Elmer F. Armstrong, Jr. grew up in Yellowstone Park and Montana, a privilege that inspired his love for nature and his Maker. He was born in 1931 at Pray, Montana, to Naomi (Conlin) and Elmer F. Armstrong, Sr. It wasn’t easy making a living during the Great Depression, but they managed to provide for Elmer Jr. and his younger brother, Jim. Elmer graduated from high school in Gardiner, MT, in 1949. He received his bachelor’s degree in commercial science from MSU in Bozeman, MT, in 1953; his master’s in business administration from the U of M in Missoula, MT, in 1970; and his PhD in vocational school administration and counseling from CSU in Fort Collins, CO, in 1979. Throughout his life, Elmer has thoroughly enjoyed teaching students of all ages—from third grade all the way through college. He has always had a soft spot in his heart for children, and children have always loved him…and his bear stories.