Casey James Gruber, DVM
It is with somber hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of or beloved veterinarian and owner Casey James Gruber on October 17, 2024.
Born on April 29, 1981, in Billings, Montana, to the loving parents of Lisa and Jim Gruber. Casey spent his childhood in Joliet, Montana, alongside his younger siblings, Celie and Clay. Growing up on a small ranch is where he fostered a love for animals and the outdoors that would guide his life’s journey.
Casey received his undergraduate degree from Montana State University in Bozeman and furthered his education at Colorado State University where he graduated with a veterinary medicine degree. His first job as a veterinarian was at Pioneer Equine Hospital in California where he completed his internship.
His career took him to Calgary, Alberta, where he began working at Moore Equine Veterinary Services and met his future wife, Dominique. The two were married in 2012, gave birth to their first child, Jack in 2014 and settled in Red Lodge, Montana, in 2015, where they purchased Red Lodge Vet Clinic. Their family grew with the births of their daughters Reed in 2016 and Kirby in 2018.
Casey was a devoted father who embraced every opportunity for epic adventures with his family, teaching their children to ride horses, ski, mountain bike, hike, camp, and explore new experiences. His three children, who were his greatest joy, will miss him dearly. He was also a loving husband and a passionate veterinarian who poured his heart into both his work and his family.
Casey’s dedication to his profession was evident not only in the care he provided to animals but also in the strong relationships he built with his clients. Casey found immense joy in giving back to his community through volunteer roles that allowed him to connect with others and make a difference. He was an active member of the Red Lodge Fire Department, a dedicated contributor to the Red Lodge Home of Champions Rodeo Committee and Ski-Joring Committee, among many other efforts. His commitment to service was a true reflection of his generous spirit and deep love for the place he called home.
Casey approached every task with compassion and a deep sense of responsibility, never hesitating to give his all, even when it meant emptying his own cup to fill others. Casey found solace in the outdoors, where he felt most alivewhether biking, telemark skiing, or exploring the backcountry. The mountains were his retreat, a place where he could escape life’s stresses and reconnect with nature’s beauty.
His family will forever hold Casey close in their hearts, honoring his zest for life, love for adventure, and unwavering dedication to those he cherished.
Casey is survived by his wife Dominique, son Jack, daughters Reed and Kirby; father Jim, mother Lisa; sister Celie, and brother Clay, as well as his grandmother Lois, and numerous loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. His legacy will live on through all who knew and loved him as they carry his spirit forward with every step.
We appreciate the outpouring of support we have already received. Our clinic will be open and operating with the support of Dr. Tara Griffin, with some limitations on scheduling, so we appreciate your patience as we navigate our grief.
A public celebration of life will be held at Red Lodge Mountain at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 26th. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to a mental health organization such as No More Empty Saddles: www.nmemptysaddles.com or Not One More Vet – www.nomv.org honoring Casey’s life and the importance of mental wellness.