Scott Petrich

If ever there was a song that described Scott Petrich, it was “Long Haired Country Boy” by The Charlie Daniels Band. Scott was a man who marched to the beat of his own drum, held firmly to his convictions, and made no apologies for being exactly who he was. He wasn’t interested in following the crowd or living by anyone else’s rules.

A true outdoorsman with an adventurous spirit, Scott loved the mountains, camping, fishing, four-wheeling, shooting, and backpacking. Over the years, he enjoyed camping and backpacking excursions, often venturing out alone and countless times alongside family and friends. Those fortunate enough to share these experiences with Scott were left with a lifetime of stories and cherished memories.

Scott was born on August 1, 1956, in Powell, Wyoming, to John D. Petrich and Paula Ann Petrich. He spent his childhood in Byron, Wyoming, growing up alongside his beloved younger sister, Connie. Born just 15 months apart, the two shared a special bond that remained throughout their lives. Their childhood was shaped by the loving presence of their grandparents, affectionately known as “Granny P” and “Grandpa Petrich,” who played an important role in raising them while their father, John, worked to provide for the family.

When John married Christy, she became another important part of Scott and Connie’s upbringing. Their family grew with the arrival of three younger brothers, D’Arcy, Burl, and Jaime. Scott and his brothers enjoyed plenty of fishing trips and mischief. Whether enjoying the Wyoming outdoors or getting into a little trouble, they made many fond memories.

Scott also shared an especially close friendship with his brother-in-law, Tim Shaw. The two were quite a pair, and whenever they got together, there was no shortage of laughter, plenty of shenanigans, and never a dull moment.

Scott graduated from Byron High School in 1974 and also attended the South Dakota School of Mines.

A gifted and animated storyteller, Scott had an entertaining way of bringing his tales to life. He was a man of many talents, and anything he set his mind to mastering, he did. From photography and knapping arrowheads to playing the guitar and operating heavy equipment, Scott had a remarkable ability to learn and excel at whatever interested him.

Always up for fun, Scott’s escapades included sledding down Highway 14A with his brothers and niece, an outing that undoubtedly required very little convincing. He even enjoyed catching rattlesnakes, at least until one bit him in 1976. That was the end of that!

Scott had an exceptional work ethic and took great pride in a job well done. He was a skilled heavy equipment operator, particularly when it came to operating a backhoe. In fact, an acquaintance of his brother-in-law, Tim, once described Scott as “the best backhoe hand he’d ever seen.” Throughout his working years, Scott worked for several companies, including Ray’s Dirt Service, where he spent many years, and Heart Mountain Irrigation. He later worked for GK Construction, where he remained until his retirement.

In the early 1980s, Scott suffered a heartbreaking loss when his fiancée, Barb Martinez, was tragically killed by a drunk driver in Denver. The two had been engaged to be married, and her untimely death left Scott heartbroken. She was truly the love of his life.

Through life’s joys and heartbreaks, Scott remained steadfast in his convictions. Strong-willed, fiercely independent, and unapologetically himself, he never felt the need to be anything other than exactly who he was. He leaves behind countless memories and a reminder to take the scenic route, enjoy the journey, and never pass up the chance for a good adventure.

As Charlie Daniels sang, “I ain’t askin’ nobody for nothin’.”

And if there was one thing Scott never needed, it was anyone’s permission to be himself.

Scott passed away on October 9, 2026, in Billings, Montana, at the age of 70.

Scott was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents and his mother, Paula Ann Lynn Dee.

Scott is survived by his father, John D. Petrich (Christy); sisters, Connie Lynn Shaw (Tim) and Jeanne Roberts (Shane); brothers, John D’Arcy Petrich Jr. (Tina), Monty John Petrich (Becky), Burl Arthur Petrich, and Jaime Loften Petrich (Stephanie); his aunt, Georgia Lynn; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Byron Cemetery in Byron, Wyoming.