Scott Smith

Scott Lee Smith was born on January 13, 1950, to Robert and Dorothy Smith in Tillamook, Oregon. At home in Cheyenne, he passed away from cancer in his sleep on February 25, 2023: with his wife, Patty; daughter, Stacie; and long-time friend, Jim Seymour and his wife Debbie, from Oregon, nearby.

Scottie always believed he had the perfect childhood growing up near the beach and with all the streams and rivers to fish.  Razor clams and dungeness crabs were favorites too.   He totally enjoyed fishing in the Trask River, hunting, and walking on the beach.  He had a life-long love affair with cars: from his first 1950 Plymouth Coupe at age 16 to his 1999 Z23 blue convertible stick-shift BMW roadster.  Many mustangs, camaros, corvettes, and more were proudly kept immaculate through the years. He graduated from Tillamook High School in 1968: proud to be a 4-year-letterman and an above-average student. 

As a young adult, Scott lived in Portland and as the Head Director, made substantial improvements in the BMDA (Building Materials Dealers Association).  After nearly twenty years, following his love of bowling and a decision to be self-employed, pursued that business —first in Ocean Shores, WA; later in Baker, MT; and finally with Patty by his side, in Kimball, NE.  Scott and Patty got married on March 17, 2000, in Baker, MT.  They had so many great adventures together but the years at Kim Bowl were especially fond memories for Patty and Scott.

In Baker and Kimball, Scott totally transformed and modernized the older wooden lanes and manual scoring. Up-to-date synthetic lanes, automatic scoring, glow carpeting, underground ball returns, and cosmic bowling were popular changes.  A modern lane oil machine was one of his pride and joys too.  He enjoyed the challenges and satisfaction of keeping the Brunswick machines in perfect working order.  A favorite expression when something was broken and needed fixing was:  “I think this might be just a two-beer job.”  Scott also had fun cooking for his customers; taking pride in a consistent, delicious product.  An extensive menu kept him hopping!  He had a unique way of making many tasks a game and “played” his way through most jobs.  The expression:  “Find a job you love and you never have to work a day in your life” fit Scott to a T.  He was an extremely hard worker but always seemed to be having fun doing it.  One of his proudest accomplishments was the fact that he had perfect 300 games in three different houses: Kimball, NE, Laughlin, NV; and Cheyenne, WY.

Scott excelled in so many sports.  During retirement, he added another to his list:  Pickleball.   He played at Riverview RV Park in Bullhead, AZ, where he and Patty wintered for six years.  They danced, played table games or cards, and bowled there with many snowbird friends. Everyone will remember Scott’s quick wit, sense of humor, and unending knowledge of so many areas.

            Remodeling houses was another hobby that Scott had a passion for.  He left his mark in several homes in Portland, Denver, Cheyenne, and Bullhead.  Flooring, tiling, plumbing, electrical, removing walls---nothing was too challenging for Scott.  If he didn’t know how to do it, You Tube could teach him how.  He was a truly talented man that will be missed by many. 

                Scott is survived by his cherished partner of 23 years, Patty; a son, Darren (Toni) of Bend, OR; daughter, Megan Smith of Phoenix, AZ; and daughter, Stacie (Steve) Scheich of Fort Collins, CO.  He treasured his four grandchildren: Decker Smith; and Cora, Parker, and Hattie Scheich.  Scott loved spending time with Patty’s sons and nine grandchildren too.  Rowdy and Sandra Berg of GA; Garett and Sandra Berg of GA; and Aaron and Mallory Berg of CO, will certainly miss Grandpa Scott as well.  Sister-in-laws:  Sue Angel of NM; and Kim (David) Mason/Hanson of WY; appreciated that Scott was such a great husband for Patty. Other friends and family: Jim (Debbie) Seymour of OR; Bob (Karen) Hunt of MI; sister, Vicki (Steve) Massie of OR; Uncle Gerry Lawrence of OR; and multiple nieces and nephews.  Scott is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Dorothy (Zuercher) Smith; Aunt Sandy (Zuercher) Lawrence, Uncle Bobby Zuercher, and good friend Greg McWayne.

            A memorial to celebrate Scott’s life will be held at a later date.