
I was at a Bronc and Bull Riding school in Beach N.D. in the mid 60's when I met him...Bob Aber was instructing the barebacks, and Duane Howard was instructing on bronc and bulls...Rocky stopped in for a couple of days and helped Duane... He helped the students in the chutes so Duane could ride along side and talk to you during the ride....